Love, Lies, & Crime: Anthology

by Kimberly Blalock

  Rushing toward him, my fists fly hard into his chest, and he swings but I duck just in time. Dropping to the floor, I kick my right leg into his knee, forcing Steele to fall, but he grabs hold of my foot and drags me down with him.

  The roars of the crowd echo in my mind as my back crashes onto the floor. I hear Rob’s screams from a distance and catch sight of Victor from the corner of my eye. He’s standing patiently, still studying my reactions.

  My face hardens as I glance at him, imagining Victor’s voice. Get up. Use your speed.

  Before I can stand up, a heavy weight slams into my body and the force of pounding punches slams into my face. Hits continue to pound as blood spills down my nose and I feel the bones of my nose crack underneath his fists.

  As I’m getting my ass handed to me, a deep growl cries over me, “What, that’s it? Not even a couple minutes?”

  His obnoxious cockiness pisses me off, making my blood’s temperature rise. I feel the anger start to seep inside just as Victor’s voice echoes in my mind. Control the emotion. Overcome the anger.

  Well…you know what? Fuck that.

  Just as another punch is about to land on me, I move my head and grab his, twisting and slamming him into the floor. A deep growl escapes me as I pick him up by the leg and launch his body across the ring.

  The crowd erupts in the stands and the ref rushes to my opponent, checking for injuries. Standing there, sweat and blood spill down my face. My chest heaves up and down as I desperately try to catch a breath, but all I focus on is my target.

  He’s fuckin done for.

  Refusing the ref’s help, Steele stands up, gaining his composure. He squares his shoulders and dashes toward me.

  Adrenaline floods through me as I race toward him and lift my body upside down into the air. Twisting my core into a 540 spin kick, my foot lands hard on his face. Landing in a solid stance, I spin to look behind me and see him fall onto the ground, unconscious. Knocked. Out. Cold.

  The bell rings as the ref rushes to my opponent to jar him awake. Stunned, I look around and see the crowd jumping on their feet and cheering as they say my name.

  Bright flashes from photographers’ cameras blind my vision, causing me to squint. The taste of my blood triggers me to find Victor and Rob, but I’m immediately swarmed by reporters, all shouting a million fuckin questions at me, all blending into a jumbled mess. “How does it feel? What’s your strategy? Do you have anything to say to Steele? Who’s your trainer? What’s your next step?”

  A white towel comes into view just as I see Victor and Rob on my right. Walking away from the reporters and photographers, I hug Rob as Victor pats my back.

  Rob yells over the noise of the crowd, “Fuck yeah! You kicked his ass! That was less than two minutes!”

  Dabbing the towel to my bloodied face, I’m shocked. “What! It felt longer than that.”

  “No! At first, I thought you were gonna lose, but shit dude—outta nowhere you just killed it!”

  Cleaning my face, I shrug. “He was pissing me off.” I quickly peek over at Victor, who remains silent.

  Another bum-rush of reporters crashes into us, blaring more questions. A recouped Steele walks over to me, holding out his hand. I nod and shake his just as the cameras flash. He walks off and retreats toward his locker room. Victor and Rob motion for me to follow, but I hesitate. The crowd of people cheering my name fills me with excitement and pride.

  This is for me, all this.

  Stepping into the center of the ring, I raise both arms above my head and yell out, “Yeah!”

  The crowd roars back and I rejoice in the revels of the fans. Waving once more for them, I retreat and follow Rob and Victor to the locker room. Entering the room, I can’t help but jump and yell out some more.

  “Whooo! That feels fuckin awesome!”

  Rob agrees, “In a matter of seconds, you exploded and erupted like a volcano! We need to celebrate. Shit, we’re in Miami! Let’s hit it up!”

  Shaking my head, I wash my face and flinch as the pain from my nose tingles. It’ll fix itself. Victor remains quiet as I put on my sweats and hoodie. Grabbing my duffel bag, the three of us head out of the locker room and drive to our hotel. Time to celebrate.

  The blaring sound of the hotel room phone buzzes throughout the room. My eyes shoot open, startled by the ringing noise. Groaning and ignoring the phone, I roll over, careful not to crush the naked brunette next to me. Stretching my arms across her, I stroke the hair of a sexy blonde at the edge of the bed.

  When Rob said let’s celebrate, that’s what we fuckin did. I lift my head to look at the bed across from me and see it’s empty. Rumpled sheets indicate it had a sleeper so I glance around, looking for Rob. At that moment, I hear a girl moaning from the bathroom and smirk as Rob gets his.

  I snuggle closer to my two girls just as that fuckin phone rings again. “Ugh!”

  Rolling over, I glance at the clock and answer the phone, “Yeah?”

  A cheerfully preppy voice speaks from the other end. “Good morning Mr. Monroe. This is your wakeup call.”

  Annoyed with her shrieking voice, I say gruffly, “I didn’t ask for a wakeup call.”

  “Oh, I apologize sir. We received a request from Mr. Victor Espinosa for a wakeup call.”

  Dammit Victor.

  I huff, “Yeah, thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, sir. The complimentary breakfast is being served until nine o’clock. Be sure to come down and grab a bite.”

  “Sure.” I hang up the phone and retreat into my bed. The blonde opens her eyes slowly and offers me a smile. She nudges her girlfriend awake and the three of us continue where we left off last night.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Taylor

  IT’S BEEN WILD THE past few months. I never expected things to change, but they did. People at the gym haven’t stopped congratulating me on my success. I haven’t lost a fight in two months; that’s twelve wins. It’s not stardom or anything close to that, but it’s a damn good feeling.

  Victor’s training has me in the gym at least six hours a day. From basic skills to deep martial arts core, each session strengthens each skill and builds my muscles. He hasn’t been as easily impressed as everyone else; I can only guess it’s my temper.

  The last fight in Brooklyn was insane. I ended up breaking a couple ribs but the other guy ended up with a concussion. I remember Rob yelling at me from across the cage. He kept screaming and cheering my name.

  Hopping out of the shower, I hear my cell phone chime and look to see a new text message from Rob.

  Rob: Turn on ESPN right now!!!!!!

  Taylor: Why?

  Rob: Just DO IT!!!

  Letting out a groan, I step out of the bathroom to grab the TV remote on my bedroom dresser. Pressing the channel button, I glance at the screen and see the sports reporter discussing previous MMA fights. Sitting on the bed, I raise the volume and listen to the report.

  “It’s been a great season so far for the underground mixed martial arts enthusiasts out there. The past champion for the featherweight class, Max Steele has lost his top spot after losing a fight three months ago to newcomer Taylor Monroe. After that loss in Miami, Steele has not let go and is consistently pushing harder.”

  My eyes grow wide. Holy shit!!

  “But that Monroe, that kid has talent.”

  Another sports commentator chimes into the conversation. “Yes! This kid is on fire. I actually saw his last fight in Brooklyn and let me tell you, it was one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever seen. Monroe just came out of nowhere and pummeled his opponent. What surprised me was his sudden burst. It was like watching a volcano erupt and take out all its enemies. That’s how good this kid is.”

  My cell phone rings this time and I answer Rob’s call. Before I can say anything, his scream echoes into my ear. “You watching??!! You’re on TV bro.”

  With a smile, I reply, “Yes, this is amazing.”

  “Amazing? It’s fuckin awesome! We need to go
out and celebrate.”

  Sighing out a breath, I say, “It’s just a TV spot. What’s to celebrate?”

  “Stop being a pussy and come on. I’ll text you later and let you know.”

  I shake my head. “Fine. I’ll talk to ya later.”

  Hanging up the phone, I slip on a pair of sweats and my sneakers to go out for a quick jog around the neighborhood.

  Later that night, after a nice quiet evening, my phone chimes with a message from Rob.

  Rob: New spot tonight. Be there by 11.

  Taylor: Where? It better not be Brooklyn again.

  Rob: Nope, it’s in the city. Just opened up a couple weeks ago. You down?

  Taylor: Yeah, send me the address and I’ll be there.

  Rob: Cool. See ya later.

  Glancing at the time, I see I have an hour to get ready and arrive just in time. Stepping into my closet, I pull out a black polo and a pair of crisp jeans to match my kicks—a pair of Chuck Taylors to be exact. Still reeling about the ESPN mention, I feel tonight’s going to be a great night. I grab a couple condoms out of my nightstand and slip them into my jeans pocket. Nodding with anticipation, I mentally pat myself on the back.

  I grab my bottle of Calvin Klein’s Eternity off my dresser and spray the cologne. Damn, that shit smells good. Ladies always compliment this cologne, and who can blame them? Shit is good.

  Ten minutes later, I grab a cab outside my apartment and give the driver the address to the club.

  “Ah, I know that club; just opened up. All the kids heading to that place.”

  His statement doesn’t surprise me. “I’m sure, but given past experience, I bet the hype will only last a couple more weeks.”

  He nods and starts to drive toward our destination. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  Twenty minutes later, we arrive and I pay my fare. Stepping out of the cab, I glance up at the sign on the club that reads Infinity. Glancing around for Rob, I shoot him a quick text, letting him know I’ve arrived. A couple seconds later, he replies, indicating he’s already inside the club. Nodding to his reply, I pull cash out of my wallet to pay the cover charge and step inside.

  Electronic dance music blasts the minute I step inside as I continue to walk deeper into the club. I come upon a staircase that leads down to a basement level and I descend. Stepping off the stairs, I pass another set of doors as the bouncers look me over, letting me pass them. If only they knew what I do for a living. I softly chuckle as I pass them.

  A mass of sculpted bodies dancing against one another comes into view as I walk toward the dance floor, still looking for Rob. Thinking he may be at the bar, I maneuver around the dance floor and walk up to the bar in the back. Motioning for the bartender, I ask for a Jack and Coke and start a tab. Sipping on my drink, I see a flash of Rob out of the corner of my eye. He’s dancing with a couple blondes. I finish my drink and make my way toward them, weaving in and out of the crowd, careful not to interrupt couples dancing together because let’s face it: if a jealous boyfriend wants to fight me, there would be no chance for them.

  Rob sees me approaching and yells out to greet me. “You made it!” He pats my shoulder and introduces me to his dance partners.

  “This is Amber and Amanda.”

  I nod and smile to the girls. “Hey, ladies. You look gorgeous tonight.” They both giggle and continue to dance to the music.

  Rob sneaks in closer to me and motions toward them. He mouths, “They’re sisters.” I nod at his enthusiasm and grab hold of his shoulder. “Yeah, you have fun with that.”

  His jaw drops. “You’re not staying?! Come on!”

  I shake my head. “I’ll be around, but I don’t mess with sisters. I am drama free, buddy. Good luck.”

  He shrugs his shoulders. “You’re missing out. You sure?”

  Reassuring him of my decision, I walk off and head back toward the bar. Time passes as the bartender continues to bring my drinks and I watch as people mingle and dance along to the beats of the music. As I finish up my seventh drink, the buzz slowly starts to kick in and I hear a soft voice on my left.

  “Uh, excuse me, would you like to dance?”

  I spin toward the voice and see a cute brunette standing next to me. I can tell she’s hesitant and not 100% confident. Her eyes speak volumes of her insecurities, and I’m almost sure she was pressured to ask me. I glance at her and see a huddle of women behind her, snickering and giggling.

  Looking back at her, I ask, “You were dared to ask me, huh?”

  She nods. “Yes, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

  “It’s fine, but I don’t dance. Next time, tell your friends to fuck off. Don’t fall into their pressure.”

  She smiles. “Thanks. I’m Maria.”

  I take her hand and squeeze softly. “Taylor, nice to meet you.”

  Maria sits in the empty seat next to mine. She huffs, “My friends can be real bitches sometimes.”

  Laughing at her honesty, I motion for the bartender to send me a couple drinks. Motioning toward Maria, I ask, “What are you drinking tonight?”

  She hesitates. “Uhh I guess a cranberry vodka? Sorry, I don’t drink much.”

  “No worries.” I order the drinks for us and glance back toward Maria’s friends as they stare at us.

  Maria’s voice rings in my ear. “So, what brings you out tonight?”

  I laugh at her question. “Well, actually I’m celebrating with a friend.”

  She quickly stands. “Oh, I’m sorry! Am I keeping you from somebody?”

  I motion for her to sit back down. “Nah, he’s got his hands full for the night. It’s okay.”

  She settles back in her seat as I ask, “You in college around here?”

  She nods as she sips her drink. “Yup, NYU. I major in English. I’m in my second year.”

  She looks down toward her cellphone as it flashes brightly in her hand. A sequence of lights flash and various tones sound as she ignores the call and places it in front of her, face down on the bar.

  “Avoiding a guy or something?” I toss my drink and swallow the liquid fast, getting set to avoid any drama that may come my way.

  She shakes her head. “No, it’s my older sister wondering where I am.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “She treats me like a child, and I’m constantly telling her to leave me alone and let me grow up.”

  Waving for another drink, I glance toward Maria. “She’s just looking out for you.”

  We sit and talk, ignoring the thundering music around us. Putting back drinks, her shy demeanor seems to drift away as her confidence starts to build. Liquor always loosens up everyone’s personalities. Her eyes flutter as she flashes a smile at me. Knowing it’s time to end this soon, I stand up and tell her I’ll be back. “I gotta hit the head. Be back in a minute.”

  She nods eagerly. “Okay, I’ll be here.”

  Heading toward the bathroom, I take a quick piss and freshen up. The night has been a bust. I’m not sure why, but I’m not really feeling it tonight. Maria’s been good company and to be honest, it’s nice having someone besides Rob to talk to. Glancing at my phone, I see a text from Rob that reads, “Left with the sisters. See you when I get back from D.C.”

  Damn, I forgot about his business trip.

  Looking at the time, I curse out loud. “Shit, it’s two in the morning.”

  I have to be at the gym in four hours, so I rush out of the bathroom and around the corner just as someone crashes into my chest, bounces off of me, and hits the floor.

  “Ooow! What the hell? Watch where you’re going!”

  Looking down, I reach my hand out to the fallen brunette but she brushes it away. She turns her body and steps up, regaining her balance.

  Annoyed already, I roll my eyes and huff. “Look, it’s dark. I’m sorry you bumped into me, but next time, when someone offers their hand, don’t swat it away. It’s fuckin rude.”

  I weave around her and hear her yell out behind me. Seeing Ma
ria alone at the bar, I approach, ready to say goodnight for the evening.

  She pouts. “Leaving already?”

  “Yeah, I got an early morning. Do you have a way home? I can call you a cab.”

  She nods. “Yes, that would be great. I don’t know where my friends went. I think they left.”

  I’m shocked. “They just left you alone? I’m sorry, but your friends aren’t just bitches, they’re fuckin assholes.”

  She agrees as I pay my tab.

  Maria pulls me into a hug. “Thanks for tonight.”

  I give her a warm smile. “You’re welcome. Come on, let’s go get you a cab.”

  Grabbing her phone, she steps off her stool and begins to follow me out. Just as we reach the stairs, a loud voice cries from behind us.

  “Maria, what are you doing!”

  We stop and turn around, and the same brunette that crashed into me pulls Maria away from me. “I’ve been calling you like crazy! I was so worried and tracked you to this place. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  Maria snatches her arm out of the brunette’s grasp. “What the hell Alejandra! I’m here, having a good time! I was about to leave anyway.”

  The brunette motions toward me. “Yeah, with this scumbag I presume!”

  Her insult dives deep, and I step right into her view, towering over her short nature. Practically growling at her, I say, “This scumbag kept on eye on Maria all night because her so-called friends left her high and dry. Speaking of friends, they pressured her to come talk to me. What if I was the scumbag you just accused me of being? This would be an entirely different situation if I acted the way you assume I do.”

  She scoffs and steps back. “She’s seventeen! That makes you a scumbag.”

  My eyes grow wide as I spin around to look at Maria. She mouths, “Sorry.”

  My shoulders fall as I shake my head. “Yeah, I’m done here.”

  I race past Maria and head up the stairs, pushing the exit door open and stepping outside into the cool night. Hailing a cab, I hear Maria and her sister come up behind me. The sister radiates anger and continues to ream into Maria.

  Aggravated with annoyance, I spin around and scowl. “You’re making this worse and embarrassing Maria. Talk when you get home.”