Free Caged Love: MMA Contemporary Suspense (Book One) by Liberty Thunderbolt, Zac Robinson Page B

through the nutless ones so I designed the gauntlet. If you can make it through this, you’re one of us. Everyone you see right now has struggled through it, including the old man talking to you. Now it’s your turn to prove your metal.”
    Whit produced a couple of pieces of paper with a list that ran almost from top to bottom. Some of the exercises were self-explanatory. Others were accompanied by a brief description.
    “Read through the list while you get your blood flowing and stretch. Brooke will demonstrate a couple of the exercises that might be a little confusing.”
    Brooke stepped forward. “Good to see you guys again. Hope you don’t have full stomachs,” she said playfully. They both thought about the tacos only an hour ago.
    Brooke explained and demonstrated a few of the more unique exercises. She advised them to practice each, but only once, best to save as much energy as possible. They did so on some, and saved others for the real deal.
    Bretten studied the list one more time. “This seems tough, but not terrible,” he said to Rodrigo.
    “I was thinking the same thing,” Rodrigo said.
    They headed back toward the power racks and everyone started to gather. Rodrigo leaned over to Bretten. “Knowledge, power. Character, respect.”
    “I’m going to have to start reading more about Bruce Lee,” Bretten said.
    Rodrigo nodded. “This gauntlet is where we earn acceptance, respect, by demonstrating our character. And as far as I can see from this list, we definitely got enough character bro.”
    The two hit knuckles, but before Bretten could say anything the elderly man they saw upon first entering the back door appeared. “Ah, the noble and philosophical Bruce Lee,” Doc said. “You must be a good man Mr. Cortez.”
    Rodrigo nodded. “Are you a Bruce Lee fan, Doc?”
    “Absolutely, I had dinner with him once. It was very enjoyable.” Before Rodrigo could muster a response, Doc went on. “You’re right. This is a test of your character. It reminds me of a time when I built luxury tree houses in a remote part of a rain forest in Costa Rica. We installed a zip line that began just feet off the forest floor, but in a split second the forest evaporated and the rider raced along the thin wire three hundred feet above a ravine. We tested it with a dummy and it worked fine, but the crew was hem-hawing around about who would be the first live person to jump on the thing. While they thought about it, I strapped in and took off. The simple act earned me a summer’s worth of respect from the crew.”
    “You had dinner with Bruce Lee?” Rodrigo finally asked.
    Doc clapped Rodrigo on the back. “That’s another story my friend. What I’m telling you two is sometimes it is prudent to jump right in, attack without fear even if the perceived risk is great.”
    “Thanks Doc, that’s a pretty good pre-game speech,” Bretten said.
    “Yeah, thanks Doc,” Rodrigo agreed.
    Doc clutched a black bag and Bretten glanced at it wondering its contents. The man must’ve read his mind. “The bag holds medical supplies in case of any mishaps.”
    “Mishaps?”
    “Yeah boys, I’m telling you to jump right in,” Doc then narrowed his eyes and leaned closer to his knew pupils, “but don’t under any circumstances underestimate the gauntlet.”

Chapter 16
    B rooke stood on the edge of the circle as the fighters gathered around the strength training area. A handful leaned on the treadmills, others sat on benches, and some stood in anticipation. Whit spoke. “I wouldn’t have invited you here if I didn’t think you guys could survive the gauntlet.”
    The dozen or so spectators clapped and hollered encouragement.
    “These guys are fucked.” Tristan said to Brooke as he smirked. “They don’t have it in them.”
    “Why do you have to be a dick?” Brooke asked.
    “I’m just speaking the truth. I destroyed Rodrigo a few months ago. Remember, you were there. And Bretten just seems like a pussy.”
    Brooke