Collision

by K. A. Sterritt

  I clenched my teeth. “Got it. Don’t mess with the bad guys.”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Thanks for getting me on the list, Jim. I’m totally pumped for this.”

  “Feel bad I didn’t ask you sooner. I wasn’t really sure if it would be of any interest until you mentioned your own training.”

  “I’m just full of surprises.” We were both laughing when I felt the energy in the room change.

  I scanned the warehouse for the first round of fighters. In the far left corner, I could see two groups of people in huddles. Bingo. The MC’s voice filtered through the sound system, momentarily quieting the dance music to introduce the prize fighting meat for round one. My excitement hit fever pitch. Feeling the heat from so many bodies still jostling for the pole positions, I pulled the beanie off my head, allowing my hair to spill free.

  The crowd erupted with a chaotic mixture of encouragement and abuse as the first pair of fighters made their way to their cage. The men who entered the cage were of similar build and height. One had a shaved head. The other had a mop of ginger hair tied back in a ponytail. They both looked like they were on prison release from maximum security. I barely registered their introductions because to me, they were faceless bodies. Their names were of zero consequence.

  When the fight began, I studied their defensive stances, first engagements, their footwork and their use of dirty tactics in a bid to decide how best to overcome them. It had been one thing watching professional fights on the TV, but this was a different experience entirely. This was dirty, rough and primal. I was in heaven.

  It didn’t take a great deal of my headspace to envisage my comparatively tiny body defeating either of these two thugs, and in my mind, I had them flat on their backs with their eyes rolling in their heads within a few minutes. If you put me up against Zac in the cage, I would defeat him too. My wonderful trainer would never fight dirty, but the same couldn’t be said for me. I would do what was necessary to fuel my adrenaline addiction. A snap kick to the family jewels was the quickest way to end a fight, but I would always keep my eyes on theirs and be prepared to change tactic if necessary.

  Romper Stomper and Ginger were evenly matched, so the crowd was getting a good show. I’d seen several opportunities for both of them to end it, but they’d overlooked them all and I was getting frustrated.

  I yelled out to Ginger, “Spit in his eyes.” For some reason I’d decided he was marginally more skilled.

  “Love your enthusiasm, Jules, but how’s he gonna do that with a mouthguard in?” Jim asked, clearly trying not to laugh.

  Slightly embarrassed, I grimaced. “Oh yeah. Got a bit carried away.”

  In a back alley brawl, throwing dirt in your attacker’s eyes drastically increases your chances of walking away and them rueing the day they chose you as their victim. We weren’t in a back alley though; we were at a paid fight.

  Something else I’d learnt from my research was to go after their fingers and do some damage. Hands are an important part of a fighter’s arsenal, so making it so he can’t grab you or close his fist is an excellent strategy. My first-hand experience of these tactics was non-existent, so my brain was going into overdrive absorbing it in real life.

  Ginger was eventually victorious on points, but it was a close match. Both men looked like they could benefit from a trip to the hospital, and I wondered if Ginger would be okay for his next fight later. Two new fighters, David and Peter, entered the cage, and I watched more of the same. David was declared the winner, again on points. I wanted to see a knockout. My thirst for blood was being quenched, but my hunger for new skills rumbled on unsatisfied.

  When the MC announced a short break, Jim offered to introduce me to one of the women he knew would be there.

  We approached a group of three women I hadn’t seen outside. It was actually a bit of a relief to have some female company. Unlike the women I’d seen outside in next to nothing, these ladies were dressed more like me and looked completely at ease in this environment.

  “Michelle,” Jim interrupted their conversation. A very attractive woman, I guessed to be in her early forties, turned and smiled. “This is Jules, the girl I was telling you about who kicks all the guys’ butts at the track.”

  Michelle threw her arms around me, laughing. “Jules. I’ve heard so much about you.” Leaving her arm around my shoulder, she introduced me to her friends, Barb and Lynn.

  “You okay here, Jules?” Jim asked.

  “Absolutely,” I replied. “Thank you.”

  Jim sauntered off, probably to find Shorty and his other mates. I knew he felt protective over me, so I was glad to give him a break.

  “So, Jules,” Barb started. “How are you enjoying it so far? Bit much?”

  “Oh my God, no. I love it. I was actually hoping to see some hard core decimation if I’m honest. You know?” I punched my right fist into my left palm. “Someone really taking control and smashing someone.” My enthusiastic reply elicited more laughing from the group.

  “You’ll fit right in here, love,” Lynn said, raising her eyebrows and glancing over towards the cage. “I think you’ll really enjoy the next fight. I believe Leo is up next.”

  The three women noticeably swooned at the mention of Leo’s name.

  “Who’s Leo?” I asked, naturally intrigued.

  Barb smirked. “Other than being smoking hot, his name definitely suits him,” she said seductively. “He’s untouchable and undefeated—always takes the lion’s share of prize money. I wouldn’t mind if he wanted to take me too, if you know what I mean.” She winked, and they all laughed and nodded their heads in agreement.

  “Not everyone enjoys his style though,” Michelle said. “And obviously most men don’t have the same appreciation for his appearance.”

  “Why wouldn’t anyone appreciate his style?” I asked.

  “It’s over too quickly. No one stands a chance against him,” she explained.

  “Well, I can’t wait. Sounds like he has awesome skill.”

  “Unlimited will always overcomes skill,” Michelle stated in a sing-song deep voice. “That’s what my husband says, anyway.”

  “Who’s your husband?” I asked, smiling.

  “The ginger ninja from the first fight.” She flicked her hand up towards the cage.

  “Oh okay.” I nodded my head, recalling his victory over Romper Stomper. “He deserved the win, I thought.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled warmly. “Speaking of which, I really should go check on him, make sure he’s okay. He took a few nasty blows.”

  “Do you ever get used to watching your husband up there?” I asked, wondering how I would feel if someone I loved were in the cage. The fact that I had no one to compare that to spoke volumes about my feelings for Richard.

  “Yes and no.” She cocked her head from side to side and contemplated her answer for a few seconds. “Adam needs this. He didn’t have a great childhood and he has a criminal record from some of the trouble he got into when he left school. He has the skills to go pro, but this is where he wants to be. This is where he feels at home.”

  “Has he ever gotten seriously injured?”

  “He has.” Her eyes cast downward, obviously struck with painful memories. “Fortunately there are several doctors who are keen supporters of the sport and are willing to be on standby. Without insurance, it’s high risk for them, so we’re lucky to have their support. It helps knowing they’re here.”

  “It was really nice to meet you, Michelle.” We embraced, and then she pushed her way through the crowd and disappeared.

  “Where’s the bathroom?” I asked, turning back to Barb and Lynn.

  “I’ll come with you,” Barb said. “I need to go too.”

  After saying goodbye to Lynn, I followed Barb towards the other side of the warehouse, through a heavy white door and into a hallway where we found the facilities. After I relieved my suffering bladder, I glanced in the mirror as I washed my hands. Even I could acknowledg
e the fire burning in my eyes. I felt more energised than ever before and knew this night was going to be life changing. It already had been.

  When we returned to the warehouse, we quickly realised the next fight was about to begin, and the massive crowd was going to make it hard to resume my original cageside position.

  “I can’t believe I nearly missed the start.”

  “Go get a closer look, Jules,” Barb encouraged. “Push your way through to the front. Watch out for Leo’s groupies though.” She clenched her teeth. “Those women are fierce.”

  “Are you going to come with me?”

  “The blonde guy up there in the cage with Leo is my husband,” she replied, shrugging. “It’ll be over soon and I’ll have to see if he needs me to take him to the hospital.”

  “Oh.” I suddenly felt awkward being so excited to see the man who she fully expected to crush her husband. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “He knows the score. He’ll be fine. Will you be okay?”

  “I can see Jim up at the front. I’ll elbow my way through to him.”

  We embraced quickly and both said, “See you next time.”

  Before I made it to Jim, the fighters entered the cage. The blonde I knew to be Barb’s husband, so Leo had to be the one with his back to me—a back that made my whole body hum with electric desire. He had two tattoos that I could see. At the nape of his neck was a geometric design with nine spires shooting out from oval shapes. Below that, were two powerful and intimidating tigers. I’d never thought too much about tattoos, but at that moment, I was thinking of little else.

  By the time I made it to Jim, cageside, they had tapped fists and were starting their dance around the cage.

  “Oh hey, Jules.” Jim ushered me in beside him, and I reefed my eyes away from Leo against their will. “You nearly missed Leo’s fight. Just wait. This guy’s a fucking lunatic.”

  “So I’ve heard.” I hoped the heat I felt burning my cheeks wasn’t too obvious. I hadn’t yet gotten a proper look at him, but his presence was overwhelming. Even my inexperienced eyes could tell his opponent stood no chance whatsoever. Fear was clearly evident in his eyes and body language.

  Leo moved like a predator around the cage, circling his terrified prey. Barb’s husband, a relatively small guy, was already in defensive mode and was probably just hoping it would be over soon. To his credit, he attacked first in a scrappy blur of punches and kicks, expending a huge amount of adrenaline-fuelled energy on his fruitless endeavour. Leo blocked every single one effortlessly before going in with a series of killer blows that were both unexpected and clearly strategic. I was awestruck, rendered mute by the incredible display of brute strength that seemed to come from somewhere deep within. He was a man possessed by something dark and primal and, for reasons I couldn’t explain even to myself, I felt a magnetic pull towards him.

  The crowd cheered and shouted in appreciation or frustration. It was impossible to tell the difference. I looked at Jim, dumbstruck.

  “I told you.” He shook his head and chuckled to himself. “Fucking lunatic.”

  The next fight was evenly matched, and a tall Asian guy with metal teeth named Jeff won on points. When another break was called, I refused to budge from my spot. There was no way I was going to risk missing a second for the rest of the night.

  “So the next two fights will determine who’s in the final.”

  “My money’s on Cheryl’s husband and Leo.”

  “Leo’s a sure bet, and I think you’re probably right about Cheryl’s old man. You’ve got a good eye, Jules.”

  Sure enough, the next two fights we watched saw the ginger ninja and Leo claim a spot in the final. I was worried for Cheryl but thrilled for Leo. He had held little back in his two fights, but I had a feeling he would unleash the beast for the ultimate win.

  When the time finally came, the fight that unfolded was like nothing I could’ve conjured up in my very vivid imagination. Leo, in Jim’s words, was a fucking lunatic, and I was a puddle of desire, anguish and unfulfilled need. Ginger gave it his all, and Leo certainly didn’t get the easy win he had in his two previous fights. There was, however, one clear dominating force, and Leo was declared the ultimate winner.

  He showed little emotion while the referee raised his hand, and within moments, he exited the cage, barely acknowledging the referee, officials or the chanting crowds.

  “Hey, Leo!” a voice from the crowd shouted.

  My eyes were fixated on the retreating figure, and I was surprised to see that he stopped but didn’t immediately turn around.

  “Ya fight like ya mummy!”

  The crowd had gone silent, which was odd given I’d have thought those types of goads were not unusual. When he did turn around, I immediately felt intimidated and small, overcome by the power of his icy stare. Shirtless, his tanned torso, just like his beautiful back, was a powerful mass of sculpted muscles, slick with sweat. His dark hair was short but still had a sexy, tousled look. He strode back across the cage until he was only a few feet from me. Striking blue eyes scanned the audience a few times before coming to rest on mine.

  I felt shockwaves pulsing through my body and rocking my core. It was unlike anything I’d experienced, and it was a life-altering rush. His cold expression remained unchanged and he said nothing. After what felt like minutes, but was more likely a few seconds, he turned and disappeared.

  The noise level in the warehouse stayed low for a few minutes. Hushed whispers soon became excited cheers before the crowd started to dissipate. I just stood there motionless and unsure of what had just happened. Had he actually seen me? It felt like he was looking straight at me, but perhaps that’s how everyone in the room felt with his overwhelming presence. Monthly fight nights had become my third guilty pleasure, and the thoughts running through my head felt like the ultimate sin.

  I got back to my apartment around four in the morning, buzzing with excitement. Sleep came quickly. Images of a six-foot-something, muscular Adonis conquering his unworthy opponents flooded my brain, making my body relax with a smile.

  Chapter Six

  Juliette

  I woke up still smiling. My grin was bigger than usual as I stretched my arms above my head and allowed myself to relive the night before in exquisite detail. My smile faded when I glanced at the clock. It was almost lunchtime, and Richard would be picking me up in about four hours. Poor, oblivious Richard. The contrast to Leo, who was still at the forefront of my mind, was too extreme to deal with, especially without coffee.

  “Morning, George,” I said cheerily. My coffee machine had a name. It seemed right to refer to him as George—a good, strong name befitting the greatness he offered. I was physically dependent on him and he never let me down.

  I flicked the power button and he sang a little tune of beeps in reply. As he warmed up, I set about making myself a sandwich. Similar to a fight, it was all about the combinations. Sometimes you had to take a risk to achieve greatness. Sia understood my sandwich prowess and benefitted regularly from it, but Richard mocked my enthusiasm. He encouraged me to sample his gluten-free alternatives and, if he didn’t serve a purpose, it would be an irreconcilable difference.

  The character I’d been playing every day for as long as I could remember was well suited to him. Sometimes I wished I weren’t such a good actress. Unfortunately, that would mean he might notice the disingenuous smiles, gritted teeth, self-protective body language and shortness of breath as I struggled to breathe under the lies. Suffocation was a miserable way to die.

  The aroma of hot water flowing through freshly ground beans and into my favourite coffee mug reminded me why I’d never give up this actual drug addiction. Richard’s daily lecture on the detrimental effects of caffeine on the body elicited a tight smile and the occasional nod. He no doubt misinterpreted my smile as appreciation.

  As if he knew I was having impure thoughts about him, my phone rang and his name flashed up. I squeezed my eyes shut
tight as I answered with as cheery a greeting as I could muster.

  “Morning, babe. How was your night?” His cheery tone matched mine exactly.

  “Oh, you know. Same as usual,” I lied. “How was yours?”

  “Fantastic.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “Your mother called.”

  How that could possibly be fantastic was well beyond my imagination.

  “And what did Isabel have to say?”

  “She wants me to give a speech at the event tonight on the investment opportunity of philanthropic funds. She asked me to come early to rehearse, so I drove up this morning.”

  Of course he’d left me behind to go running to my mother’s lair. I was completely thrilled by the change of plan.

  “Oh, right. So…” I took a sip of my coffee and inhaled the delicious fumes, hoping he couldn’t hear the smile in my voice.

  “I’m sorry, Juliette. Are you okay to drive yourself? If not, I’ll drive back now and get you.”

  “Oh no,” I said, possibly a little too enthusiastically. “I’ll drive up later. No problem.”

  “Drive carefully in that ridiculous little car of yours. It’s more powerful than you might think. And make sure you’re here no later than four so I can run through my speech with you.”

  I shook my head and rolled my eyes. I knew exactly how powerful my car was.

  “Bye, Richard.”

  I’d read about a coffee house in a small town not far from where the event was being held. It wouldn’t be too much of a detour—best coffee in the Yarra Valley, apparently. How could I resist verifying that claim?

  With my sandwich and coffee, I sat out on my small balcony overlooking the river and the city skyscrapers. I had just enough room for a table with two chairs squeezed amongst the mini jungle of greenery I tended daily—a small oasis where I could let my mind float away. Within seconds, I was mentally recounting a documentary I’d watched fifteen times about dangerous jobs. My favourite were the avalanche ski patrollers who headed out in the first light of dawn each morning to assess the mountains for danger. They carried dynamite in their backpacks and they knew every time they did their job, their life was on the line. From my cushy apartment, which Dad had bought me as a graduation gift, and job, where the most exciting thing to happen would be a stock suspended for unknown reasons, the sadness descended.