CHAPTER 59
Falling Hard
ARIENNE CALLOWAY
I shook out my arms as I stepped back to my corner. My leg throbbed, but I kept my weight evenly distributed, refusing to favor it. That would be a dead giveaway.
Across from me, Kade pushed himself up, rolling his shoulders, the irritation in his eyes now turning into something sharperâmore dangerous.
I had humiliated him in the first round. He wouldn't let that slide.
The bell rang for Round Two.
Kade didn't waste time.
He rushed me, faster than before, his movements aggressive and reckless. But this time, I wasn't quick enough to dodge.
Pain exploded in my ribs as his fist slammed into my side, knocking the air from my lungs.
I stumbled back, but he didn't give me a second to recover. A brutal kick to my gut sent me crashing against the ropes, my ankle twisting painfully as I tried to catch myself.
The audience went wild.
I barely had time to register the pain before his fist snapped forward again. I jerked my head to the side just in time, but his knuckles still grazed my cheek.
I tried to counter, throwing a punch at his side, but he caught my wrist midair. Before I could react, his other hand slammed into my stomach.
Fuck.
I doubled over, gasping.
He wasn't holding back anymore.
The crowd's cheers blurred as I tried to steady myself, but my balance was already shot.
Thenâ
Another hit. This time to my jaw.
I bit down on my cheek hard to keep from making a sound, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth.
The impact sent me stumbling. My knee hit the mat, but I forced myself to push back up before the ref could start counting.
I wiped my mouth quickly, keeping my head slightly lowered to make sure no one could see the blood on my lips.
I had to last.
Just a little longer.
Kade smirked, stepping closer. "Not so tough now, huh?"
I didn't respond. I just braced myself.
Because if I didn't figure something outâ
I was going to lose.
The bell rang.
Round Two: WinnerâKade.
The stadium erupted.