Cross My Heart (18+)

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"How do I know you will not hurt me?" I questioned, still standing in the corner of the room. I had counted, there was eleven men in total. Eleven totally ripped, mountain-tall men that could snap my body in half with just their index and middle fingers. I stood absolutely no chance.

I don't consider myself a damsel, either. I had come from little to no money, working from a young age — ever since the government collapsed. I finished high school at thirteen years old so I could work full time, too. Not to spit on my own metaphorical dick, but I had done fairly well considering the circumstances.

"Because, Lux, we need you. We have done extensive research on you. It says here that you have escaped the Italian Mafia three times before. Is thay true?" The man pulled a packet of papers out, flipping through them. My eyes widened. How could they know so much about me? "Oh wow, you've even killed before. It's quite off-putting, you know. You appear so innocent and delicate, but you're just a killer." Be cackled to himself, causing the group of men to chuckle with him. I felt my face heat up, feeling as if I were on fire.

"I'm not a killer," I raised my voice. "I had to protect myself." I lifted my gun again, only to see the man hold his hands up in surrender. "Whatever you say. But, more importantly, aside from the fact that you are so quick on your feet, it says here that you've helped in your local hospital when all other health-care providers had fled the state. Is that true?" He questioned, raising a brow.

"My mother was a doctor, she taught me the basics." I murmured. He made a "hmph" noise, nodding, before whispering to the taller man standing beside him. "Well, we can't let you go. Either you stay here and learn to do your job, or you get a bullet through that pretty little face of yours," He stepped closer, pushing my hands down forcefully so that the gun wasn't pointed at him anymore. "Right... here." He presses his index finger to the spot between my brows, making me shudder. I stepped back, feeling vomit rise in my throat from the feeling of his filthy touch on my skin.

I bit my tongue, something I don't do quite often — and nodded. My fight or flight had kicked in. I knew if I didn't comply, there was be intense consequences.

"Perfect, so Axel here will show you around. Then, you'll watch a true fight, and see what you're in for. The other healers will assist you. Your income will be $500 a week. Is thay suitable for your living condition?" He questioned. My eyes widened at the number. For some, it may not be a lot — however, that was more money than what my mother and I made combined when we were living together. Before I could force myself to say yes, he began speaking again. "Axel, take her to the ring."

I stared blankly at the man for a moment, before feeling his fingers wrapped around my bicep. I pulled away immediately. "I will go with you, but let's get one thing straight. You never put your hands on me." I hissed at him. Axel's face had rage written all over it, but before he was going to yank me, the main guy stopped him.

"Axel, comply with the lady. She does not need to be touched." He said, raising his brows. Axel only grunted in response, saying "Yes, Mr. Sanchez," before motioning for me to follow him. I walked a few feet behind him as I was lead down numerous staircases. No words were spoken between Axel and I. Mr. Sanchez followed behind me, also staying silent.

After walking for a few minutes, Axel opened a large steel door after unlocking it. I scanned the huge room, seeing as it was more like an arena.

There was a large fighting ring in the middle, with rows of seats — just like a typical theatre. Except, people were watching something much more gruesome. There was a score board above the ring that was currently not lit up. After a few minutes of holding my gun in my hoodie pocket to ensure safety, I slipped it back into my bag when no one was looking. My head snapped towards the sound of yells and clapping that came from above.

"Ms. Valentina, a fight will be starting here soon in about ten minutes. You need to stay with Axel in the back room. When it starts, you will watch. Maybe you'll enjoy it." He smiled, clapping his hands together. I wanted to vomit. How could people find entertainment from such violence?

Without another word, Mr. Sanchez walked away. Within minutes, people were streaming in through the doors, all with smiling and happy faces. Axel looked at me, nodding his head in the direction of the back room. I followed him, keeping my head down as I winced at the loud clamor of the hundreds of people yelling and laughing.

I sat in a small, all-white room with Axel. No words were shared between us, and the only sound was the tap of my boots against the ground. I knew it was bothering him by the way he sent me death glares from across the room. I tried to not look him in the face, knowing fully well that he was staring at me in the most analytical way. To say I was uncomfortable was an understatement, especially because he was such an intimidating man.

"Be still," The man finally spoke, his voice gravely and rough. I placed my hand on my leg, trying to get it to stop moving. I swallowed sharply, running a hand through my hair. A few more minutes had passed, until suddenly, a loud bell went out. People's cheers were now louder than ever. Axel's head snapped up as he looked towards the door.

"Now, you follow me. Do not leave my side." He spoke with a stern voice. I nodded, probably looking like a frail puppy in seek of shelter. As he opened the door, the cheers only became more apparent. I was led over to a chair where multiple other men and women sat, their eyes blank. I sat down, Axel still beside me.

The cheers amplified impossibly more as a man walked onto the stage. His skin was dark, and he had neatly done cornrows. He was absolutely massive, but undeniably beautiful. His muscles were carved, and he wore tape covering his knuckles. His back and abdomen were covered in scars. He flashed a pearly, toothy- grinned smile, his face showing up on a large screen so the audience could view him better. He waved before cracking his knuckles and neck, making me scoff quietly. How macho could these men possibly be?

"He's coming." I heard a woman beside me whisper. Before I could ask Axel who "he" was, my mouth fell agape at the man who was walking into the ring.

He had to be at least six foot eight, maybe even six foot nine. His body was broad and seemingly carefully sculpted by a Greek god himself. He had some facial hair, and his eyes were the lightest grey I had ever seen. Although the other man in the ring was tall and muscular, he was no match to him. His long hair was pulled back into a small bun, and his face had rage written all over it. The cameras pointed at his face, but, unlike the other man, he did not smile and wave. The scars on his face and chest only made him more intimidating. I wanted to slap myself for thinking of him as so beautiful and enticing — considering the fact that he was a monster.

A monster that my eyes could not peel away from.