Unknown (Hooked Book 3) Read Online Free

you saying I’m fat?”
    Horror overcame Malik. “No. I didn’t mean—”
    Logan threw his arms wide, drawing several eyes their way. “Why oh why do I have to love pie? Now, my husband thinks I’m disgusting.”
    A few of the guys in the locker room stirred. Their expressions said they’d be more than happy to beat Malik’s ass on Logan’s behalf. It didn’t matter. A bark of laughter escaped Malik.
    “Would you stop? You’re fucking perfect and you know it.”
    A mock sniff left Logan. “I think you should take me home and prove it. I’m feeling all insecure and shit now.”
    “I love you.” Malik couldn’t go another second without saying it. Sometimes, it was if all his happiness depended upon this man who always looked out for Malik’s well-being.
    Logan’s expression turned serious. “I love you too.”
    “Even if you weighed four hundred pounds, you were wheel-chair bound, and lost all your hair, I’d still be ass over tea kettle in love with you.”
    “Same,” Logan said, making Malik’s throat burn.
    “We should go home,” Malik suggested as if Logan hadn’t been saying that all along. “I feel like babying my baby.”
    “Are you okay?”
    Malik shook off the memory at the question. Tearing his gaze away from the multi-colored lockers, Malik focused on the man hovering over him. The gorgeous ginger was one of the many MMA fighters who trained vigorously under the retired champ who owned Smith Brothers Fight Club and gym. His name was Ryan. At least, Malik thought it was Ryan. It may’ve been Brian. Malik felt sure the man had a last name too, but he didn’t recall ever hearing it.
    “Um. Yeah. I’m good.”
    Ryan’s eyebrows rose. “Really? ‘Cause you look like shit.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Seriously,” Ryan added, obviously missing the sarcasm in Malik’s tone. “Did you get hit by a truck? Should you even be here?”
    “No, he shouldn’t be here,” Sam said, cutting in and sounding pissed as hell. He looked it too. “What the fuck, Malik? Do I need to call Logan?”
    “See? Why would you even ask that?” Even to Malik’s ears, he sounded tired. Instead of backing away from their conversation like any sane man would do, Ryan continued hovering.
    “If it takes me calling the only person on the planet who seems to be able to keep your stupid ass at home, then that’s what I’ll do.”
    “Do you need a ride?” Ryan asked.
    Malik looked back and forth between them until the room started spinning again. He stood. “Look, what the fuck ever. I’ll go. It’s not like I need anyone harassing me.”
    “Seriously, do you need a lift? You’re not looking so hot.”
    Malik prayed for strength. His ego was taking one hell of a beating lately. “Thanks, but no thanks,” Malik said, answering Ryan. “I drove myself here, and I can get myself home.” As if his body needed to make a liar out of him, he swayed on his feet.
    Sam grabbed his arm. “Maybe you should come to the office for a little while. Once you’re steady, you can drive yourself home.”
    That sounded a hell of a lot better than someone having to carry him out… or another trip to the hospital. “Sounds good,” Malik agreed, allowing Sam to steer him toward the office. “Guess I’m more worn out than I realized.”
    Sam snorted. “Save that shit for someone who didn’t see your ass get knocked out in the third round last night. I can’t believe the hospital released you.” He glanced behind them. “Ryan, can you hang with Malik for a minute and make sure he doesn’t die? I need to take care of a few things, and then I’ll stay with him.”
    Great. Ryan was still on their heels. Malik loved looking like an ass to all and sundry.
    “Sure thing.”
    Sam eased Malik down on the couch in the office. Leaning his head back, Malik draped his arm over his eyes. Mostly it was because he couldn’t stand the way the room moved. Partly, he didn’t want to see everyone’s concerned expressions. It was just