A Fighter's Desire (Gloves Off 0.5 & 0.6)(10)
There was no way in hell I would stand there like a bitch in heat, begging for their attention; it was pathetic. Thank God, I wasn’t like that. If I was, I’d probably kill myself just to put me out of my misery.
If there was anything I knew for certain, it was that I needed to stay away from those twins. Even though I hadn’t ever officially met them, I could see it in their eyes when they fought… they were trouble. Double trouble.
There were plenty of other fighters I could take a chance with.
AS SOON AS we got to the arena, we walked past the mile long line at the front and went inside to find our front row seats. I guess it was the perks of having a friend with a superstar older brother. I never really thought I would like MMA fighting when I first started going with Gabriella, but they were actually kind of exciting. Hearing the crowd roar and cheer for their favorite fighters was intoxicating; I loved the energy.
“I’m telling you, this night is going to be amazing,” Gabriella chimed, elbowing me in the side. “I’ve missed the carefree Ash I had a blast with over the summer. Now that fall break is here, we can let loose and have fun like we did at the beach.”
“You mean with Bradley,” I quipped. “You two are going to drive me insane. Why don’t you just go out with him already?”
She shrugged, but smiled as her gaze landed on something behind me. A guy wearing a fitted red T-shirt and jeans with short, jet-black hair and striking blue eyes headed in our direction with a smile on his face.
“Hey, Cole,” Gabriella squealed while jumping in his arms. “Are you not fighting tonight?”
Chuckling, he held her for a moment before sitting her down. “I am, but I thought I would watch some of the other fights while I had time.”
“Are you coming to the party tonight?”
“No, I’m going back to Vegas. Tyler will be there, though. I know he’ll be happy to see you.” He winked, making Gabriella blush. “Maybe next time I’ll be able to party with you. Have fun and stay out of trouble. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.”
He tapped her on the chin, grinning at both of us, and strolled back to his seat. “What was that about?” I asked. “What did he mean by his last comment?”
Gabriella waved me off. “Oh, he just knows about my brother’s warning for me to stay away from them.”
I didn’t believe her, not for one second.
“Okay, liar. If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I have to say, though, I’m kind of jealous you know all of these bad ass UFC fighters. I wish I could trade places with you.”
“No you don’t,” she groaned. “You know how my brother is and it’s a pain in the ass. I can’t get anywhere near the guys without someone watching me. I bet you a million dollars Matt has someone following me tonight.”
“Are you interested in any of them?” I asked, knowing very well she was. She never told me his name, and always seemed to change the subject when I’d ask. However, by the way she blushed at the mention of Tyler, I had a feeling it was him.
Quickly, Gabriella shook her head. “No, I’m not interested in any of them. Besides, tonight isn’t all about me, it’s about you. We finished our exams and it’s time to celebrate. I want you to put all thoughts of classes aside and have some fun. Promise me!”
She stared at me with those piercing green eyes and never once wavered. No matter what I did, I knew she wouldn’t give up until I promised. Holding my hands up in defeat, I chuckled and said, “Okay, I promise. Although, I’m starting to think I’m going to regret this.”
Gabriella smirked. “Oh, believe me, you’ll enjoy every minute of it. I say we get wild and crazy tonight.”
Get a few drinks in me and I’ll be good to go.
“Done,” I complied with a smile.
The lights flashed and the music blared as fighter after fighter entered the ring, round after round, and fought their way to the top. I cringed when one time I heard the audible snap of a guy getting his arm broken because he wouldn’t tap out when the other had him in a ridiculously tight hold.
There was a ton of blood, sweat, and tears as each fighter pounded on the other. It was a brutal sport, but the excitement was exhilarating.
After watching the first set of fights, ranging from the Flyweight to Welterweight, it was soon time for the Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and the Heavyweight fighters to go on. The announcer entered the ring with his crisp black tux and slicked back gray hair, holding the microphone up to his lips.
He waved at the crowd, and his enigmatic voice boomed through the speakers, “Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for our Middleweight division. I’m sure you all know what that means, right?”
The crowd exploded in cheers, as did Gabriella, who almost burst my left ear drum with her screams. Grin spreading wider, the announcer nodded his head and chuckled. “That’s right, everyone. The Twins of Terror have entered the building and they’re coming to wreak havoc. Fighting first tonight is RYLEY ‘THE RAMPAGE’ JAAMMMEEESSOONNNN! Come on out!”
I covered my ears and hoped the ringing would stop as the ladies behind me screamed louder than the whole arena put together. Great, I’ll probably go deaf by the time I’m thirty. The lights dimmed for a second, but suddenly the room exploded in swiveling multi-colored lights and the song “The Pride” by Five Finger Death Punch, blaring over the speakers.