Page 37

“Cheesy, stop twitching. I’ll be fine,” I told him.

He grunted. “Sure, come back alive and then we’ll chat.”

I reached a hand out, keeping my eyes locked on the fucker at the other end of the circle. When a bottle was placed in my hand, I took a long swig and handed it back to Cheesy without even looking.

Another whistle sounded, forcing my legs forward.

The other guy did the same.

I usually took it slow and wore them out a bit, but tonight I wasn’t feeling it. When he finally got close enough, I cocked my arm back and pushed it forward with so much strength, he wasn’t expecting when my fist hit his jaw.

He was knocked back a step, blood pouring out of his nose. But it was like he didn’t notice, or he didn’t care. He yelled, charging for me.

“Come on, fucker. Show me what you got,” I taunted him.

He yelled again, swinging and kicking. His foot got my shin, sending agony shooting up my leg. He was uncoordinated and messy and that posed for a dangerous fight.

His fist got my cheek and then my mouth. I got a couple of punches in myself, but I couldn’t figure out his moves when he just kept swinging like a fucking mad man. When his fist connected with my eye, stars danced in my vision. I shook my head, trying to gain control of the fight. Luckily, when I opened both eyes I was still able to see but the area around it, hurt like a bitch.

Grabbing hold of the guy, I forced him to the ground and knelt on his back. He kicked and thrashed beneath me.

Reaching for his arm, I pulled it behind him. I kept pulling until he screamed, begging for me to stop. “You need to gain control of your moves if you want to fight here like the man you think you are,” I told him.

“Fuck you,” he growled, spitting out blood.

“Fuck me?” I chuckled, pulling his arm back until a pop sounded.

His screams became louder.

“Suck it up, buttercup. It’s only a dislocated shoulder. It’s an easy fix.” I pulled myself off of him, offering out a hand.

He pushed to his feet, slapping my hand away. “Next week, be here. I’ll fucking end you.”

“Right.” I scoffed, turning away from him. “Your threats are cute.” I continued walking back to where Cheesy stood, ignoring the guy behind me as he yelled profanities and whatever else he could think of.

“Did you really have to do that?” Cheesy asked, handing me a towel and a bottle of water.

“Do what? The guy’s lucky I didn’t kill him like everyone here wanted.” I took the towel and water from him. “Collect the money, Cheesy.”

I left the building, ignoring everyone and anything around me. My body hurt and I could use a good massage but for now, I would just suck it up until I could get Ainsley’s hands on me. If that ever happened. There was something about her that kept the passionate part of herself hidden. But I made it a mission to seek it out and bring it forth.

No matter the cost.

Ainsley

“Ainsley, how’s my favoritequiet girl?”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but smile as Cheesy came into the large room.I’m the only quiet girl you know, I’m sure.

He chuckled. “Maybe so but it still doesn’t mean you can’t be my favorite.”

I shook my head, when a thought came to me.I’m sorry about how Cyrus reacted.

The smile fell from Cheesy’s face. He looked over his shoulder, almost like he expected Cyrus to jump out of the shadows. “Uh...it’s fine.” He looked back at me. “I explained that you’re helping me with my sign language and I’m helping you teach others. Jaron wants me to be a good boy, so here I am. My dad’s a cop anyway, so I’m sure he doesn’t mind that I’m helping you.”

I tilted my head, staring at him as he rambled.

“I’m rambling, aren’t I?” He laughed, running his hand through his light brown hair.