Page 78 of Unleash Hades
I did a cross-hook-hook combo, landing both to his ribs and he pulled away, his arms up to defend from my hits.
It wasn’t enough to take him down, but he was winded.
“No offense, and all,” he said, giving an infinitesimal shrug that would be unnoticed to the audience. “But I just fired my team, so I’m looking for a new coach. If she’s looking for more clients…”
I jabbed him in the shoulder, then tried to come in for a sweep, our bodies clashing as he fell backwards.
“She’s not…” I grunted as I tried to pin his arm to the canvas so I could attempt to get him in an arm bar. “Not right now… But I’ll ask her just in case.”
If Rose got into coaching, that might not be a bad idea.
She was deadly, smart, young, and a champion. She had gone out of the game with a bang, beating the man who had tried to steal her title. Going back in the ring might not be the best move… but coaching? Hmm…
“Thanks, man,” Guile said.
He tried to roll out of my grasp, and I grunted.
“It’s been tough with no one in my corner, ya know?” I struggled, trying to get my arm in the right position to take him down.Sweat teased down my brow. I felt the cool, salty liquid down my temple.
He was sweating too, and he blinked.
“Fuck,” he said, as a small drop teased at the end of my nose. He adjusted his face just in time for my sweat to fall down my face and through the air onto his. “Gross.”
“Desole.” Sorry.
He adjusted his feet, trying to create space between our hips, just as the bell rang. The round was over, and we split like opposing magnets.
The referee came between us, his hand out to keep us apart, as we waited for a decision. He’d hear everything in the little bud in his ear.
He grabbed my wrist, and lifted it high, declaring me the winner by decision.
The crowd screamed in glee, and more than a few people threw their betting slips down in agitation.
Guile leaned forward, took my hand in his for a shake, before leaving the cage so I could do my victory turn.
With my arms raised in the air, I looked around, doing a full 360. It was a tradition in the Underground, not really because it felt victorious, but to give the audience a view of my injuries. To see how the fight marked my body. Gore is one hell of an addiction.
I got out of the cage, and Rose shook my hand.
“Didn’t think you had it in you,” she said with a smirk.
“It’s my last fight in this brutal Circuit,” I admitted, wincing as I lifted my shoulder. There was a slight sprain from one of Guile’s hits. “I’m too old for this.”
Rose sighed in resignation. “It was fun while it lasted.”
Her eyes looked around at the crowd, the ring, the chainlink. She placed her hand against the chains, looking longingly on the inside, and my frozen heart thawed.
“Harrison Guile wanted to know if you were open to coaching,” I blurted. “He seems like a good guy.”
“Oh?” Rose’s eyes went wide. “For not having a coach, he’s done quite well for himself. He’s been winning most of his last fights.”
I shrugged. “Maybe with help, he’ll become a contender.”
Rose shook her head, letting out a low laugh. “Coaching you is one thing, but Alastair would never let me coach someone else. I’d be spending time with another man. You know how jealous he can be…”
“He let you spend time with me.”
“You’re obsessed with another woman.”
