Lucas' P.O.V.
"This is it!" Rose said, practically jumping in her seat.
We pulled into another abandoned warehouse and I began to wonder how Davis found these places. Obviously, this must be highly illegal by the way they switch places and have guards, but yet I don't feel like some criminal. This is something Rose loves and I love watching her do it.
"You ready?"
"So ready!" She yelled, before covering her mouth with wide eyes. "Sorry, I'm just really excited."
"Don't be sorry. I love it." I leaned forward kissing her soft lips tenderly. "Let's go win!" I raised my eyebrows at her, making her smile and nod.
We headed in, running into Carter outside the door.
"Twinkle Toes! Wasn't sure if we would be seeing you or not. Glad to know you chose to stay." He hugged her tightly.
"Careful not to kill me," she heaved as he squished her.
"Oh, my bad. I forget how delicate you are despite your badass fighting skills." He smiled. Carter seemed to have the warmest smile of all, only making him brighter. "Go on in, Twinkle Toes."
She headed in before me as Carter met my eyes. I knew he had something to tell me, but I wasn't sure if I was about to be scolded or just asked questions.
"She seems happy. Actually happy. Keep it up kid." He patted me on the back hard, making me take a step forward so I wouldn't fall.
I chased after Rose, feeling somehow accepted by Carter now. This was the family that I felt I needed to get the seal of approval. I already have Hailey's. Carter and Davis are the two I'm missing.
"Twinkle Toes!" Davis yelled from across the room. Somehow his voice could still be heard through the roaring crowd and bass filled music.
We met each other halfway, having Davis take Rose into another big hug. He was gentle though, and even though he held her tightly, he didn't squeeze her. He did lift her up though, just a few inches. When he put her down he patted her head like she was a small child.
"Gave you more of a challenge this time. You ready for it?" He asked her with his arms crossed and face now serious.
It was like he had two modes. One was his fatherly sweet side and the other was the serious ring leader or coach. It was crazy how quickly he could change between them.
"I'm always ready, Davey," she cooed, making his brow furrow. He obviously didn't like the nickname.
"I said no to that name." He reminded her, flicking her on the forehead. She rubbed it with a little pout, making me smile at her antics.
"Too bad." She stuck her tongue out at him.
"Go get ready, you little shit." He pointed behind him with his thumb and she skipped away. "You got your work cut out for you. She's going to give you hell."
"I look forward to it." I smiled as I watched her. She was already shaking off, stretching, and jumping on her feet.
God, this woman is everything!
She was paired with another girl, about the same size as her. The girl seemed to recognize Rose, smiling widely. That wasn't the usual reaction when someone saw her. It made me a bit nervous and I think Davis picked up on it cause he crossed his arms and smiled.
"That's Dora the bird. She's light on her feet like Twinkle Toes. I told her it would be a challenge. I hope she's ready."
I felt a bit nervous for a moment, but then I remembered my Rose has sharp thorns. She's going to be fine. She's going to win this fight like all her others.
"She's got this," I assured Davis, watching the ring closely.
"I am glad you think so." He patted my back hard, the same way Carter had. I think they're trying to bruise me. Maybe I should start bulking up too.
Freaking Viking Man.
Rose started dancing around the ring, but so did her opponent. They seemed maybe a little too well matched. Every punch and kick was blocked or avoided by both of them. I could see Rose thinking as she fought. She was planning her next move, calculating how best to beat this girl. Her eyes have always been very attentive, watching her opponents carefully. She always tries to find their weaknesses, they're weak points.
Rose took a step forward and Dora took a step back. I could see something click in Rose's head and I knew she had it now. She'd figured it out and Dora is about to get her ass handed to her. Rose took two quick steps forward causing Dora to retreat, but the speed caught her off guard and had her slamming into the cage of the ring. Rose punched her right in the stomach, jabbing her side twice.
The music playing changed to Lying From You by Linkin Park, that seemed to pump Rose up more. She backed away as Dora got back to her senses and aimed to punch Rose. She swung hard, but since Rose moved, her fist didn't make contact like she thought it would. Dora's footing failed, and she almost fell forward, having to take a step so she wouldn't faceplant. Rose used it to her advantage, punching Dora in the side again from behind. She then kneed Dora in the ass.
"Did she just corn dog her?" I asked Davis, laughing.
"I think she did," he answered with an amused smile. "It seems she's having fun."
Rose twirled around Dora avoiding more punches and kicks. Dora seemed to be off balance and tiring quickly while Rose stayed animated. She kicked Dora on the arms hard, causing Dora to take a step back. She was met with the cage at her back again. Rose started to pummel her, until the girl tapped out. Rose immediately stopped, holding her hand out to the girl to help her up. She helped carry Dora out, bloodied and bruised.
"You did great! Thank you for the challenge." I could hear Rose tell her.
She's too fucking perfect.
"I'll get better, and next time I'll win," Dora promised her.
"I look forward to the rematch." Rose genuinely smiled at her, letting me know she spoke only the truth.
"Dora, go get cleaned up. Good effort." Davis gestured towards the back for the girl to go. "Twinkle Toes, you got one more fight then it's the championship. This year we're joining with other underground fighting rings so it'll be bigger than before. Thought it would be nice to have a bigger range of fighters."
"That's cool! I can't wait." Rose jumped with excitement. Surprisingly, she didn't seem tired.
"I'm sure you can't. Go get your money, and I'll see you for your next fight. Glad you chose to stick around, Liv." He shook his hand in her hair. She pouted, grabbing his wrist and pulling his hand out of her hair.
"Quit, or you're going to give me a fro."
"You won't stop using that nickname so I won't stop petting your head." He laughed, doing it one more time, even with Rose fighting him. He out muscled her, so she couldn't hold him back. I smiled in amusement at the two. I was glad to know that Davis and she had a close relationship. I wish Davis was her dad, but maybe not. I think I'd be too scared if he were.
"Bye, Davey," Rose said, poking at him some more before grabbing my hand and running us off. We grabbed her money and headed out to the car. Carter gave her a high five as we passed him by, congratulating her on her victory.
"How do you want to celebrate?" I asked her as we pulled out of the lot.
"I have a few ideas," she said in a very suggestive tone, one that made my dick twitch in my pants.
"Don't tease me, Rose, because I'm always hungry for you."
"Good, because I am too." She leaned over to kiss my cheek. "Don't get distracted while you drive."
She said, as she lifted the sports bra she was wearing, exposing her breasts. She grabbed my free hand and placed it over her breast.
Fuck this is girl is going to be the death of me.