3 Breaths by LK Collins Read Free Book Online Page A

hurts, feeling this close to her, yet so far away, and I rip my eyes off of the massive view. Walking aimlessly away from the noise, I chug my beer because my head can’t take all of this anymore.
    “Krane,” I hear Ivy call from behind me. Looking back, she’s jogging to me, and I smile seeing her.
    “Sorry I left you,” I tell her.
    “It’s all right, you good?”
    “I guess,” I respond and reach my hand out towards her. She looks down at the gesture before giving her hand over to me. With her hand tightly in my hold, we begin to walk along the beach. I’m not sure what my plan is, or what we are doing, but all I know is that it feels really good to have her by my side.
    Looking ahead, I catch sight of something white being washed up on shore. We approach it just as it’s about to get sucked out to sea again. “What’s that?” Ivy asks as I pull it up from the water.
    I hand her the perfectly round sand dollar and she stares at it like I just gave her a stack of cash. “You never find these intact and so…perfect,” she says.
    “Must be your lucky day.” My phone rings as she looks at me with the most incredible eyes, so clear and beautiful.
    Pulling my phone out, I hesitate answering when I see it’s Ling. I don’t want this night to end, but I can’t let the call go.
    “What up, Ling?”
    “Krane, do I have an opportunity for you tonight, my man.”
    “What’s that?” I ask.
    “A fight in the Bronx against none other than the Resolution.”
    I can see now why he gave me all the details up front, knowing that I haven’t given two shits in the past about who I fight. But the Resolution was blacklisted from professional fighting for using HGH almost a year ago, so he’s no fucking joke. I think about the offer. Normally I’d jump all over a fight, I need the money, but fighting anywhere in the state of New York is illegal. All of my fights typically take place in Jersey or Boston. “I don’t know, man, I’m not sure it’s worth it.”
    “Come on, it’ll be safe. I’ve got the perfect place set up, with some of New York’s finest on my payroll to keep an eye out. I’ll even double your normal pay, and let’s say if you win I’ll give you an extra G.”
    “What time?”
    “Eight. Should I text you the address?”
    “Yeah.”
    I hang up, and look at Ivy. There is worry in her eyes. “A fight?” she asks, knowing me so fucking well.
    Facing her, I nod. “Thank you for everything today. I’m sorry to cut things short tonight, but I need the money.”
    “Don’t be sorry. I understand. I can come with you, if you want. You probably shouldn’t be driving.”
    “No, you don’t have to, I’ll take a cab.”
    She cups my cheek and I lean into her touch; her warmth feels so right. “I want to.” I close my eyes and know that I want her there with me tonight, too.
    “You sure?” I ask.
    She nods her head and I grab the back of her head, kissing her forehead. A text comes through my phone from Ling with the address and I check the time, “We need to get going.”
    She pulls her keys from her back pocket and says, “I’m ready.”
    I text Logan, Happy birthday brother, sorry, I got called for a fight. Love ya, buddy.

    “I think this is the place,” I tell Ivy as she puts her car in park. We both look up at the brick building and then I ask her, “Are you ready?”
    She nods her head and we proceed. Being back in the city feels different than I imagined. I thought when I came back here it was going to be harder than it is right now. But my insides are coursing with adrenaline. I need to fight badly.
    We walk down the alley where Ling’s usual guy is watching the back door, and I notice a NYPD cop car parked on the other side – that’s what Ling must’ve meant about them being on his payroll.
    “Where am I heading?” I ask one of Ling’s guys.
    “Down the stairs and to the left.”
    I grab Ivy’s hand as we enter and suddenly worry bringing her here was wrong –