The Gloves are Off

Untitled Part 2

Vik POV:

Misty practically drags me out into the front room, wanting to introduce me to Jackie's new accomplices. Granted, I guess making nice is good for business, but I'm drained and just wanna relax with some good 'ole classic fights, maybe conk out early and catch some shut eye before heading home.

Contrary to popular belief, I do actually have a home outside the clinic, just spend too much time here is all. Too much work to be done, usually too tired to drive home, end up sleepin' here half the time.

I put on a smile though, knowin' Misty has my best interest in mind. After all, she was right about Jackie, kinda gotten used to have that guy around, startin' to like him even. These two might be the same deal, might grow to be family like he did – apparently, they already felt as close, so they must not be too bad.

Jackie had filled me in enough over the last few months to at least know their names, know they're both young women, know they both run merc gigs just as serious as he does – if not more so, according to his description of the older of the two.

I round the corner to ... quite a sight... my throat tightening, having to swallow thickly as my eyes trail up a beautiful, long set of legs sitting on my front counter, her back arched, hands stretched above her head as she lets out a sinfully sultry yawn.

FUCK. ME. I groan to myself, already feeling my heart lurch deep into my stomach.

She relaxes, sitting normal, her hands resting along the edge of the counter as she gives a warm, gorgeous smile.

FUCK.

Is this how things are gonna be now? She's young. TOO young.

Rather, I'm way too old to be thinkin' about her this way. She'd probably sooner try to knock me out than accept any advances I could possibly make.

Not worth the trouble.

Fiery young one like this wouldn't be into some old washed-up Ripper anyway.

Misty introduces them to me, but I already know their names, already know which one is which based on Jackie's descriptions, all his stories matching pretty perfect. Though he did leave out the crucial detail of how absolutely fuckin' drop dead gorgeous she is.

Maybe he didn't see it. To be fair, he did seem to only have eyes for Misty.

But damn, Jackie. You could've warned me.

I shake hands with the younger one first, V as she likes to go by, trying to compose myself a bit before having to face the older again – up close could be dangerous.

Somehow, I manage to keep a calm smile, hoping it reads as friendly more than uncomfortable as I shake her hand. She doesn't seem put off, so I must be doing well enough, keeping a level head so she doesn't get a bad vibe off me. Hate to send the wrong message here.

Her smile broadens, her lips drawing my attention more than I'd care to admit, my chest tightening and throat going dry instantly.

FUUuuUck.

I'm a goner. An absolute dead man.

I clear my throat and take a large step back, trying to put some space between me and her, shoving one hand in my pocket in embarrassment, the other still wearing my glove which I jerk a thumb back over my shoulder towards the office, "ever need any work done, come to me, yeah? Can't have you two walking around with half-baked implants, lotta shitty work getting done by these hotshot illegal clinics."

She chuckles, the sound like music to my ears. Goddamn... I'm not gonna fuckin' make it...

"We'll keep you in mind, for sure," she nods and hops down off the counter, those long legs not just for show, giving her a good height and sending an unfortunate blush prickling along my cheeks.

She seems to notice my necklace, Jackie said they know how to fight, maybe I could show her a few things sometime? Maybe she'd be into learning a few-

No.

NOPE.

Not safe thoughts. Don't even go there.

I feel a slight smirk tug at my lips, might read as cocky, but I'm honestly just trying to fuckin' snap myself outta whatever stroke I must be having, "good, I'll have to keep my ears open for you two, sure I'll be hearing and seeing a lot of you around here."

Don't have a clue how I got those words to come out right.

But I get lucky, delivery guy shows up, just in time, Misty bringing me a box of food, "here ya go, Vik."

I take the opportunity, running back to the safety of my office, tail between my legs, "ah, thanks, good to meet you two," I wave over my shoulder, hurrying to make my leave.

No such luck though.

Misty has none of it.

"Viktor! Don't even think about it!" She leans around the corner, "Viktor do not make me come back there, you need to be more social, those old boxing videos will still be there when everyone leaves."

I groan, shoulders slumping, reluctantly making my way back to the front. Each step feels heavier, my chest tightening further, heart throwing itself against my ribs like it wants to escape.

With a crooked grin, I somewhat sarcastically apologize, having been so close to safety only to be dragged back into the lion's den, "yeah, yeah, force of habit that's all, not tryin'a be rude."

To make matters worse, I somehow end up sitting right next to the woman of the hour... at an all too small table.

My jaw clenches as her leg grazes mine. I'm wearing pants, so I don't actually feel her skin, but the thought flushes my cheeks with heat – I can only hope no one notices.

I swallow thickly, needing to clear my throat as I attempt to make myself as small as possible.

She gives a short laugh, those lips turning up in a gentle grin my direction, "it's fine, Vik. You're a big guy at a small table, not gonna hold it against ya."

I smile back, allowing my leg to relax, even though it bumps against hers. She's right, it's not necessarily something I can avoid at the moment. But I won't admit how much I enjoy it, that's for damn sure.

Reaching for a napkin only adds to the issue, my arm grazing against hers.

FUCK why do we even have this goddamn tiny ass table???

I'm ordering a new one TONIGHT.

Though, as I glance over to apologize again, her coy grin makes me reconsider.

Maybe this table isn't so bad after all.