Out Of The Shadows And Into The Spotlight

Chapter 1

Lauren POV

Sweat. Blood. That's all I could see. Screaming came from the stands. Yet no one screamed my name, even though I was going to win.

The crowd was rowdy, everyone was ready for the ending. The lights were on me and my opponent, no one else.

Fucking animals, watching an illegal fight for entertainment. Betting on one of us to hopefully die.

My breath was ragged. I felt the upcoming bruises on my body. This was nothing new, I've grown up fighting for a win.

She swung, connecting her fist with my stomach. I hunched over and used my position to tackle her down and go into an arm bar.

She kicked, squirmed, did anything she possibly could to get away. The ref fell to the ground and started counting.

"1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! 7! 8! 9!-"

Fuck.

She broke free, pushing me into the fence wall. Her eyes were filled with fury, and her face was covered in blood. Mine and hers.

She stood up again, acting as if she was a worthy opponent yet she was nothing compared to me. Her stance was horrible and she had no coordination to her punches. The only thing she had was strength.

How the hell is she undefeated?

"Finish her, Laur!" A deep, accented voice howled. Zayn, my trainer.

I took his advice and threw one last punch, knocking the girl on her ass. I felt something sharp cut my knuckles, and when I looked down I saw the teeth by her head. The gym went silent as the ref grabbed my forearm and lifted it into the air.

Plot twist, bitches.

"Jauregui for the win!"

...

My eyes flew open, swear drenched my t-shirt. Pain flared through my body as I shot up.

"Dammit!" I yelped. The pain made me lay back down, no way this would go unnoticed by Chris or Taylor. They were always watching me closely, knowing what I do is dangerous.

"Lauren! Time to wake up!" A voice shouted, just outside my door.

Taylor.

The doorknob slowly turned and I quickly jumped out of my bed, ignoring the pain that shot throughout my body. Just as she walked in I made it into the bathroom that was connected to my room. I was out of breath, which was insane considering what I do.

There was a small huff before I heard my bedroom door close.

That was close.

I had to hide my bruises and cuts so her or Chris wouldn't make me get an actual job, even though no one would hire me. Everyone in Miami knew I was dangerous and deadly. Everyone but her.

She had left when we were young. And know she's big and famous while I'm fighting for money.

"Lauren! Get your ass ready for school!" His voice boomed. I cringed, knowing he was drunk. Him being drunk this early was never a good sign.

Why does he do this to us? Why did mom have to leave?

...

Chris and Taylor had decided to take the bus today, seeing as I would make them late. It wasn't my fault, I had to deal with our drunk father and his cheap whore.

I closed my eyes, trying to rid the memory of him coming at me. It wasn't new, but Chris and Taylor were watching. I hated them to see our father drunk and mad, not to mention hitting his eldest daughter.

Just relax, Nic. He's out cold in the bathroom.

It took me a minute before I was fully relaxed and once I was I started getting dressed. I put on my white ripped joggers, my black Vans Anti-Hero shirt, black slip on Vans and lastly my leather jacket. It was my signature look; the bad girl with attitude style.

Before I left the bathroom I put on deodorant and smiled, satisfied with my look. As I made my way downstairs I grabbed my backpack and keys to my Harley. It was my mother's.

Don't think about her, Nic. It'll only hurt worse.