“Well, lucky for you, Oliver has more coordination.” He clears his throat, then asks, “Have you spoken to him?”
“Who?”
“Soren.”
“Not since the other day when he approved my leave.” He nods and tucks his hands into his pockets.
“He’s a very peculiar man,” he notes.
“He is,” I agree.
“Have you heard anything more about his sister?”
“Only that she’s in the hospital, which is less than she deserves.”
I smile as Oliver runs out, carrying his backpack. I lean down and kiss his cheek. “Have the best time. I’ll see you tomorrow. We’ll go on a plane to see the family.” He loves flying but doesn’t get to do it often.
“I can’t wait. Love you, Mom. Bye.” I wave as I watch them drive away.
Going back inside, I see a notification on my phone for a fight tonight. I signed up for these notifications when I was first investigating Soren, but I only requested to be notified when he was fighting.
I quickly change out of my work clothes, opting for a pair of jeans, a loose top, and some flats. I keep my hair up in its high bun and don’t bother touching up my makeup. I’m already running late, so I grab my bag and run out the door.
He seems to be avoiding me, and I want to see him. I have no intention of talking to him, though. What his sister did was so wrong, and I hate that small part of me that still blames him, even in the slightest. I enjoy watching him fight. I’ve only been to a few of his fights, and they’re actually fucking hot to witness.
The ride to the old warehouse doesn’t take too long, and I’m soon climbing out of the Uber and heading inside. There’s already a fight going on as I push my way through the crowd, but it’s not Soren in the ring.
The announcer yells, “Knockout!” and I know the next fight will start soon.
I take a spot in the middle of the crowd, close enough to see but hopefully not close enough for Soren to notice me. The crowd starts to cheer, and I know he’s heading out for his turn in the ring.
When I catch a glimpse of him, I note his head is tilted down as he slowly strides to the middle of the ring. His opponent watches him with a little bit of caution. I don’t blame him. Soren’s hands are fucking lethal.
The bell rings, and the fight starts, but it’s not like the other times I’ve seen Soren fight. Something is different. It’s as if he doesn’t want to be here, which is weird because this is his happy place.
The sound of a fist meeting flesh echoes through the crowd, and everyone gasps loudly. Hands meeting face, in the most brutal way possible.
Another punch.
This one to his stomach.
Soren is standing there, letting himself get pummeled. He doesn’t move, just takes hit after hit. The other fighter stares at Soren in confusion, because usually Soren’s opponents would be on the ground by now. But here he is, still standing, and taking it all.
“Soren!” I scream, pushing through the thickening crowd, every second stretching tight with panic. My eyes lock onto him just a few feet away, unaware. When I’m closer to the ring, I scream his name again, until my own ears are ringing. His head snaps toward me, sharp and alert. For a brief moment, it feels like he might catch the danger. And then a sudden, brutal blow strikes his temple. He crumples instantly, the world tilting as he hits the ground.
THIRTY-FOUR
SOREN
My head is throbbing.
I brought it upon myself.
I shouldn’t have been out there tonight.
But I needed to feel something.
It was the best option for me.
