Fight For You by Kayla Bain-Vrba Read Free Book Online Page A

had been when she first realized she wanted—but couldn't have—Cherry. Then, it had been simple. No, Berlin, you cannot have her; you'll destroy her . By taking her to the graveyard, Cherry had changed everything.
    Cherry had been exposed to the soul-crushing loss Berlin was made of and had proved herself to be immune to the infection. Cherry was stronger than Berlin had ever thought, more resistant, more resilient. Cherry wasn't as weak as Berlin was; maybe …
    Maybe Cherry would be okay. Maybe it was okay for Berlin to want her, to be with her. Maybe they could really be together.
    The thought was mind-blowing.
    *~*~*
    "Have you ever been in love, Cherry Babe?"
    Cherry smiled at the nickname, no longer a tease, and stretched out a little more under the tree she and Berlin rested beneath instead of practicing or doing anything at all, really.
    "When I was six, with the girl next door."
    Berlin laughed. "No, I mean really love someone."
    Cherry thought through her wording before saying, "Never before, no."
    They were quiet for some time before Cherry got up the nerve to ask, "Could anyone ever compare to Danni for you?"
    "Danni was the greatest man I've ever known," Berlin said slowly. "I loved him, but I was never in love with him. We took care of each other, but we were never lovers. We were like family."
    "Have you ever been in love?" Cherry whispered.
    Berlin rolled over to meet Cherry's eyes and carefully said, "Never before, no."
    Cherry wasn't entirely sure how it happened; she just knew that she couldn't be so close to Berlin anymore without doing something. She reached up to wrap her arms around Berlin's neck, pulled her down, and kissed her until they were both breathless.
    Berlin pulled back a bit, looking into Cherry eyes as they tried to remember how to breathe.
    "I love you." Cherry watched for Berlin's reaction, saw her eyes go even darker.
    "Goddess, Cherry, I love you, too."
    Then they were kissing again, and it was completely different from the last time. This kiss was filled with heat and intention, a touch of desperation mixed with an overwhelming need, and it went on and on and on.
    "Berlin," Cherry gasped, pulling her mouth away. "Bee."
    Berlin slowed, resting her forehead against Cherry's as they shared breath. "Yeah?"
    "Make love to me."
    Without a word, without an argument or cocky remark, Berlin took Cherry's hand and led her home.
    Things settled down after that day with surprising ease. The tension had been broken and replaced with something far sweeter and more fulfilling for both women, and a feeling of home surrounded them both.
    Days came and passed; arena fights came and went. Slowly but surely their savings were growing while Cherry worked double time to make up for her setback.
    It was amazing to Berlin just how similar her life was to how it had been before Cherry. She ate and slept and fought in her own little world, but knowing that Cherry shared that world with her gave everything meaning. She had a purpose; she was not only living again but living for something, for someone, with someone.
    The bitter mourning for her son began to dissolve, replaced by a refreshed view of life and the world, a fight to not only survive but to live .
    Berlin had never been happier, and it was all because of Cherry.
    *~*~*
    Cherry gasped, gagging on the water Berlin offered her. The fight had been extensive and taxing; every muscle on her body was sore and aching. She coughed up several mouthfuls before she managed to get any down.
    "Goddess, Bee," she panted, "that was—"
    "I know." Berlin took the water and gave her a push back onto the arena floor. "Knock her out, Cherry Babe!"
    Cherry stumbled, caught herself as Bela entered the arena, and stumbled again.
    Bela was a beast , easily six feet tall with rippling muscle over every inch of her body. Her thighs were comparable to Cherry's waist; her upper arms were comparable to Cherry's head. As she approached, Cherry was literally overshadowed.
    Cherry