Chapter 31
Jerry drags Scott away from the cage, and I turn to stare at Derren.
I lift my thumb to my neck and slide it across it, looking at him.
His eyes widen as he snarls, his bravado waning, though, while I promise he will pay.
The bell rings, and I try to cover my ribs.
He got that shot in while I was distracted, maybe breaking my rib.
I dance out of his way again, licking at the split in my lip, which is hard with a gum shield in.
No second chances now. This fight is about to end.
I’ve got a lot of money riding on me, anonymously, of course, but I have to win.
Jerry is relying on me, too. This was meant to give us both a fresh start.
I dive at Widowmaker, punching him square in the jaw.
His head swings back, his eyes rattle and glaze, becoming unfocused and glassy.
I lash out again. He stumbles, trying to swing at me, but I uppercut him.
His head flies back. He staggers before he lunges for me.
I step to the side, and he trips, momentum causing him to lose his balance from his lack of coordination, yelling out as he goes down, crashing to the mat.
I dive forward, taking advantage of the situation, wanting Dickhead to truly see what I’m capable of. I band my arms around Widowmaker’s neck as he tries to roll onto his back with me underneath him. I roar out as he pushes onto my ribs. I wrap my legs around him.
Once I’ve got him held tight, I use my free arm to punch him, raining blows against his ribs and face as he tries to block me.
His body grows heavy, his grip loosening.
He’s about to pass out, and the referee slides across the mat before signalling the end of the match.
I relax, letting go of Widowmaker, but he’s out of it.
I thrust my hips and push him off me. When he rolls onto his side, gasping for breath, he mentally shuts down.
I jump to my feet, and the referee steps over to me, lifting my hand and announcing me the winner.
I stare out at Derren, his eyes wide as I mouth, “Run, motherfucker.” I don’t wait to watch him leave. I storm out of the cage, towards the corridor, where I know Jerry will have taken Scott. I make a beeline for him.
When I reach the room. I rest my head against the door, my hand sliding to the handle. I stand there for a second, taking a breath, trying to calm my feelings and my racing mind.
“You good?” Jerry’s voice trickles down the corridor, and I nod. Staring back at the door, I click it open and step inside.
Scott’s gaze flicks to mine. He’s curled up in the chair, his arms around his legs. He flinches as the door opens, squinting as the light trickles into the room.
But when he sees me, he breaks, the tears that were silently flowing down his cheeks turn to sobbing as he jumps up. I’m bloody and sweaty, but he wraps his arms around me, clinging to me as he sobs into my chest.
“I’m so sorry.” He leans into me, and I grit my teeth at the pain searing through me, but I can’t bring myself to care.
He’s here, he’s clinging to me. From here on out, he will be mine. When his sobs die down, I push him away from me. Lifting his gaze to mine. My fingers skate gently over his purpling cheek, and I cup his face.
“You okay, Nerd?” His lip quivers for a second before he smiles a shy grin. I envelop my arms around him, pulling him to me again.
I hug him tight before I lean in and whisper, “You’re mine. No more going back to him, you hear me?”
He nods against me. I pull back and lift his chin. “Look at me.” He blinks before gazing at me. “You listening? You’re it for me, Nerd. No more messing around.”
He gives me another small nod, and I crash my face into his.
The split on my lip stings, but I kiss him harder.
His tongue slides against mine as he melts for me.
Unable to still his hands, they roam over my bare, sweaty chest and around my shoulders.
He digs his fingers into the back of my head, wet with sweat, and tugs my hair at the roots, and I growl.
He whimpers against me, and I back him towards the wall.
There’s a knock on the door that breaks us apart, staring at each other as I yell, “Yeah.”
“You guys good? It’s time to leave; everyone’s packing up.”
“Two minutes, Jerry.” I step back from Scott, ripping my mitts off and yanking at the strapping binding my hands.
After throwing everything in my bag and tugging out a hoodie, I toss it on and slide my feet into my trainers.
I grab Scott’s hand, yanking him towards the door.
When I get there, I turn, and he crashes into me.
“I’m gonna be needing my key back.” I lean in.
He just nods, grinning at me, the slight cut on the bridge of his nose from where his glasses dug in weeps. The purple bruise will probably look worse before it gets better, but he’s here with me, and that’s all that matters. He has more glasses at home. They’re replaceable. He’s not.
I pull him through the door and the almost-empty warehouse. As I pass Jerry, he gives me the nod, and I throw him a wink. He knows I’ll be around tomorrow to collect my winnings, although I guess that apartment I saw in the city isn’t needed anymore.
I was planning on taking my winnings, selling the shop and moving away.
I couldn’t bear to see Scott with someone else.
But I guess he came to his senses, and I’m gonna hang on to that while I can.
After waving to a few of the staff as we leave, with Scott still tucked in beside me.
I have his hand in mine, and he’s gripping my forearm like I might disappear if he lets go with either hand.
I push outside, and the cold air hits me.
Gasping a little, I’m still in my shorts and coated in sweat, but the smile on my face won’t be deterred by a little chill.
Scott clings to me as we step into the car park.
His eyes are darting around as I pull him towards my car; most of the vehicles are gone now.
But as we near where I’m parked, I hear them, the mumbling voices, as they step into view.
I tug Scott behind me, drop my bag onto the floor, and stand my ground.
“Well, isn’t this fucking cute?” Dickhead slurs as he steps forward, two cronies flanking him. “You’ve had your fun, a bit of rough.” He looks me up and down before giving a snarl. “Time to come back now.”
“I think not,” I say with a confidence he’ll never obtain. “Scott’s mine. He always has been. You… you were just a blip. A mistake he made before he realised who and where he belongs.”
He takes a step forward. “You think you’re better than me?” he growls. “You think you’re all that?”
“Yes.” I smirk. He lunges for me, but he’s drunk and slow. I flick my hand out, grabbing him around his throat. I yank him towards me, snarling at him.
“You’re nothing but a fucking ball sack; weak, and ugly as fuck. Now fuck off while you can walk away.”
I shove him hard, and he stumbles, crashing to the floor. His friend steps in front of him, but I stride closer.
“Think long and hard about your next move, motherfucker.”
The other jerk pulls Dickhead from the floor, but they stay back. “You’ll pay for this,” he growls as he wobbles to his feet. He turns and kicks my car before walking away, cursing with his friends. I pull a shaking Scott from behind me and wrap him in my arms.
“You good, Nerd?” I stroke his cheek. He gives me a tight-lipped smile but nods.
I kiss him on the forehead and pull him toward the car.
I keep one eye on the retreating bellends as I open the door for Scott.
He looks up at me with uncertainty in his eyes.
I walk around and climb in. We drive in silence to Scott’s house.
“Are you coming in?” He turns, his voice shakes a little, and I reach over, taking his hand in mine.
“Not tonight, beautiful. But I’ll stop by tomorrow.
” Disappointment spreads across his face.
“Hey, I need to get some stuff sorted. I need to get my ribs checked out.” His eyes widen.
“Hey, I’m okay.” I grip his hand tighter and tug him towards me.
I lean in, gritting my teeth as I press a chaste kiss against his lips. “Now, go inside and lock the door.”
He nods and steps out of the car. I watch him until he’s safely in the door.