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A smug-looking Nazok took his place in the ring, and there were a number of boos from other Vinduthi. But there were just as many cheers from other non-Vinduthi, too. This was going to be a fight to remember.
The match began, and the two fighters didn’t waste a breath. There was no circling each other or warming up, they just went at it like it was a fight for their lives.
Unlike some of the other fighters he’d faced, this one seemed to be giving him a run for his money. If I had to guess, I’d say he had just as much pride in the matter as Jalik did.
They were a blur of punches, and they blocked each other’s moves so quickly, I could barely make them out. The crowd cheered and jeered as the two fought, and I found myself calling out with them.
This Zeven might have had something to prove, being a Nazok and all, but Jalik was still better. No doubt his opponent had skill and passion, but Jalik had a unique cunning that translated into an effective brutality that could take on anyone he set his sights on.
Eventually, the Nazok began slowing down. Jalik, though, did not. He pressed his advantage and gradually, Zeven began to falter. The Nazok still got in a few good hits, but by round ten, it was clear to see that Jalik would come out on top.
A solid hit to the face came early in the last round. The Nazok reeled, stumbling backward, and desperately trying to regain his balance. It was too late, though, Jalik was already on him. Another solid hit and the Nazok was down.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and the announcer came down and held up Jalik’s arm. “The winner of this match and our champion, Jalik of the Vinduthi!”
There were even more cheers, and Jalik waved at them. From my place watching backstage, I cheered as well.
Then my eyes met with Jalik’s, and he waved me towards him. I froze for a moment, unsure why he wanted me out there. A part of me was still worried someone would see and try to grab me.
But Jalik promised he’d never let anything like that happen again. So if Jalik thought it was safe to come out, then it was.
I made my way into the ring, making sure to keep my chin high. Jalik pulled me to his side as soon as I was close enough and linked our fingers together. I felt my face warm at the clear show of claim he put on display for all to see.
If I’d had any doubts about him being serious about me this time, they quickly disappeared.
For the next few hours, people kept coming up to Jalik to congratulate him on his win. A few of the people even asked for my autograph.
“It seems we’re quite the power couple,” Jalik murmured at one point.
I tried to stifle a giggle as another group of fans came up to us. They chatted with Jalik for a while when one of Jalik’s fans turned his gaze to me.
“And who is this lovely woman?” he asked with clear appreciation. I did my best not to look visibly uncomfortable by the words.
Jalik put an arm around my shoulders. “This is Serena, and she’s my girlfriend.”
I felt my breath catch in my throat. We hadn’t put any labels on what we were. Frankly, I’d been too nervous to ask.
But there it was, out in the open. That was assuming, of course, that he didn’t just say it to warn off the other man.
Eventually, the crowds thinned, and Jalik decided that we’d both had enough excitement for one day. As we made our way back home for Jalik’s ice bath, I once again pondered what he’d called me earlier.
“What’s on your mind?” Jalik asked.
At first, I wanted to say it was nothing, but this was a conversation we needed to have. “I was wondering if you meant what you said earlier. About calling me your girlfriend.”
Jalik took my hand and squeezed it. “I did.”
I smiled and was about to reply when he decided to drop a bomb in my lap.
“Though I would like to call you my mate. What do you say to that?”
JALIK
“We’re going to be late, Jalik,” Serena called to me from outside the bathroom.
Though, that didn’t make me move any faster. I still took my time adjusting my suit jacket and cufflinks. Then I stared at myself in the mirror for a good long while. Being late wasn’t my top concern.
My top concern was solely with Serena. Serena and a certain question from last night that still went unanswered. It was hard to think about anything else since.
