Perfect Ruin

16. Execution

 Tonight is the night of the finals. The night that everyone in town has been talking about—the fight of the decade.

Jax versus Kayden. Deadbeat versus Killer.

To me, it's no competition. To me, Jax is the clear winner. He's been training hard for years. I've seen his determination—it roars inside of him. Fuels his mind and his body. Drives his punches and swings. It won't and never burn away. It has become him and it will stay that way until he no longer breathes.

That's why I love him. No man can ever compare to him. I don't care how fucked up he is. He's my Deadbeat.

If he says he doesn't have a soul, then so be it. I'll live for the both of us. I have been for the past two years. And I won't stop now.

The warehouse thrums in shared excitement—bets are being shouted from all four corners, bookies busying themselves with the cash and spectators push forward in a desperate attempt to get a good view of the ring. I have the best one. I stand with Braydon, Beth and Trevor in an elevated platform. It's perfect for us to see all the action unfold.

"This is so exciting." Braydon nudges my shoulder. She jumps on the balls of her heels and claps enthusiastically, a beaming smile gracing her lips. "I've got a thousand dollars on Jax tonight."

I shake my head and snort. "You're crazy, Bray."

"What? You don't think he'll win?"

"Oh, I know he'll win."

"Good. Because if he doesn't, Trev's gonna have to pay for my college fees."

"Me?" Trevor says, scoffing. "You're on your own, babe."

"Come on, babe," Braydon whines. "You said I was your everything."

"Unless you're broke."

Braydon turns to me and fake sighs. "Isn't it romantic? I have the best boyfriend ever."

"Yeah, that's right, baby. I am and you know it," Trevor says and grabs Braydon to crush his lips against hers. When he lets go of her, she stumbles backwards, her eyes widened, clearly unaware that he was going to do that. Then, she shrugs and leans forward to kiss him again.

While Trevor and Braydon make out, I realize that I should go find Jax and maybe do the same thing. After all, it's the night he's been anticipating for months now. He deserves a kiss or two as a way of me saying good luck.

I quickly mutter to them that I was going to see Jax—even though I know they probably didn't hear me—and slip into the crowd, weaving my way through and heading towards the back hallway where the fighters are getting ready.

After the bouncer lets me through, I start to make my way down the hallway. Just as I'm turning the corner, my arm accidentally brushes against another man's. It's too dark in here so I can't see much of the guy's face—I can only make out several features of his like his dark hair and grey eyes. My eyes dart all the way down to his body, his huge arms to his ripped abdomen and the tattoos that cover most of his chest. A red robe drapes over his body, accentuating his body figure and black pants hang dangerously low from his hips. It suddenly clicks—I know who this man is.

Kayden.

Jax's arch-nemesis.

Kayden jerks away from me as if I was made of fire and he scowls... no, he smiles at me? Yeah no. He's definitely scowling.

Damn, this man has the deepest scowl I have ever seen. So deep that Adele would probably be rolling in it.

"Watch where you're going, girl. You won't be so lucky next time," Kayden hisses.