“Winner and undefeated champion, Monster.”
“Monster, Monster, Monster.” The crowd chanted his name.
It was an empty victory, yet it appeased his anger. His bloodlust was sated, but he found no relief in their adoration. He shuffled toward the entrance and froze.
Two sets of eyes were glued to his. One a fathomless blue, and the other a hazel-colored pair, wide with what looked like fear.
His stomach lurched. Fuck, what is she doing here? Things were going from bad to worse. “Enjoy the fight?” Monster asked.
“Looked like you made out better than Rock,” Chase replied.
“That’s the point, to be the last man standing,” he answered Chase’s question, but his gaze remained locked with Symone’s.
“Why?” Symone whispered.
“Sometimes, a man has to work things out.”
“Yeah, it’s called talking. You should try it sometime. It’s a lot less painful,” Chase quipped.
“Women talk, men use their fists.” Monster shrugged. “The way of shit.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You come here to bust my chops?”
“You wish I cared that much about you?” Chase shot back.
He smirked. The girl always gave as good as she got. He’d give her that.
“I wanted to see you,” Symone said.
“You did?” he asked.
“I…” She glanced around.
“You want to talk somewhere more private?” Monster prompted. He searched her face for signs of fear or discomfort.
She nodded.
“Alright, my room is this way.” He took her hand and began to lead her away. “Alright, Chase, we’ll meet up with you in a few.”
The blonde opened her mouth and closed it. She turned on her heels and walked away.
They reached his room and he opened the door, allowing her to enter first. “I would’ve straightened up if I knew you’d be in here.”
“It’s okay. I—I won’t take up too much of your time.”
“Why did you come? You made it pretty clear I wasn’t welcome earlier.” He leaned back against his door and studied her.
“I—I wanted to apologize.”
“For?”
“I said things that were out of line.”
“No, you spoke your mind. Don’t apologize for that. I don’t want blind obedience and submission.”
“What do you want?”