Page 32 of Always You

I turn my head back to the cage when the room turns silent, dust dancing underneath the spotlights, and the referee asks them if they understand the one and only rule. They both nod their heads before Hunter glances at me once more, giving me a cocky grin.

Arrogant asshole.

I flip him the bird with a glare, ripping a chuckle from him as he gives me another wink. My stomach does a flip for a different reason, but I tuck it as far away as possible, holding my breath as soon as a loud bell starts the fight.

People start to cheer, breaking the silence with encouragement. Instantly, my body is showered with pebbles, and I fumble with my fingers, unable to breathe. Moving around each other, they bounce on their toes, until the other guy moves forward, launching his fists toward Hunter’s face. He easily ducks out of the way, and my heart jumps in relief. Hunter counters the move by quickly punching him in the stomach, then the temple.

“Yes!” I call out, along with half of the crowd. The adrenaline rushes through my veins, fueled by both fear and excitement. Baby Hercules waggles a little before he recovers his stance, ready to go again. The look in the guy's eyes is primal, like he’s ready to eat Hunter as a midnight snack.

He catches Hunter off guard, successfully jabbing him in the nose. His head rears back, and I gasp, bringing my hand up to cover my mouth, while he gets another one the second his head moves forward again. The crowd howls and hoots, cheering it on, while the air around me becomes more loaded with every second.

Letting out a growl in response, Hunter’s frame changes, making my eyes wide as a full moon. He seems to grow an inch as the look on his face turns completely feral, and his hazel eyes darken while the muscles in his neck go rigid.

What the hell?

He looks like a different man, a different energy, as if he’s shredding his boyish skin, evolving into a warrior.

As if the first minute was fun for him, but now playtime is over.

As if he’s channeling all his anger, ready to kick life’s ass.

But I would be lying if I said it doesn’t turn me on more than I can hide.

It’s both sexy and disturbing at the same time.

Hunter rapidly charges the guy, which effectively deflects the punch coming straight toward his face, but not expecting the next, as Hunter gives him another hook to the temple. His head wobbles, and Hunter takes the opportunity to find his face with his knuckles again.

One.

Two.

Three.

The guy sways on his feet, having a hard time keeping his balance while he keeps receiving punch after punch. Blood is spilling on the cage floor, and the guy slowly loses consciousness, making me cringe. My chest slowly drags up and down, each breath in relief, yet trying to push back my nausea.

Finally, Hunter gives him another hook, then slams a punch into his nose, and the guy falls to the floor with an immense thud. Hunter moves to the other side of the cage, panting, taking deep breaths with flaring nostrils. With his hands placed on his sides, we all wait while the referee checks on the other guy. I hold my breath when the big lump of flesh doesn’t move, terrified he won’t wake up.

I’m glad it’s not Hunter, but knowing the circumstances of this fight, I fear the consequences of the last couple of minutes.

I don’t want my friend to be a murderer.

After a few silent moments, the guy stirs, trying to get up, and the air deflates my lungs.

Jesus fucking christ.

Baby Hercules struggles, barely getting on his knees, and the crowd starts to muffle about Hunter claiming victory. When he’s not able to fully get back on his feet without falling back down, the referee points at Hunter.

“Winner!” he exclaims, right before the people around me erupt in cheers. Without waiting another second, Hunter storms out of the cage, snatching a towel from someone on the way out. He rubs the back of his neck, then he wipes it over his face, walking back to me.

His eyes are focused on mine, laced with determination and still showing a gleam of ferociousness, as if I’m the only thing that matters. I now know what Liza meant, saying how she would love to see him all sweaty and heated. His chest glows underneath the dim light, a few sweaty drops rolling down his face as he steps closer to me with big strides.

He might be a senior in high school, but at this moment, he looks like anything but that.

He’s a force to be reckoned with.

Fuck, it’s taking my breath away.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my scowl in place to feign my annoyance as he reaches me.

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