Page 137 of With Wine Comes War

Did she just slap him in the face and throw his ass to the ground? Damn, she’s just fucking with him. I was worried about their size difference but she’s treating him like a ragdoll out there.

How did you like that little slap to the face Tanner?

The sound of the ‘Oh’s’ and ‘Oh shits’ from the crowd was deafening. Lights flashed and cell phones being used for photography was so distracting to me. I wondered if Alex knew any of it was happening. She was excellent at tuning things out. Poor Tanner just got a taste of his own medicine. I bet she washes her hands with bleach after smacking his ass. I wish she would just get this over with though. I can’t stand seeing her that close to that asshole.

Now the crowd was laughing and chanting Alex’s name. She must’ve said something funny that he didn’t particularly like. She looked so focused up there. She was staring right at him, without blinking. I wonder what she was thinking.

Just then Raphael patted me on the back and said, “I know that look. He’s done.”

He was right. As soon as Tanner took a swing at her, she had his arm in her hands and spun him around quickly, pinning him down on the floor. Her legs were wrapped around his neck, locked at the ankle. She didn’t look like she was breathing, and her face was so red. I could see every muscle in her body engaged. He was done all right, but she wasn’t letting up. Someone needs to ring that damn bell before she kills him. I was starting to get nervous and then the bell started ringing and she got up. She didn't, however, walk away. She jumped on top of him and started wailing on him.

I pushed away from Raphael and ran over there as Bruce finally got in the ring, pulling her off him. Tanner’s brother and lawyer were yelling at her and Bruce saying that they would sue her if he died or had any kind of permanent damage. I wonder if he was referring to the same permanent damage he was hoping Tanner inflicted on Alex? They were saying she cheated because she had training and knew how to fight. The paramedics were now in the ring working on Tanner. My mom was in the ring with Bruce and Alex trying to get her to calm down. I watched Jack and Matt walk over to Marcus and Tanner’s lawyer with an older man and some other people who looked like they were with him, including a few police officers. Shit. Were they there to arrest Alex?

Harrison grabbed my shoulder as I was headed toward them and said, “Hey there. I didn’t know you were coming. I think you need to wait right here.” I pulled out of Harrison’s grip and Edward came over and stood in front of me.

He said, “Roman, this isn’t the time. Let them handle this.” I calmed down and turned around.

“You’re probably right. I wasn’t even supposed to be here.” Maggie and Abby came over and each gave me a hug. I couldn’t stand this. I was just pacing in a circle.

Maggie said, “I’m speechless. I knew she was mad, but I never expected something like that. That was scary.”

Abby said, “She needs help dealing with whatever it is she’s got going on in that head of hers.”

That was for damn sure.

“I know. We broke up Saturday because of it.” They seemed to have already known by the look on their faces.

Maggie said with tears in her eyes, “We had to cut her off too until she figures this out.”

Abby said, “I don’t want to lose my friend.” They both had tears streaming down their faces.

When the place started clearing out and Tanner was on his way to the hospital, I saw the paramedics working on Alex’s ribs. I guess that kick to the side must’ve broken them or bruised her. I started walking over toward her, but my mom and Bruce stopped me.

Mom said, “Roman, she’s going to the hospital in a minute to get some x-rays. Let’s wait until she’s been looked at and comfortable. The hospital is going to keep her overnight in case she has a concussion, and she said she’ll take visitors then. She doesn’t want to talk to anyone right now. Especially you— those were her words.”

I guess I can understand that.

“Can I go over with you later?” I still wanted to make sure she was okay.

“I’m going with her right now and I’ll text you later if she wants to see you.”

At least my mom will be with her. I nodded and went back over to talk to Harrison and Edward. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to Bruce. I felt like he egged this behavior on when he agreed to help her.

Jack and Matt came over and Matt said, “Hey Roman. I didn’t think you were coming.”

I shook my head and said, “Maybe I shouldn’t have.”

Jack said, “Good to see you man. She was probably glad to have you here.”

Really, she doesn’t want to see me.

“I don’t know about that. I’m probably the reason for the broken ribs.” No one laughed and I said, “Was the older gentleman someone important? I noticed he was watching intently.”

Jack said while rolling his eyes. “He’s the judge who signed off on this pit fight.”

Fuck, so a judge really did agree to that.

“Who would do that?”

---