Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

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Simon had his arm wrapped around Tabby’s shoulders, and he pulled her in close, kissing her head as they paid their admission to the club.

He wanted to hit something.

I’ve been lied to my whole life.

People were screaming, laughing, cheering. He looked up toward the stadium and there was a bloodbath going on.

“You’re telling me these are all kids? Students?” he asked.

“We have college guys as well. It’s a variety. I figured you’d like that,” Tabitha said.

“And you’ve all fought here?” Simon asked.

“Hell, yeah, it’s what we do,” Miles said. “You want to make a name for yourself and not get beaten up in school, this is the place to come to.”

“And you’ve all been here?”

“Apart from Daisy,” Rachel said.

“Daisy doesn’t fight,” Tabby said.

“Why?”

His girl slammed her lips on his, kissing him deeply. Running a hand down her back, he cupped her ass and bit her lip. She chuckled. “She just doesn’t, so drop it.”

“Dude, stop smacking on my sister, it’s gross. I’m wishing you’d gone back home or something.”

Daisy laughed.

“Fuck you.”

“What are you going to do?” Daisy asked. “Are you going to stick around here forever?”

“I hadn’t decided. You think Lash is going to send me back home?”

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Tabby said.

“I don’t care, to be honest. For now, I’m thinking of enrolling in your school. If I can show that I’m willing to not cause trouble, he might let me stay.”

“And that’s what you want to do?” Tabby asked.

“For now, yeah. I can’t go back there. Not yet. I’m too fucking confused.”

“But you’re going to go back there?” Daisy asked.

“Why does it matter?” He glared at his girl’s best friend.

“No reason.”

“Well, well, look what hell spat back out,” Miles said.

Tabby tensed up and turned, so they all stood in a cluster. He glanced over to see two guys he recognized. They were both wearing leather jackets.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Ask Daniella how her nose is for me,” Tabby said. “And next time, tell her I’ll make sure no doctor can repair her face.”

“You’re a fucking slut, you are,” the one on the leader’s right said.

“Who the fuck are you talking to?” Simon asked, stepping in front of his girl. No one talked to his girl like that and got away with it. Tabby gripped his arm.

“You heard me. I can see why you like her. She’s got a big enough mouth and I bet she doesn’t even have a gag reflex. That’s what all Skull girls are for, getting their face fucked sucking cock.”

He slammed his fist into the guy’s face, and grabbed him again, hitting him. He didn’t stop until he was suddenly restrained and pulled off. Anthony had a hold of him, and fuck, he was strong. No words were spoken and he glanced behind him. Anthony looked bored. Everything had gone blank in those few seconds of attack. Simon’s heart raced. His blood pumped. He wanted to do more destruction.

“In the ring, now,” the man who’d rushed over said. “I don’t give a fuck if you were fighting in the ring.”

He was taken from Anthony and marched over toward the stadium. Thrown inside, he stood up. Tabby rushed to the edge and patted the concrete floor. He smiled down at her.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“I need to do this. No one talks to my girl like she’s a piece of shit.”

“Si, it’s the Dogs. That was Ryan. He’s always talking to me that way. Believe me, I don’t care.”

He crouched down. “You scared?”

“No, I know you’re a vicious motherfucker when you fight, but I also know you’ve got some serious problems right now. You’re angry.”

“Damn right, I’m angry.”

“Not about this. You’re angry about what your parents have done.”

“Don’t go there, Tabby.”

“I will go there. It’s what we promised each other. We will go there. We’ll talk about it. Deal with it.”

“I’m going to fight this prick.”

“Si, you started that fight out there. Ryan may not even enter the fucking fight.”

He shrugged. “I’ll get to fight someone.” He gripped the back of her neck and kissed her hard. “Love you. Are you rooting for me?”

She rolled her eyes. “As if I’d root for anyone else. Don’t die on me, asshole.”

“Not going to. We’ve got a wedding to be alive for. Do you still have the bouquet from Natalie’s wedding?”

“You remember that?” she asked.

“It’s a day I won’t ever forget.” He winked at her. “It was the fates’ way of telling us both we’re getting married.”

“It’s time to throw the bouquet,” Lexie said.

“We’re still doing that?” Natalie asked.

“Yes, of course. There’s single women here too, and it’s a lot of fun.”

“Two seconds,” she said, kissing Simon on the lips. She’d run onto the floor as she’d been keeping a close eye on Natalie all day. The flowers were so beautiful and Simon had already proposed to her. If she caught the bouquet, their parents couldn’t argue about it. Natalie turned her back to the group and threw the bouquet over her head. Tabitha watched and moved into position as it flew right into her arms. Simon fist-pumped and rushed toward her.