Strike (Sphere of Irony 2)

Half of the large crowd boos and the other half cheers excitedly. We’re jostled about as the punters scramble to get a drink or put in their final wagers. We get more than our share of lewd stares from pervy blokes who are much too old to be looking. Even I have to admit, Tash and I stick out in this club like a nun in a brothel. Especially with our tight clothing and Tasha’s liberal use of makeup.

“Now, in the red corner, weighing in at two hundred and one pounds—our own Dax Daaaaavies!”

“Oh my god! It’s starting!” Tasha is so excited she’s practically pulling me to the ground.

“Shhhhh, Tasha, I can’t hear.” I wave her off, annoyed at her for distracting me.

“Kate, it’s loud as hell in here. Me talking isn’t going to change whether or not you can hear. You just don’t want me interrupting your ogling.”

“Whatever,” I snap, knowing she’s exactly right.

The referee finishes up describing the rules and sounds the bell, starting the fight.

Dax and his opponent circle each other slowly. I can’t take my eyes off of Dax, his body arching and gliding like a lethal jungle cat. Even from several rows back, I can see the primal instincts glinting in his dark eyes as he watches his enemy. Without warning, Noah strikes out, two quick punches that Dax deflects easily.

They continue this dance for a while, Noah advancing, Dax rebuffing. I’m beginning to wonder when the actual fighting will start when it happens. In the blink of an eye, Dax lets loose a series of jabs, knocking his opponent back.

Once the man is pressed into the chain links of the cage, Dax pounces—striking Noah over and over with his fists, raining them down all over the man’s head and torso. Somehow, Noah regroups and is able to push Dax off right as the bell sounds.

Oh. My. God.

Now I see what Tasha meant about watching two men fight being a turn on. My skin is tingling with heated desire and a knot of pleasure begins swirling low in my body, begging to be let loose. A big blonde bloke that looks exactly like the one who let us in the front door wipes d

own Dax’s face and squirts some water in his mouth. Dax nods as the man speaks in his ear. Before I know it, the bell sounds again and the men are back on their feet.

The crowd is clamoring for more, their shouts and whistles so loud I can’t hear anything else. But I’m so entranced by Dax’s smooth, sweaty skin, my eyes taking in every single bare inch, that I don’t notice the noise. I don’t notice anything, actually, until Dax’s opponent is on the floor and the announcer holds up Dax’s hand in victory.

“Winner, by knockout, the new light heavyweight champion of the London Underground fighting circuit, Dax Daaaaavies!”

Tasha grabs my arm. “Did you see that, Kate? That was incredible!”

I blink rapidly, not understanding what just happened. “No. What?”

Her eyebrows pinch together. “Dax just pummeled that guy to the mat. You didn’t see it? How could you not?”

Certainly, I’m blushing again. Or I would be if my skin weren’t already flushed from staring at a half-naked Dax and his gorgeous muscles.

“Oh, I see,” Tasha smirks. “Too busy getting an eyeful of Mr. Davies’ arse to watch the action.”

I huff in protest. “No. I was watching the action. I just didn’t comprehend what was going on.”

“Mmmmm-hmmm. Riiiight, Kate.”

“Whatever, Tash. Don’t be cheeky.” I huff, feigning annoyance. She’s right… I was watching Dax. He was stunning up there, like a sculpture come to life. His body was fluid and graceful, even as he used it to execute an extreme level of controlled violence.

“Oi! You aren’t supposed to be here!”

Startled, Tasha and I whirl around to see Mr. Big and Creepy, the bloke from the front door, storming over to us with a daunting scowl on his face. The punters in the crowd dispersed immediately after the fight, either to collect their winnings or go home as losers, so our safety in numbers has been blown.

“What do we do?” I whisper to Tasha.

“Leave it to me.” Tasha grins at the angry man, projecting complete confidence. “Where do you want us?” She flutters her eyelashes ridiculously.

Jeez, she really does want to walk on the wild side.

“After the fight, you’re supposed to be in the back room with my brother.” He hooks a thumb over his shoulder, indicating a lone door on one side of the large open space.

So he is Dax’s brother. That explains the matching glacial expressions.