He leans over the display and runs a hand through his dark curls. “Are you sure you don’t want a ride? I’m about done here.”
“Nope. I walked because I wanted fresh air and a little alone time. If you give me a ride that will defeat the whole purpose. Plus, I don’t want to listen to your horny panting as you secretly check out my tits. I’m good.”
“Alright, but you’re missing out.” His eyes scan me up and down before he looks back down at whatever it is he’s doing and shrugs. “Just double checking.”
“You mean triple checking, Styles?” I quip. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
Before he has a chance to speak I rush out the door to escape any more failed attempts from Styles at trying to pick me up. A smile crosses my face as the cool air hits me, reminding me that I’m free for the night. It feels nice and refreshing, making me glad that I chose tonight of all nights to walk. Mine and Bailey’s house is only about a thirty minute walk, so it doesn’t hurt to get a little exercise once in a while when I don’t have time to hit the gym, which I haven’t in about a month.
I’ve been walking for a good twenty minutes, lost in thought, when I realize that I’ve turned down a dead end street. I thought it would be a short cut, but yeah, no.
I stop and get ready to turn around, but decide against it when I hear what sounds like a bunch of people cheering on a fight.
It sounds as if it’s coming from the alley at the end of the block, and of course, instead of going the opposite way I get drawn to the rush and decide to check it out.
Walking in the direction of the sound, I make my way toward the screaming quickly, kicking up dust as I hit the dirt road. My adrenaline is pumping with curiosity now, giving me no choice but to at least get a glimpse.
Once I get to the hidden spot I see a crowd of at least fifty or more people and I was right—they’re cheering on a fight that is taking place. The scene makes me think about something I’ve been working hard to forget, but for some reason I still find myself curious and keep moving closer. I have to be stupid for wandering into an unknown crowd of people late at night, but I can’t seem to care.
Soon I find myself getting lost in the crowd, my eyes glued to the two men at the center, mauling each other like fucking animals. They’re both bloody and out of breath, but still going at it as if their lives depend on it. It’s nothing I’ve never seen before, but I can’t seem to pull my eyes away. I’m intrigued, or maybe I’m just out of it tonight. That could be it too.
Sweaty bodies bump into me, screaming in my ear and throwing elbows and fists, egging the fighters on as I just stand here in a trance. After some piss drunk guy that weighs a ton steps on my foot and falls into me, I decide that it’s time to go. I’ve dealt with enough sweaty men for the day and after my ten-hour shift all this screaming has my head about to burst.
Pulling my eyes away, I push my way through the crowd and am just about to break free when someone grabs my arm and pulls me back in. I can’t make out what is going on or even who has me; all I know is that I’m about to throat punch someone if they don’t let go of me.
“Do you mind, asshole?” I pull my arm free as I scream, but get pulled back in as if they’re trying to get me lost in the crowd with them. This only pisses me off more. I hate being handled as if I’m a weak fucking girl that can’t take care of herself, because I’m not.
The guy holding me pumps his fist above my head and screams, “Go, Mark! I have your prize right here if you win,” he says with a slight slur while pulling me against his body.
“The hell you do.” I elbow the guy in the stomach and pull free as he grunts in surprise. I push his shoulder so he’ll look up at me. His dark eyes meet mine as he lets out a small cough. He looks as if he feels like an idiot for what he did and he should. “Put your hands on me again and next time I will rip your fucking dick off.”
He raises his hands up in surrender and takes a few steps back. “Whoa. My bad, babe. I was just having a little fun and trying to motivate my friend up there. He’s losing his ass off. You should take that as a compliment.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head, annoyed that he thinks his explanation makes it okay to just grab a random girl and offer her to his friend. “You’re an idiot . . .”
“Trevor,” he says with a smile. “But you can call me anything you want, babe.”
I give him a dirty look while looking him up and down. He looks young, about my age, maybe twenty-three or so. He has blonde, curly hair and is well built. I have to admit—he’s not a bad looking guy; just a stupid one and I don’t do stupid, not anymore.