Page 33 of Dylan
I chew on my lip as I look at all the things he needs and wants. That four hundred dollars was a huge loss. The drone has already come off the list if I can’t find a job.
I sigh and place my hands on his shoulders. “You’re grounded until your birthday. We’ll talk about you boxing after that. If you ever cut school again, the drone, boxing, and that new computer are all off the table. Am I understood?”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
“Go shower. Daliah ordered Chinese,” I say and kiss the top of his head.
“I have a good feeling about the gym. You should go back and see about training there too.”
“I’ve got this. You focus on school and your grades.”
I turn and head to get my phone so I can call Vega. Hopefully she has something to say that will put me in a better mood. This day has been insane.
CHAPTER 14
Quick Fists
Ciara
“What can I do?What do you need?” Daliah asks nervously.
“You look like you’re about to puke. You should probably stop drinking and you probably should have stayed home with Ciarán. A sitter was a waste of money,” I chuckle.
She sticks her tongue out at me. I laugh and shake my head as I work on loosening my body up. The music from the arena is thumping through the walls.
From what I’ve seen, Vega knows how to throw an event. This place is packed and jumping. I can’t say I’m surprised.
Ten grand per fight and another twenty when I pull off the win. Vega didn’t have to ask me twice. When I made the call to her, she had already set this event up, knowing I needed the money.
I’m slated for two bouts tonight. Vega didn’t think I would be up to fighting two men in one night. I told her to bring them on. I’m not scared.
Vega doesn’t have many female fighters. She couldn’t bring anyone in who wanted a match with me on such short notice. I would have had to wait two months for her to bring in some chick from Miami.
Not to mention, I would have made only half the money. The price is doubled because I’m fighting men. No problem, I do this shit in my sleep.
I’m here to win. I’ll have more than enough to stash and take care of Ciarán’s birthday gifts and tuition. He’s been on his best behavior all week. His birthday is tomorrow.
I still don’t know how I feel about the Roaring Irish gym, but I plan to take him there in the morning to join the gym and take my own look around. If I see that guy and get to ask him questions, that’s a plus. I’ve been trying my best not to think about him.
“Ariel, you’re up,” Dimitri calls into the room.
I roll my shoulders back then move my head from side to side. Bumping my knuckles together, I start out for my first match. Daliah follows nervously behind me. She’s never seen me in an actual match.
As we make our way out to the makeshift ring, the song changes to “Simon Says” by Pharoahe Monch. The beat fills my chest, and a smile comes to my lips. I’m getting in the zone.
However, one glance toward the crowd and I stumble a little. As I’m walking to the ring, the big blond from Roaring Irish walks in with the little redhead. This dude has an aura all his own.
It’s like his presence takes over the arena. He moves with purpose to a seat in the front row. I now feel like the music is a soundtrack for him.
He moves like he’s in step with the thumping beat. People even part to accommodate his movements. Like a king has arrived and they all know this.
I shake off my shock and focus on what I’m here for. The ring isn’t so much a ring, but a circle they’ve made filled with dirt. I can handle this. I’ve fought in similar settings.
I lock eyes with the guy already waiting in the ring. He’s about five seven, give or take. I’d put him at two fifty, two hundred and thirty-five pounds.
He probably doesn’t expect my speed or power. I’m sure he’s going to come at me with force. Big mistake.
I can see it in his eyes. He looks almost bored and cocksure he’s going to take this match. I grin as I mentally list at least ten ways to take him down in the first round.
