Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
SIX & A HALF
PRESENT DAY
TRAVIS
Caesar’s Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Travis, over here!” “Are you upset about losing a sponsor to Juarez?” “Are the rumors about you not wanting a rematch true?”
I ignored the photogs as they followed me through the elaborate marble hallways of the casino.
“Is Ralph Windsor back on your team?” “When is your sister’s wedding to Hayden Hunter?” “Why haven’t we seen your fiancee?”
My lead security guard kept them at a distance while we walked, offering “No comment,” with every step.
He opened the door to a private garden and ushered me inside.
“I won’t let anyone who isn’t approved through, sir,” he said. “I have a few other guys at every entry point as well.”
“Do they have a copy of the approved list?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you, Ryan.”
I walked down a winding pathway until I saw Ralph and Madeline standing near a water fountain.
A set of bright red weights and a custom bench waited for me on the grass.
“Glad you’re here on time.” Ralph said. “I’ve got some very good news.”
“Spill it.”
“The UFC commissioner called this morning and said he hopes to be invited to your wedding,” he said. “He’s thrilled to know that you have a softer side and he wants to discuss shooting a television special on his dime.”
“I thought you said, ‘good’ news.”
“That’s the end of it.” He sighed. “As for the bad news, GQ, Vanity Fair, and every other magazine cover you’ve ever graced is practically frothing at the mouth for an interview about your new softer side. They want your fiancée to do the interview and cover with you, though.”
“I can’t believe this shit.” I walked over to the weight set and picked up a barbell.
“We’ve got auditions with top influencers, Lisa Summers, Courtney York, and Sadie Singer.” Madeline followed me with a folder. “I haven’t briefed them on the real project, but the three of us need to discuss today’s latest development before we begin their sessions.”
I waited for an explanation, but neither of them said a word.
They stood there, exchanging nervous glances.
Not in a rush to hear whatever it was, I lay back on the bench and started my resistance routine.
“One…” I exhaled as I brought the weight down to my chest. “Two…”
“This may seem like a huge inconvenience,” Ralph said, “but Miss Dawson has done quite a bit of research on how these things work, and I’m with her one hundred percent.”
“Three…” I kept my gaze on the cloudless sky. “Four…”
“Rip the Band-Aid off, Mr. Windsor,” Madeline whispered. “The quicker you do it, the quicker he can get mad and get over it.”
“Very well, then,” Ralph said. “The fiancée you pick will need to appear with you in public over the course of at least ninety-days.”
“Excuse me?” I immediately sat up. “How many days?”
“Ninety. That’s when most of your contract renewals start anyway.” Madeline avoided making eye contact. “It’s probably best if we plan for this arrangement to be as real as possible.”
“Ralph?” I looked at him. “Give me an alternative. Now.”
“There isn’t one.”
I tapped my fingers on the edge of the bench, weighing the pros and cons of retiring.
I’d always wanted to drop my gloves at the center of the octagon in front of my fans and give them a “Thank you for everything” speech, but I was willing to let go of that pomp and circumstance if it meant dealing with this nonsense.
“We’ve allowed a Miss Heather Woods into the garden.” Ryan’s voice came through Ralph’s walkie-talkie. “She’s being accompanied by a guard.”
Our conversation stalled as the woman’s footsteps neared, and she rounded the corner seconds later.
“Ohmygod, hi.” She blushed as her eyes met mine. “I’m Heather Woods.”
“I’m Travis Carter.” I extended my hand, but she didn’t shake it.
She hugged me instead.
“I know who you are.” She gushed. “I’m a huge fan of yours and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with you.”
I waited for her to let me go, but she hugged me even tighter.
“Okay, that’s enough, Miss Woods.” Madeline cleared her throat. “We have a tight audition schedule, so jump right into the scene whenever you’re ready.”
“Yeah, act as if we’re not here,” Ralph said.
“Okay.” She took a deep breath. Then she slapped my ass, squeezing it hard. “It’s so good to see you after such a long day, honey.”
“Is it?” I moved her hand away. “Those lines aren’t in my script.”
“I was a bad bunny while you were at work today.” She winked. “When we leave this party, I want you to spank me like I spanked you last night.”
“Did we somehow get different versions?”
“If you hit me hard enough, I’ll suck your toes until you come.”
“No, really,” I said. “Can I see what you’re reading from?”
“All these people are jealous of our love,” she continued. “Let’s kiss and give them something to be jealous about.”
“Okay, cut.” Ralph finally intervened. “Miss Woods, are you mixing up this audition with something else you have planned?”