Page 2 of Hurts So Good

I pull out my phone, keeping an eye on Lakelynn to make sure no one gets handsy while she serves patrons.

Answering the call, I ask, “What?”

“Free-for-all. Saturday. Southside Underpass. Midnight.” A click sounds from the other side, signaling he’s hung up.

I put my phone away. Since I’m a well-known member of the underground fights, these calls happen often. Some are out of town, but I prefer the ones in the city since I can stay close to Lakelynn. I only leave town for fights when money is low.

We haven’t had that problem in a while. Even though I leave her enough money to live comfortably, old habits die hard. She’s used to surviving on very little, like I am. With both of us growing up in the system, we’re easily satisfied.

Lakelynn continues serving customers until the bar closes at two in the morning. I stay in my spot in the corner, watching.

I’m not the only one who’s been keeping an eye on her though.

Keith has been too.

Indulging in his ownership of the establishment, he’s consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. I don’t like the look in his eyes. They’ve darkened as the night wears on.

He wants her.

He wants her in a way I’ll kill him for.

Lakelynn is oblivious. She’s so busy working, she isn’t concerned with what’s going on around her. Again. She’s always been this way, and that’s one of the reasons I stay close to her. I watch her to make sure she’s safe. She’s no longer naïve about the ways of the world since what happened to her in that the Rylee’s foster home, but she’s fought so hard to block it out that she ignores what’s around her, focusing solely on her present tasks. Almost robotically.

As the bar empties, I get to my feet. I can no longer hide in this corner with them cleaning the joint. I exit out the back and walk to the alley beside it. Leaning against the brick wall, I light a cigarette.

Slowly, employees file out as they finish their tasks for the night. I peer around the corner every time the door creaks, but none are Lakelynn. Considering how many people have left, I’m beginning to worry. She’s been in there over an hour, and most of the employees have left.

The only person I haven’t seen yet is Keith.

And Lakelynn.

Unable to stay still, I creep back inside. Music plays on the radio making me frown. All the lights are off except for a few in the lounge. I stroll into the room. It’s empty.

Where the fuck is she?

I shut the music off. The sounds of a struggle echo in my ears. Someone knocking into wood. Shoes skidding across linoleum. Papers scattering. Pencils rolling across the floor.

Clenching my teeth, I snatch the napkin holder off the nearest table and storm toward Keith’s office, where it’s coming from. I slam the sole of my boot into the door, and it crashes into the wall.

Lakelynn’s upper body is laid over the desk, her ass in the air. Tape covers her mouth and her cheek is smashed into the wooden top. Keith stands behind her, pinning her hands behind her back as he hikes up that fucking miniskirt he makes the waitresses wear.

Lakelynn’s teary eyes widen at the sight of me. Muffled sobs escape her as she cries. Fear and hope mingle in her eyes, showing her uncertainty of my presence. She doesn’t know if I’m here to save her or help him.

“Who the fuck are you?” Keith growls at me.

“The grim reaper.” I throw the metal container in my hand.

He stumbles back as it bounces off his head. I march forward, and Lakelynn scrambles out of the way, tugging at the tape on her mouth.

I pick Keith up with my hand around his throat and toss him. The thud he makes when he hits the desk before falling to the floor gives me slight satisfaction, but not it’s enough. He grabs the desktop to stand, sobbing like the pussy he is.

Can’t handle it when it’s happening to you, can you, buddy?

I remember someone else who couldn’t either: Mr. Rylee. The memory of him only fuels my anger. Pulling out my switchblade, I flip it open and stab it through the center of Keith’s hand, nailing him down.

Keith’s screams mingle with a sharp intake of breath from behind me. I turn, surprised to find Lakelynn sitting against the wall, watching, panting.

Why the hell is she still here?

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