Page 111 of Embriagado

No rules, no laws, no dignity.

My mouth went dry, and I clenched my fists. “That guy will die⁠—”

“No rules, Mr. Rivas.”

I looked back at the cage, feeling betrayed by a man I’d once admired.

“Still, he’s a world champion… He must still have some honor left.”

“He’s nothing now,” Ariyan said, voice as cold as ice. “The same as you, he’s a nobody. Therefore, why should he fight for anything but violence?”

His words cut deep, like the edge of a sharpened knife.

Yes, boxing, like any other martial art, was based on violence, but it was so much more. It was a sport, a unique form of art—one based on power and strength but, most importantly, honor.

My chest tightened with anger, and I released myself from Ariyan’s grip.

“Nah, that’s just bullshit.” I clicked my tongue before turning my back to the ring. “My first fight, I want it to be against him,” I hissed.

Wanting out of this shithole, I started walking back toward the elevator when Ariyan followed me.

“Where are you going?”

“Home.”

He rounded me, placing his hand on my chest to make me stop. “We’ve only just gotten here.”

I grabbed his wrist and moved him aside. “Yeah, and I’ve had enough.”

I couldn’t see Ariyan’s face, but he seemed shocked enough by his stance. I guess he thought I’d be into this crap, only it made me sick with rage. There was no honor here, and yet, I was all but ready to get into this ring and fight.

Properly.

Like a true boxer would.

“Mr. Rivas.”

Already by the elevator, I turned to look at Ariyan, who stood a few feet away.

“Like I said, make sure my first fight is against that scumbag.”

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped inside.

Finally.

This place reeked, the same way prison did, and I couldn’t get out of there soon enough. The doors began to close, so I took off the stupid mask just as Ariyan stopped them with his hand and slipped inside.

“What are you⁠—”

My words cut off after he pushed me back against the elevator’s wall and stood before me. Then, in a swift move, he tore his mask from his face, his amber eyes meeting mine in an instant.

“If I put you up against him, you better not lose.”

Not feeling like smiling, I hardened my stare.

“Ain’t no way I’ll lose to a fucker like that.”

“You better not,” he snarled when the sudden urge to touch him took over me, and I grabbed his waist, pulling him closer.