Chapter 25
Mia didn’t know what she was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this. The underground fight ring felt like a world completely separate from hers-a raw, and intoxicatingly dangerous world.
The air was thick with smoke, sweat, and adrenaline. One side of the large underground arena was almost glamorous, with strippers twirling on poles and men throwing bills at them. Neon lights danced along the walls
The other side was pure chaos…a massive ring surrounded by rows of eager spectators, their eyes locked on the brutal fight taking place inside.
Mia’s eyes widened as she watched two fighters exchanging blows, blood dripping from one man’s face as the crowd roared with excitement.
This is insane, she thought, her heart pounding in her chest.
She couldn’t believe Alex fought in a place like this. To be honest, she hadn’t known Alex fought at all.
He just didn’t look the type though
He was the quiet type always smirking instead of speaking, watching instead of participating. He had this cool, detached demeanor that made him impossible to read. But now, thinking back to the bruise she’d seen on his face, it all clicked.
He got it here.
“Let’s get drinks,” Emily’s new boyfriend said, pulling Mia out of her thoughts.
The guy-whose name Mia still hadn’t fully committed to memory-seemed decent enough. He had an easygoing smile and a confident air, though he was clearly a little too into the underground scene for Mia’s liking.
He had screamed with shining eyes as he saw the fight, quickly running around to bet money, too into it like she said…
But that’s not her business though, it’s not like she is the one dating him
Mia followed as the guy led them to the bar. She ordered something light with a little alcohol; deciding to play it safe.
The last time she’d had too much to drink, she’d woken up alone, her memories a haze, and Alex nowhere to be found. She hadn’t seen him since, and part of her was still struggling with the confusion of that night.
guy
The returned with drinks, grinning as he pointed to the ring. “You’re gonna love this next match. My money’s on Phantom A tonight.”
Mia’s ears perked up at the name. She had heard it mentioned multiple times since they had arrived.
“Is he good?” Emily asked, leaning into her boyfriend.
“The best, baby. He’s unbeatable,” the guy replied, his voice filled with admiration.” He’s fighting against a brutal champion from India though”
Mia sipped her drink, her eyes scanning the crowd as she tried to shake off the unease settling in her chest. The fight in the ring was brutal, and she winced as one of the fighters took a hard hit to the ribs, doubling over in pain.
How can people enjoy this?
The fight ended a few minutes later, the man in yellow shorts raising his fists in victory as the crowd erupted into cheers.
Mia shifted in her seat, her gaze darting around the arena. She wasn’t here for the fights. She was here for one reason.
1/2
Chapter 25
Please be here tonight, she silently begged.
Then, the energy in the room shifted. The lights dimmed slightly, and a woman in a sparkly bikini stepped into the ring, holding a microphone.
“And now,” she announced, her voice booming through the speakers, “the fight you’ve all been waiting for!”
The crowd roared, people surging toward the ring from every corner of the arena. Even the strippers and bartenders paused what they were doing to watch.
Mia felt a flicker of curiosity.
The first fighter was introduced-a massive, mean-looking man with muscles that seemed to ripple as he moved. Apparently he’s the best that flew all the way from India”
He climbed into the ring, throwing punches into the air as the audience cheered.
“And now,” the announcer continued, her voice climbing higher, “our champion, the best of the best, ladies and gentlemen, the powerful, the unbeatable Phantom A!”
The crowd went wild, the noise deafening.
Mia leaned forward, her breath catching as the man called Phantom A stepped into the light. He was tall, his broad shoulders radiating strength and confidence.
Then she saw his face.
She almost dropped her drink.
No fucking way!
“Alex?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd.
Her mind raced, struggling to process what she was seeing. What the hell?
Alex-calm, collected, aloof Alex-was Phantom A? The champion of this brutal, lawless world?
Mia’s heart pounded as she watched him climb into the ring. He was shirtless, his body a canvas of toned muscle and faint scars, his expression cold and focused.
What the hell?
