Chapter 39: I Will Just Show Her
Chapter 39: I Will Just Show Her
Chapter 39: I Will Just Show Her
Roy
And I realized I was good at it, I just have a heavy handed punch, I just do. But over time, I crafted the skill of fighting. Not just scraps in the playground but actually fighting techniques. When my mother was being a piece of work, and my father was god knows where busy being made man, I would sneak off into the home gym we had in my big fancy house and I would blow off all kinds of steam. I fought to forget, that is how my love for fighting started.
“Hey, Vortex. Are you fighting tonight?” I saw one of the regulars waving money in his hand to gain my attention.
“Yes, I am. How much are you putting on me?” I tipped my chin and smirked. He just crackled out a laugh and his teeth showed when he did.
This place smells like stale beer, sweat and blood. And yet I love it. The screaming men packed in and hollering out in a constant movement of raised hands and pushing elbows. The cemented ground that holds stains like it holds memories. Blood is shed in plenty until it just becomes a part of the place itself. The thick cement beams that hold up the ceiling and keep the integrity of this secret underground lot are graffitied on or signed by those who have visited, won a big fight or carries a big name. My name is signed on that beam, one most of them and I have left my mark in more than one way here. This is my own creation, I built up this community of men and expanded the idea of an illegal fighting club. It is a huge success now and it is mine, no matter who tries taking a cut from it here and there. This is the underground, that is what it is called in the streets.
“You headed underground tonight?” That is what you would ask a guy and that is what he would mean.
I was in the midst of removing my shirt and wrapping my knuckles up street fighter style, that is another thing we have down here. Different kinds of fighting types, bare knuckles fighting is brutal but a real crowd pleaser. We have fights like this where you wrap your knuckles, different weight class fights or just pairings drawn at random kinds of fights. I have been in bare knuckles fights before but my usual is done this way. With the wraps, bare feet, no shirt. There is no gut rubbing vaseline on my face so the skin doesn't split. No, illegal fights want that, the blood shed. The raw uncensored brutality and desire to be the last man standing. It all starts on a primal level, we are set to protect ourselves at all cost and if danger or threat, you must attack or retreat.
When I felt a tap on my shoulder, I figured it was about one of my regulars wanting to talk to me. To shake my hand or have fun talking a kitt shit with me. Instead, I turned and in the masses of ugly men, a beautiful face split the crowd like the red sea. Beautiful eyes and a genuine smile, she wasn't in the same outfit as what we had worn earlier today. But she looked hot, she wore a crop tank and distressed jeans but don't let the simple look fool you. It is all designer. Instead of a purse, she had this cross bag almost like a funny pack but in a cute way. I swear, I didn't even see Jane right there beside her, my eyes went straight to Brianna and stayed there.
“Hey,” I finally heard Jane's voice and it made me drag my eyes away from Brianna for a second.
“Hey, Jane.” I leaned over and gave her the side cheek kiss. And then I took advantage of that fact and did the same to Brianna. She still smells like flowers, it is a good smell in the midst of this crowd.
“This looks intense.” I heard Brianna try to yell over the crowd.
“I told you it probably wasn't your scene.” I chuckled.
“Well, maybe I want to change my scene.” She shrugged and I eyed Jane because I heard her snort.
“She is having a mid-life crisis, ignore her.” Jane deadpanned
Brianna gave her the eyes and it was like the two had a conversation for a moment without words.
“Fighters, are you ready!” The megaphone cut through the crowd to quiet people down a little. All the fighters started jumping from foot to foot to get their muscles warmed up.
“Oh my goodness, I am nervous for you.” Brianna cupped her face and looked up at me between them. I smirked but said nothing, I won't brag. I will just show her.
Jane was in a next to nothing pair of distressed shorts and whatever fashion top and she threw an arm around her best friend and looked at me pointedly.
“You better win, Vortex. I put money on you and I am not walking out empty handed.” Jane warned me and I chuckled. I shook my head at her.
“I will do my best.” I winked at her and Brianna both. I saw them exchange eyes again but I didn't know why. Before I motioned to walk away, Brianna quickly caught my forearm.
“Hey, good luck.” she told me, I nodded to her and started elbowing the crowd to get to where the fighters mostly wait while fight after fight is dished out.
I recognized the guy I was fighting, he was good and he knows what he is doing, I will tell you that. I swear, Gabe set this one up to give me a run for my money in front of Brianna. He is around here somewhere but I haven't seen him just yet. When we walked in together, he walked right over to the betting tables. He would come find the girls though once the fight starts. What would Callan say if he knew Brianna came out to see me tonight? He would be livid, he would throw a tantrum like I know he does. Scary tantrum but that is what they are, his wild outburst. Feeling Brianna's eyes set on me gave me a cheap thrill. I dedicated this fight to Callan Harold tonight. Every time I hit this fighter, I will be thinking of Callan.
Cheers, booing, laughter and hollering. All the fights started to play out one by one and I was up next on the roster. I hopped from foot to foot to get my blood pumping and rolled my shoulders back. I am ready, I feel good. Light on my feet and heavy in my hands.