"Well that depends on her answer when I ask."
After the initial shock wears off a smile creeps into its place. She starts jumping up and down with her hands over her mouth, a muffled squeal escaping. "Does this mean you're going to do it?"
"Are you kidding? Hell yes I'm going to do this. What the hell, Haddox? You're going to ask her to marry you in front of all those people after only a few months together! That is the most romantic thing I've ever heard. Insane, but so damn romantic." She places her hand over her heart and stares at the box in awe. "It still exists..."
I'm suddenly confused. I wasn't planning for it to be romantic. Shit, I just thought it would be different and unexpected. I'll be sweaty and out of breath, probably even bloody. I don't see how in the hell there is anything romantic about that. Isn't romance supposed to at least involve roses or champagne? My original plan was to get her a little drunk and then drag her beautiful ass into a chapel, so I didn't awkwardly stumble over my words and make an ass out of myself.
"What does?"
"Real love. The kind that makes you do crazy as hell things. Some people don't think that it exists in the world anymore...you know, because it's so easy to get divorced and all."
"Divorced? Fuck that shit. The only way she's getting out of this legally binding contract is if I'm put in the ground...six feet under to be exact. That girl is my best friend. Sorry, Liv, but you've been bumped to second."
She wraps her arms around my neck and squeezes. "And don't you ever fucking forget it. I knew you had a heart all along. I'm so damn happy for you. You deserve this. You deserve happiness for a damn change."
I wrap my arms around her waist, returning the gesture. "I did...it just had to be revived. The happiness, though, I owe it all to you. You're the one that introduced us." She releases me and wipes her cheek. "Why are you crying?"
"Nothing. Shit. I'm stupid. Let me see that ring."
I shake my head. "Not until she does."
She grumbles. "I have to keep this secret and I don't even get a peek at the rock? That's so unfair!"
"Alyvia..."
"What?"
"Take this and guard it with your damn life. I don't even have insurance on it yet."
"You had to take out insurance on it? Holy shit, Haddox! How much did you spend?"
"A man never tells what he spent on his woman, but yes. Everything needs an insurance policy, which is what I call that ring when she's wearing it."
"I may not want to be responsible for it anymore."
"Alyvia..."
"Haddox..."
"Take it. It's almost time for me to go."
She dramatically exhales. "Fine. Put it in," she says as she removes her purse from its resting place on her shoulder and holds it open with both hands. "I need to watch you put it in, so I know that it's in there. I will not be responsible for a proposal with no ring. That shit is liable to get a man the answer he's most terrified of."
"Sometimes you can be such a drama queen."
"Boy, please. I speak nothing but the truth. Money doesn't matter, but you show up without at least a ring from a gum ball machine and your ass is grass."
I place the ring box inside her purse, entrusting her with my future. "Get out of here before she sends someone looking for you and it ruins everything."
"My cue is?"
I smile. "You'll know."
She rolls her eyes and places her purse straps back on her shoulder as she walks away. "The smartass is back. I knew he was still in there somewhere."
She slams the door, leaving me alone again. The nervousness has started to fade. Now, I'm getting anxious. I've lived my entire life dreading the future, because it was one more day to drown in my past and one day closer to the end, but not anymore. I finally look forward to my life. I finally have a reason to live. That reason is her.
I alter my position in my seat as I watch the two fighters on the floor, one struggling to gain the advantage. I'm sitting in front row, ready for Haddox to fight. I have the closest seat in the house without standing next to the octagon. From here I can see the sweat and blood. It's a little nerve racking. Seeing the man you love get hit never gets easier. I have no idea where Alyvia went. She said she was just going to concessions, but it can't possibly be that long of a line.
I look around at the size of the venue and realize that it's packed. Okay, maybe it is a long line. I'm probably just being impatient. Haddox has me all hyped up about whatever his big plans are tonight. I wish I could say I know what it is, but I don't. Haddox is the most unpredictable person I know.
None of the other fights interest me, so I stay with Haddox as long as I'm allowed before making my way to my seat. I always find myself people watching unless he's in the cage. There is something about him fighting that is oddly beautiful. That word sounds so dainty for something so raw and gritty, but it's true. Everything he does he has that way about him. He draws people to him. I watch him every time he's out there. He barely pays the crowd any attention, but each time he enters the cage it seems like more are screaming for him than his opponent. I'm not just assuming that because my focus is on him. I noticed it the first time I attended.
The fighter losing the fight finally taps out in the third round. The position he's in resembles that of a pretzel. I watch as the winner holds up his belt in one hand while the referee holds up his other arm, announcing his victory.
Alyvia sits down beside me and holds out a beer in my direction. I look at her as I grab it. "Long line?"
"Who comes to a fight without beer? Or any event for that matter? They go hand in hand."
I take a sip and cross my legs. "Hey, what's wrong with your makeup? Have you been crying?"
She hones in on me and places her beer between her legs. Looking up, she wipes her fingertips from inside to out, trying to clear it. "You try standing in a line with people pretty much fighting to get booze. There is no such thing as ladies first when offering alcohol. Dude, it gets hot. Did I get it?"
I stare at her. Why do I not believe that story? Sweat? I've never seen Alyvia sweat since I've known her. She barely sweats when she works out. Standing still? I'm not buying it. It dawns on me. "You dirty little bitch."
"What? It's just a little sweat."
"You made a pit stop to the dressing rooms...didn't you?"
Her eyes widen. "Um."
"I can see it all over your face. You're flushed and your makeup is altered."
"Okay, but Piper, just pretend that you have no idea. He said it would be quick. I wasn't expecting to be gone that long. We had some things to discuss."
"I bet you did. Gosh, you're such a slut," I say with a smile on my face. "I love it. I'm totally jealous. Damn, that's hot. Why does mine have to be complicated?"
Her face crumples in the center. "Wait, Piper...what are you talking about?"
I lean closer to her. "You went to Reese's room, didn't you? You naughty, sexy bitch. Don't lie to me."
She purses her lips and nods her head. "Keep it a secret though, kay?"
"Do you really think I'd announce it?"
"No, but Reese doesn't like anyone knowing his personal business. If you mention it he'll probably act like he doesn't know what you're talking about, then I'll get to deal with the anger later. Pinky promise?"
She holds out her finger and I take it. "Fine. This is so elementary. Whatev. At least tell me if it was worth the rush."
She smiles. "Oh, you have no idea."
I hear Haddox's name being called: Houston Walley. I turn to find him. It doesn't take me long. He's already looking at me by the time I find him. I kiss my fingertips, passing a good luck charm. He smiles and I melt. Is this really my life? Is that really my man? Sometimes, a lot of times, I still pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming, because my life has become that damn good.
He enters the cage and removes his shirt, standing in only hand wraps and a pair of shorts covered in sponsor names. His body is a hypnotic tool. It's perfectly sculpted, n
ot too big and not too small. There isn't an ounce of fat present. It's hard as a rock, making it feel that much more amazing against the softness of my skin, a perfect variation.
I stare at him, tuning out the announcer introducing each fighter and their stats. It's all a bunch of useless information to me. I don't need to know their height and weight, wins and losses. I just need to watch my man. He jumps side to side on the balls of his feet, warming up. A member of his team says something in his ear; pumping him up or giving him useful tips about the opponent’s weaknesses I'm sure. Finally they announce the referee, the last thing they do before calling the fighters to the center.
I bite my bottom lip as he walks toward the middle, giving me a back view. Knowing he's the focal point to all of these people, but that I'm the only one that gets to touch him is the best feeling in the world. He's like a sexy teddy bear. He glances at me, and winks as the referee speaks into the microphone, before touching hands with the opponent to signal the start of the fight.
They move to opposite sides of the cage with the referee in the middle, making sure each is ready before releasing the signal to start the fight: five, five minute rounds. It's the longest half hour of my life when they have to fight all five rounds. He calls it. "Fight."
Haddox immediately pulls his hands up to block his face as they both make their way toward each other, hesitating for the first few seconds before the fight goes into full swing. He's fighting Gabriel tonight. He's bald with tattoos decorating his scalp. I'm starting to learn the fighters in his weight division. Gabriel swings first, but Haddox blocks it, knocking it aside before it can connect with his face. "That's it, baby!"
He swings with the opposite hand, popping him in the in the chin with a jab, splitting Gabriel's lip, then following up with another swing, never letting up.
Gabriel leans and runs forward, driving his shoulder into Haddox's chest as he wraps his arms around his waist, pushing him into the fence. Haddox drives his knee into Gabriel's sternum and pushes forward, trying to get his back off the fence, but Gabriel holds on, punching him as he slams him against it again. He's trying to get him on the floor, but Haddox is trying to stay on his feet.
Haddox drives his knee again, harder and repetitively, trying to get free. Gabriel swings his right and punches him in the torso with one hand, trying to hold him back with the other. Gabriel alters the position of his head and Haddox takes advantage of it, bringing his knee into Gabriel's brow. He stumbles backward, giving Haddox his out.
Haddox runs forward, swinging with both arms, hitting him once in the nose and once in the jaw. Gabriel swings his leg, striking Haddox in the side, and then doesn’t hesitate before he throws a right hook, connecting with the side of Haddox’s face. I flinch. Haddox jumps back before leaning forward and running at Gabriel, grabbing him at his thighs and pulling him to the ground. Gabriel tries to fight back, avoiding his head or arms becoming trapped. Haddox presses his knees into him, holding him in one position. He swings at his head over and over.
Gabriel tries to use his legs to wiggle free, but Haddox never stops swinging at him, putting his weight into it. I can tell by his back muscles. Everything is happening so fast. Gabriel then grabs Haddox by the waist and throws his weight into trying to move him, managing to get enough distance that he jumps to his feet. They never let go, now holding each other at the body. Gabriel swings at Haddox's head and Haddox follows through with an elbow to his.
They separate, both fighters reddened on various places of their bodies. They continue to come at each other, swinging at every chance. I'm starting to think this fight is going to go the full twenty-five minutes when Haddox gets jabbed in the nose. His jaw locks and he jumps back, getting some distance. He comes blowing forward and spins, kicking his leg out, and driving his foot into Gabriel's face, knocking him to the ground. He runs at him and starts swinging, but the referee pulls him off.
I jump up screaming. Holy shit he just knocked him out at the end of the first round. He won. "Way to go, baby!"
He's breathing heavily, his chest dramatically rising and falling as he pulls the mouth guard from his mouth. The referee pulls him to the center and raises his arm, announcing his win for the crowd. I'm jumping up and down; so happy for him. The referee starts asking him about that winning move as he places the microphone to his mouth. Haddox takes it and looks at me. I smile.
"Tonight I didn't want to go all five rounds, because there was something I've been waiting to do all night. Gabriel was putting in a good fight, so I had to come up with another option to end it."
The crowd is going wild but he's talking directly at me. I don't know what's come over him. Getting Haddox to interact with the crowd after a win is like pulling teeth on a child. It's almost impossible and it's never willingly when he does. "I need everyone's help tonight. What do you say? Will you guys help me out?"
The crowd is screaming and clapping. I mouth at him. What are you doing?
He smirks and then continues as if I didn't say anything at all. "My girl is here tonight. She's watching me front row. Right there," he says and points in my direction. I feel people looking. How embarrassing. I'm going to kill him. "This is our first time in Vegas together, so I wanted to make it epic. Isn't that what Vegas is all about?"
Every time he pauses in the microphone the crowd gets loud, echoing in the building. I almost want to plug my ears. I shake my head at him. He's fucking crazy, but I love his crazy. "See, the thing is...we haven't been together all that long, but she kind of stole my heart, so there's something I want to ask her, but she may need some encouragement."
Encouragement? So help me if he makes me come out there I'm going to die. I mouth again, what are you doing?
"Piper, I need to know if you're absolutely sure that you love me." He has a huge-ass grin on his face. Damn egotistical, sexy fighters.
The crowd, awes. Yes they are playing along with his little game to embarrass the hell out of me. Out of nowhere, a member of staff shoves a microphone in front of my mouth. I'm pretty sure my face just turned the color of a tomato. I might as well answer so he will stop. "You know I do."
"Well that's good, because now I can ask you my other question."
"What's that?"
"Will you marry me? Tonight..."
My eyes bug out of my head. In fact, they are so big that they are starting to hurt. The cheering crowd fades. My heart is beating a hundred miles per hour. Music starts to play. I know this song. I throw my hands over my mouth when I realize this isn't a joke. He's completely serious. My eyes tear up as Find me by Boyce Avenue starts to play. I downloaded it a couple of days ago when Alyvia told me about them. This song stuck out to me. It represented us perfectly. I had no idea he's even listened to it.
The crowd starts chanting, "Say yes," over and over. The tears start to fall. Our eyes are locked on one another as the words to the song play. We've barely been seeing each other over three months. This is crazy. We're rushing. "There will never be anyone else. Marry me, Piper," he repeats.
He sings the line, "Find me, here in your arms. Now I'm wondering where you've always been."
I remove my hands from my mouth and the microphone returns. "What's is going to be, beautiful?"
I start to smile at him. "This is crazy," I say. "We're crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Yes...I'll marry you...tonight."
The look on his face is forever engraining itself into my memory, line by line, like a drawing. The next blank page in my sketchbook of him is about to be filled. "Let me out of the cage," he says and hands the microphone off.
The gate opens and he runs down, coming toward me quickly. He places his hand in my hair on the back of my head and kisses me, but doesn't hold it long. He's covered in sweat, half naked, and bruised, but this is possibly the sexiest I've ever seen him. He's a fighter, and he's mine.
He turns toward Alyvia, who is cupping a little blue box in her hands, crying. Every girl recognizes that blue box. This wasn't sudden. He bought
a ring. He bought a ring.
He takes the box in his hands and turns toward me. "I love you, Piper. I may not tell you how I feel a hundred times a day, I may not be a poet with words, and I may do more stupid things than I do right...but I know this is what I want. One year from now I'll still feel the same as I do now, after three months." He's unwrapping the box and removing the lid. "I was lost, but you found me. Now, I'm asking you to promise that you'll stay."
He dumps the ring box from the gift box into his hand and hands the unneeded one to Alyvia. He opens the box and removes the ring, holding it where I can see it. I can't breathe. It's perfect. "We started out running in the dark, but you taught me that sometimes light is good too," he says as he slides the diamond on my left ring finger. The center is a large, round cut, white diamond like most engagement rings would be, but the smaller circular diamonds that surround the center stone and run down the sides of the band rotate between black and white. It's the perfect fit...and it's the perfect symbol of us.
I place my hands on each side of his face, the left one now representing that I've been claimed forever, and kiss him. "Leaving would be impossible. Can we get out of here? I don't want to share you with the world right now."
"I'm all yours, beautiful." He says that with so much meaning behind it. He knows how to make his words absolute, but it's one reason I trust them implicitly.
"Piper! Are you ready yet?" I grab onto the doorframe, my voice echoing back to me as I call out to the closed bathroom door of our hotel room that's currently staring me in the face. I've been pacing back and forth since she went in to change. I thought we were going to pretty much do this as soon as I left work. I wasn't expecting to go shopping or to have to wait after that whole ordeal of proposing.
I may be anxious, but when I decide I want something I want it right then. She only agreed to marry me tonight if I let her get a new dress and a ring to place on my finger. A claim for a claim I suppose...so shopping we went; shopping with restrictions that is. I wasn't about to let a female fashion major loose on a shopping spree, or we'd never get married. One clothing store and one jewelry store was the agreement. I don't give a shit what she's wearing. We could have gotten married in jeans and tee shirts for all I care.
Fight for You Page 35
