We’re all seated in the front row, waiting for Amias to come out and get in the ring. I’m worried because I could see how nervous he was, and he isn’t usually like that before a fight. Not to the extent he was earlier anyway.
“I’ll be back in a sec, I need to go make sure he’s okay,” I say as I stand up. They try and talk me out of it but I won’t be stopped, I won’t be able to switch off if I don’t see for myself that he really is okay.
I check that the coast is clear before entering his changing room and a warm buzz fills me as I take him in. In nothing but a lightweight dressing gown and knee length shorts, he’s making my mouth dry.
“What are you doing in here?” he asks as he comes over to me.
I won’t give myself time to think it through as I lean up and kiss him, gently at first until he takes control and it becomes hard and bruising.
When he pulls away, I feel flushed and he has this hungry look in his eyes that makes my stomach somersault.
“I wanted to make sure you’re okay and wish you luck.” I’m breathless and stammering a little, but it doesn’t stop me from smiling up at him and lean a little closer.
“You’ll be in the audience little cub, everyone knows you’re my good luck charm. And stop worrying, I’m fine. Harrison is an incredible boxer and it’s intimidating, but I’m confident I can get the better of him. Now get back to your seat,” he says as he slaps me on my ass, making me moan in surprise.
“You cheeky sod, just you wait until I get you back for that.” I wink at him and I think I’m flushing all over, but I’m beyond caring right now.
“Promises, promises,” he replies with a wink of his own and one last breath stealing kiss before I return to my seat with a huge smile on my face.
The worry is still eating away at me, but I believe in him and I know he can do this.
I sit down between the guys and we wait as Amias and Harrison are announced, they’re not allowed to fight dirty so nothing will go wrong, right?
It starts off fine, Amias takes a few hard blows to the face and abdomen and even though I know he’s hitting Harrison hard, it doesn't seem to be having much of an effect. I’m holding both Elijah’s and Noah’s hands, and I’m holding on like they’re my lifeline.
“It’ll be okay,” Noah whispers as he kisses my temple and returns his attention to the fight.
They’re starting to tire as it hits the twenty-minute mark and Amias will definitely walk away with a broken nose. He pulls his arm back before sending his full weight into it and everything stops, before playing out in slow motion.
Harrison turns his head at the last minute, as Amias sends his fist into the back of his temple and he’s falling to the ground like a sack of spuds. Everyone is cheering as the ref counts it and Amias is announced as the winner, but Harrison still isn’t moving.
Amias is the first one out of the ring, right as the nurses enter the and the standby paramedics are soon following. Amias looks terrified, I have no idea what is happening, but I won’t leave him to deal with this by himself. It isn’t long before I’m standing beside him, holding him as he shakes.
Harrison isn’t responding, his pupils don’t even react as they peel back his eyelids and shine a torch. It’s not long before he’s being lifted up and out of the ring and carted away into an air ambulance. Amias’ victory is turning into a nightmare and we have no idea how this will play out.
It’s midnight and we haven’t heard any news, other than Harrison is in a stable yet critical condition. Amias is a wreck and I refuse to leave him, the staff tried to make me but when they saw what that was doing to him, they relented. They can jog right on, I’ll stay for as long as he needs me.
The guys have popped their heads in, but he doesn’t want to see anyone else, so instead I’m sitting on his bed. My back is leaning against the headboard and his head is in my lap with his arms wrapped around my stomach. I really hope nothing happens to Harrison, there’s no way Amias could deal with that. I’m struggling with my own demons and my victim is still alive, even if forever changed.
“Do you want me to get you something to eat or drink?” I ask softly, running my fingers through his hair. Every now and then it makes him sighs.
“No, just stay like this with me, please cub. I just need you.”
“I’m not going anywhere, I promise,” I say as he squeezes me tighter and I hear him softly say ‘mine’. I am, but not fully.
I think I may be falling hard for him, for all of them but can you really love more than one guy? I mean, Elijah’s mum does, and now more than ever I really need to speak to her. And despite everything, I hope Harrison will be okay. Not just for him but for Amias’ conscience as well, he’s too good to have a death on his shoulders for the rest of his life.
I must have drifted off; my neck is stiff, and my arse is definitely numb. I’m looking down at Amias who still has his head on my lap. He called me his good luck charm, please let that be true.
“Henleigh.” He lifts his head up slightly to look into my eyes just as there’s a knock at the door.
His face is so pale I swear he’s a ghost and h
e’s shaking, so I get up and answer the door for him. Please be good news, please be good news.
“Miss Monterey, I need to speak to Mr. Sallow Can you give us a moment please?” Mrs. Hutchinson may pose it as a question but really, she’s telling me to piss off.
“I want her to stay.” That’s all I need to hear, so I return to his side and wrap my arm around him.