Page 6 of The Fight For Survival
To the right are tables for those who want to sit instead of stand. Waitresses dressed in short shorts and skin-tight shirts cut off above the naval, walking around with trays of drinks.
That isn't what sends a rush of excitement through my body, though. The hairs on my arms rise when I see the fighter's ring standing front and center of the room.
I love what I do, the feeling of control in every move I make—watching and reading my opponent's style of fighting before going in for the win. There are no rules in my line of work. No one controlling how I fight. It's freeing.
Continuing my inspection, I start to get a real idea of how many people are here tonight. The more people that pay to watch and bet on the fights, the more money the winner takes home. I don't know if this number of people is typical for a place like this, but I'll be making a lot of money when I win tonight. Money never played a part in why I chose this line of work, but it makes my life a hell of a lot easier. One thing less to worry about.
"Well, hello there, handsome," I hear a sultry voice say from behind me. I turn around and come face to face with an attractive woman. I check her out from head to toe.
Her blond hair looks natural, cut into a bob, sitting just under her chin. Dark blue eyes and pouty lips painted a dark red give her a seductive look. I eye her skin-tight black dress that clings to her toned thighs.
The woman's legs are short, but they would still fit around my waist nicely. Her heels are uncomfortably high. She'll regret that later in a place like this.
My cock perks up in anticipation of my next fun thing for the night. Another reason for loving this job? Unlimited pussy.
"Well, hello darling," I charm, putting on the southern drawl I picked up living in Texas. "Can I buy you a drink?"
Smiling seductively, she nods her head and offers her tiny hand to me as she gets closer.
"My name's Zoe. Nice to meet you, sexy," she says with a naughty glint in her eyes. She isn't like other girls I would take to bed. They never care whether I know their name or not, and to be honest, I wouldn't usually ask, but she seems like a genuinely nice woman. Natural. Not a fake thing on her. And I know I won't be fucking her tonight for that reason.
That doesn't mean I can't flirt with her, though. You gotta have some fun in this toxic world, right? I take her hand and bring it to my lips, giving it a gentle kiss.
"Yes, it is nice, isn't it, sweetheart? Names Kane."
She inhales sharply, tearing her hand out of mine, noticeably paling. "Kane? As in Kane D- Davison?" she stutters. My heart rate hits a new high, and I feel a wave of lightheadedness take over. I haven't heard my real last name in five years. How the fuck would she know it? I don't recognize her. I know we haven't met before, unless... no. Fuck, she must knowthem. Which means-
"Zoe, why didn't you tell us you were going off? I told you--shit," Cade trails off mid-sentence when he notices me. The noise of the club fades as we stare at each other in shock. Time seems to stand still as the suddenly stuffy warehouse feels like it's closing in on me.
My heart continues to test its limits, and my hands start shaking. I'm looking into his familiar brown eyes, and I feel like that gaping hole left in my chest has closed marginally. Cade's face shows too many emotions to be able to decipher all at once, but bewilderment and heartbreak take dominance.
I'm such a fucking asshole.
"Kane...what?" Shaking his head and clearing his throat, he tries again. "When did you get back? Where have you been? We've been looking for you for five years, five fucking years Kane!" He raises his voice, prowling towards me. He moves with a purpose, and I don't think it's to pull me into a friendly hug.
Shit, he's angry. I don't blame him. I mean fuck, I just left without a word to any of them. I had letters, but I chickened out and didn't deliver them.
I stand there like a statue, trying to come up with something to make this okay. My fight or flight response refuses to kick in, and instead, I'm glued to the spot. I know there isn't anything I can say that will make his hurt go away. Anything I have to say will only hurt more.
I continue standing here as he puts on the brakes, stopping himself from coming any closer. By the ticking of his jaw and scowling face, it looks like it was with great restraint.
I take in Cade's appearance. He's grown to be about 6 foot 1, only a couple of inches shorter than me. His body is broad, and looking at the tight-fitted black t-shirt he is wearing, well-toned. Arms straining, showing off defined triceps and forearms that are covered with stunning ink. It's impossible to make out what tattoos they are from here, but there is a mixture of words and designs. His blond hair that was once short is now longer, cut into a surfer boy style which surprisingly suits him.
It's like I blinked, and he went from being a skinny, lanky teen to becoming a man overnight. Cade wasn't just my best friend. He wasmore,and the betrayed look on his face was killing me.
I go through all the reasons in my head why I left and remind myself that it was my only choice. Time has passed, but that doesn't change anything. I start to put my hardI don't give a fuckface on and lock down my emotions.
I open my mouth to say something dickish. That's when I spot her bright green eyes staring wide at me from across the room.
Braylon
Cadehasgoneallbig brother on Zoe, worrying because she went off alone, so he decided to look for her, leaving me alone with Mia.
"I can't believe Cade let you both come here tonight," I chuckle with a shake of my head, taking a drink from my water bottle. No alcohol for me. Not until after the fight, at least. Mia lets out a melodic laugh, making the angels envy her. When I look at her, the flutter in my stomach sends a slither of guilt to my heart. She's Cade's girl, but I don't think there is anyone like her in the world. How she is a mix of sweet and sexy pulls me in constantly, and I can't help but be completely smitten.
"I know, shocker, right? But I got him to agree in the end. It was quite easy, actually," she replies with a,please don't ask me, look. I send her a devilish grin making her blush a deep red.
Fucking beautiful.