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I know his body quite well by now. Or at least, I thought I did. Apparently I’ve only been introduced to a fraction of its capabilities.

“You three want to show me what you’ve been learning?” he asks. “I’ll watch you grapple for a bit.”

The response is a very enthusiastic yes from all three.

Ryan glances at me. “That all right wi’ you, Briony?”

“Of course.” I’m hardly going to say it out loud and embarrass all four of them, but there’s something sweet about seeing him interact with the boys.

Soon Ryan has his trainers off and is kneeling on the mats beside two of the boys while the third hovers close by. I stay where I am and watch.

Ryan lets them grapple for a minute, then stops them to adjust something—Callum’s grip, then the other boy’s position. They start again. This time Ryan lets them go a little longer before stopping them, and when he does, he gives Callum an approving pat on the shoulder. Callum looks absolutely delighted.

“He’s good wi’ them.”

I turn. A man has come to stand beside me, hands in his pockets, his eyes on Ryan and the boys. He’s mid-fifties and solidly built.

“You’ll be Briony, then?” His voice is deep and gruff.

“That’s right. And you’re…Davie?”

He nods.

“Pleased to meet you.” I hold out my hand, and he shakes it, studying me with the same steady focus I imagine he gives every new fighter who walks through his door. I find myself standing a little straighter. I desperately want this man to like me. I know how important he is to Ryan.

“You’ll be careful wi’ him?” Davie says, turning back to the lads.

“Excuse me?”

“Wi’ Ryan.”

I’m to be careful with him, the guy who’s number two in the light heavyweight division?

“He got let down a lot as a wean, no that he likes to talk about it,” Davie adds. “I’m pleased to see him having a proper relationship wi’ a lassie for once. Just don’t mess him about. He might act like nothing gets to him, but it does.”

I know it’s absolutely ridiculous—I’ve only just met him—but part of me wants to throw my arms around Davie and hug him. He’s the one who let Ryan stay with him for a while at sixteen, who helped him find his first place, who trained him into the elite athlete he is today. And even now, with Ryan at twenty-eight, he’s still looking out for him. I’m so glad Ryan has this man fighting in his corner.

“I…” I blink. Oh God, why am I getting tearful? I don’t even know where these emotions are coming from. Breathe, Briony. “I won’t mess him about. I promise. I like and respect him too much for that.”

Davie nods, apparently pleased with this answer. “Did Ryan tell you he bought a lot of the equipment in the gym?”

“What? No.”

“Aye, well, mats, bags, all the rest of it—they only last so long. Ryan makes sure everything stays in good nick. I’ve told him there’s no need, but he insists, and truth be told, he buys better quality than the gym could afford otherwise. Keeps the kitchen stocked an’ all. Nae point trying to get a kid through a session on an empty stomach.”

No, Briony, do not cry. It’s fine. Your neighbour—the man responsible for all that building work, and that awful party that kept you awake on a Tuesday night—has been a big softie all along.

“Oh,” is all I manage to get out.

On the mats, one of the boys says something that makes Ryan laugh. The boy looks delighted with himself.

“Aye,” Davie says. “He’s a good yin, is Ryan Sloan.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

RYAN

“Hands up, for fuck’s sake,” Liam tells the television. “You’re leaving yourself wide open!”