Page 81 of Bound By Ink

He lunges again, and I meet him in the middle. The crowd roars, chanting our names from the darkness surrounding the cage. The bright lights focus on us, blocking out everything but the first few rows. We meet with a clash of fists and testosterone. Muscles flex, skin sweats, and we exchange blow after blow. He slips into boxing moves, and I drop down, swiping his leg out fromunder him. I jump on top of him. But as he falls, he catches me in the eye with an elbow. I cage my body over his and wrestle for control. The ref steps between us, ringing the bell and pulling us apart. That’s when I feel the warm blood trickling down my cheek. I step away as Jerry comes in to fix me up.

“You need to end this?” He gives me that look. The one that says, “We don’t want to lose because of a split eyebrow.” He presses hard on the cut before administering epinephrine. He assesses the size of the split while packing it with Vaseline. “If this opens up, they will stop the fight.”

“How’s it looking? He just caught me with a stray elbow.” I stare at him, trying to get a read on his expression.

“It’s good, just finish this. It’s not worth risking it to push it longer. You good, kid?”

I nod, and Jerry cleans me up. I spare him a nod. My gaze flicks to Scott, whose hand is clasped over his mouth. When I stand from the small stool, I give him a small chin lift, letting him know I’m good. He exhales. The ref gives me the look, and I let him know I’m good. Then he nods, allowing the fight to continue.

We collide in the middle again. He automatically aims for my eye, clearly wanting the fight to be ended rather than him winning it, but I won’t allow that. A crash of sweat splashes out. Punches and kicks rain down on each of us. We throw each other down, scrambling and grappling. I protect my face, allowing him to struggle to deplete his energy reserves while I hang on. If the cut opens back up, they will stop the fight. I refuse to lose. Thebell rings, and we separate again, making our way back to the edge.

“You need to finish this,” Jerry grits out again. I nod; this has to be the last round. I blow out a breath, stand straight, crack my neck and stretch out my arms. The crowd erupts again. I stare down at him, his cocky exterior waning as he blows out breath after breath. His chest rises and falls heavily, sweat dripping from his chin and sliding over his chest. I wait for him to stand, but his legs look heavy, and there’s a knowing look that this isn’t going to go much further.

The bell rings, and this time, he hangs back, waiting for me. I step closer. Moving around in front of him. His right hand flies out, and I weave, punching with my left, flicking inside his guard and catching him on the chin. His arm drops, and I lash out, punching him with an uppercut to the side of the temple. I lift my leg, slamming his face forward and crashing it down.

He stumbles, and I rush forward. I lift my leg and kick out, thrusting and getting him in the chest, knocking him on his ass. He tries to move, but his legs are like jelly. I dive on him, his hands try to come up to cover his face, but he’s too slow. I get two punches in, his eyes roll, and I know I have him. I knock out punch after punch before he goes limp, and the ref rushes in, calling the fight.

I step away and wait for the ref. He heads over to me, lifting my arm, naming me the winner. I move away, but he just rolls around. His legs have fucked off, unable to lift his own body weight. Kong’s team rush in and lift him from the mat, carrying him away, while my arm is in the air.

The crowd is screaming, chanting, and stomping. I stare down at Scott. Sheer worry paints his face, and I tosshim a wink. I accept my win before making my way back to the changing room. Jerry will be there, ready to stitch me up so I can get home. When I click the door open, he spins around and grins, stepping forward and clapping me on the shoulder.

“Nice work, kid, let’s get that eye sorted.” When I slide on the table, Jerry steps forward, gripping my face, turning from left to right.

“You’re gonna have a few bruises and a scar.”

I shrug.

“That pretty face took a beating.”

“Barely,” I grumble as he wipes my brow off, pinching the bits of flesh together. I grit my teeth as he picks up the needle. Concentration spreads across his face before he leans in and starts to fix me up. His stitches are small and neat, and I’ll need to have them taken out after a week, but it’ll heal fine.

Scars are sexy, right?

There’s a knock on the door, and I can’t help the grin splitting my face. Jerry shakes his head as he steps to the side and shouts, “Come in, Scott.”

Scott

Chapter 46

I pace impatiently outside the front of the warehouse, waiting for Becky. Killian booked her an Uber and made me promise to wait near the bouncers. They are watching me from the corner of their eyes, which is a relief. I know Killian couldn’t wait with me, but knowing he’s made sure I’m safe warms my heart. My nerves are my only issue. I haven’t seen Becky since our disagreement, and I can’t help but feel apprehensive.

The car pulls up, and Becky climbs out. She gives me a tight-lipped smile. I stand awkwardly as she walks up to me. She steps in front of me and glares at me before punching me in the arm and laughing as my face contorts.

“Ouch.”

“You deserved that. Now, take me inside. I need a drink and to see half-naked men kick the shit out of each other.” She slips her arm through mine and rests her head on my shoulder.

“Missed you,” she whispers.

“Missed you too.” I smile and grip her arm tighter as we step past the queue and the bouncers. They give a stoic nod as we walk inside.

I pull her to the bar. I need a drink to calm my nerves. I don’t know how I feel about being back here again. Last time wasn’t the night I was expecting, but it opened my eyes to a side of Killian he’d never have let me see otherwise, and I fell in love with him even more.

“What can I get ya, sweetie?” the older woman at the bar asks as she leans towards me.

“Two ciders, please.” She pulls the cans out from under the counter and passes them to me. I slide out my wallet, and she shakes her head. I frown in confusion, and she smiles at me.

“Scott, right?”