Page 88 of Pulse
Stepping into the change room, my gaze collided with Rogue’s. She was standing to one side, wrapping her hands and when she saw me, she scowled. So nothing had changed there then.
Ignoring her, I pulled my stuff out of my locker and began pulling my gear out. If she was trying to psych me out before my first fight of the season, she wasn’t going to get anywhere. I’d been mentally preparing myself for this the moment I saw my name drawn next to hers.
I’d never forget the first bout I’d fought at The Underground. Call it beginner’s luck or whatever you wanted, but I’d been paired with the meanest woman fighter out there and I’d knocked her out cold. It was probably the worst thing I could’ve done walking into that cage as a newbie. Worst, meaning that I’d put a target on my back by humiliating one of the top place getters on my first try. Still, it was a rush I’d never forget.
Maybe tonight would be an action replay.
Maybe I shouldn’t get too big for my boots.
Rogue eyed me as I strapped my hands in for our fight. I glanced at her, wondering why she wasn’t saying anything. She wasn’t the kind of woman who held back…or gave a shit what other people thought about her.
“What?” I asked when I couldn’t take her staring anymore.
“They’re planning something,” she said simply.
I didn’t have to ask who they were. “Planning what?”
“How the fuck should I know?” she declared with a flick of her hair. “I was dumped the moment you were, so why do you think I know shit?”
“Then why are you warning me?”
“I hate your fucking guts, but I hate his more.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Fair enough.”
“Just watch your back and tell your boyfriend to do the same. This time will be different.”
I wondered how different. They wouldn’t try the same tactic with a full-on physical attack. They’d know we’d be expecting it. They couldn’t beat him in a fight, not even in the cage, but there was one thing they could use if we weren’t careful. Maybe this time it’d be full on psychological warfare. Use his anger and mine, wear us both down and strike at the right moment.
It was genius really, and all Rogue had to say was that this time was going to be different. I made a mental note to tell Ash once I was done in the cage.
“Thanks,” I said, my expression softening. It was advice that should be taken with a grain of salt coming from a woman like Rogue, but it was good advice nonetheless.
“You don’t hate me?” Rogue asked, frowning at my reaction. She seemed to be genuinely surprised.
“I don’t hate you,” I replied, flexing my fingers. “I’m indifferent to you. There’s a difference.”
She snorted and shoved her things into a locker. Slamming the door she strode over, a sneer curling her upper lip. “Don’t think this means I’m gunna go soft on you in the cage.”
“The thought never crossed my mind.”
I could never find a way to understand how someone could claim to love a person like Hammer. Evil, twisted…a man who got off on other’s pain. A rapist.
There was always the chance that Rogue didn’t know what he’d done to Violet and me, but as if she’d divulge it either way. She was more than capable of looking after herself and it was obvious she didn’t want my help. Whatever had gone down between them, she was much better off without Hammer sucking her soul dry.
Without acknowledging her again, I strode out into the arena where the crowd started to stir as people began to notice my approach. Without glancing sideways, I stepped into the cage. A few people cheered my name as the lights hit my skin and I turned a full three-sixty searching the edges for Ash.
When I caught sight of him right at the edge, still sweaty and bloody from his fight, waiting for me, I walked over smiling like a fool. I curled my fingers through the chain-link as the referee announced the fight, but I could hardly hear it.
“The name says it all folks. She’s back, she’s bad and she’ll knock you out in one shot… It’s Reign of Terror!”
Ash wound his fingers through the cage, covering mine and smiled.
“Gimme one more kiss,” I said.
He leaned forward and we kissed through the chain-link much to the amusement of the people around us.
“Knock the shit outta her,” Maverick said.
