AllFreeNovel
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He’s right. If I win this, I’m guaranteed an invite to the next tournament—the one I want, the one I’ve been training for.
“Make sure I’m on the next flight available. I don’t care if it’s an hour from now. I’m on it. Fuck the press conference.” I stand. The Russian has no idea what he’s up against. “I’m done playing with this asswipe.”
The bell rings. The Russian starts mumbling in his native tongue. I have no doubt it’s slurs about my manhood, my mother, or my girl. It’s all wasted on me. I don’t see him. I don’t hear him. The only face I see is Austin’s, and he’s a dead man.
I’m known for my power punches, my takedowns. But I’m not taking him to the floor. I don’t have time for that. I’ve played around with this guy long enough. It’s time he felt the full force of GabrielNo MercyStone.
I let the Russian have one hit. It barely grazes my jaw. I let its force turn my body as if it packs a wallop. But really, I’m using the momentum to fuel my pivot, coming back at him with a left jab to the jaw, wiping the smugness off his face. He doesn’t even recover before I follow with a straight right to the other side of his jaw. The jerk of his head, the blood gushing from his mouth, the roll of his eyes are confirmation enough he’s on his way down, but to be sure, I finish him with a left hook.
I back away, bouncing, waiting as he crumples to the mat with a heavy whomp. The shrill of the crowd is deafening.
I’m declared the winner by KO.
It’s a blur of activity from there: out of the cage, up the ramp, a two-minute shower, dressed in street clothes, orders given to the team, and I’m on my way to the airport.
“Do you want more tea?” Lili circles like a mother hen.
“No, I’m good. Thank you.”
“Want something stronger?” Donovan offers, checking his phone for the hundredth time.
“No. Thanks.” I gave my statement at the house before Donovan brought me home to his, where a waiting Lili paced at the door. She squished me in a hug, only letting go at Donovan’s urging.
Their house is a buzz of activity. Violet is with her grandparents, so there’s no reason to shush the noisy cops milling around like they’re waiting for something. They weren’t at Gabriel’s so I’m assuming they were here watching the fight before Donovan got pulled away.
They caught Austin before he could leave Gabriel’s neighborhood. He didn’t put up a fight. He went peacefully. Seems his fight was all for me.
It’s hours later. I’m tired. I’d like to lie down, but I don’t want to be alone. I know I’m safe. It’s just—
“Angel.”
I whip around so fast I lose my balance. Gabriel catches me before I cause myself any harm. “You’re here.”
He straightens me in his arms. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” He touches my cheek, scanning my face.
But he was somewhere else. “You won. You should be celebrating in LA.” I notice the cut above his eye and then the busted lip. My fingers itch to touch, to investigate his injuries. I take in his chest, his arms, as if I can see through his clothes. “You okay?”
“Fuck, Angel. I’m not the one who was attacked.” He pulls me into a hug. “Areyouokay?”
“Yeah.” My voice cracks as I nod into his chest. The emotions that left me the moment the police arrived to find me huddled on the entry floor come back full force. I was so scared, but more than anything, I feared I’d never see Gabriel again. Austin took so much from me. Would he take Gabriel from me too? Austin said Gabriel hated me, but he’s here. He rushed home to my side. That matters. I grip him tighter.
He sinks his fingers into my hair, lifting my face to his. “No, you’re not.” He swipes at my tears.
“I am,” I sob.
He chuckles. “My Angel, always so strong and brave.” He holds me against his chest as I cry.
The noisy room behind us quiets. I hope they’ve left instead of standing there staring at the spectacle I’m sure I am.
“It’s alright. I’ve got you.” He rubs circles on my back. “You’re safe.”
I didn’t realizehewas what I was waiting for. Lili offered me the guestroom bed, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to be alone, but more importantly, I was hoping he’d come for me and take me home. “I was afraid if I fell asleep, you wouldn’t come. You wouldn’t wake me up. You wouldn’t take me home.”
“I would have. I would’ve crawled in bed with you and held you all night.” His lips graze my forehead. “But I’m glad you’re awake and dressed so I can take you home.”
We find Donovan and Lili in the kitchen. He’s holding her close. She’s clearly shaken by what’s happened. Maybe it hit too close to home, brought up skeletons from her past.
I try to apologize for upsetting her, but she and Donovan quickly shut me down.
