'Are you fucking done?!'

I snap as Kizzy holds her stomach falling back on the couch with tears rolling over her cheeks from laughter. I squint my as at her and grumble gritting my teeth.

'It's not funny!'

'I~ Whahaha!
I can't believe you of all people agreed to all this! Hahaha!'

She laughs pointing at me as I stand in front of her wearing my new work clothes, I cross my arms warning her with my eyes.

'Kizzy, shut up already!'

'B-But I never dreamed I would see you wearing something like ...like this!
W-Where is my phone?
I gotta take a picture of this!'

She exclaims with a ragged breath from her raging laughter as she tries to get up to grab her phone. Before she manages to get it, I snatch it off the table holding it above my head in the air.

'Hell no! You are not taking a picture of me looking like this, no frikkin' way!'

'Oh, come on Karma! I've gotta remember this!'

'Well burn it in your fucking memory, because you're not getting a picture of it!'

I snap as she's jumping up and down in front of me trying to get her phone back.

'What's the big deal? You look good~
Now give me that phone!'

'No. And if I looked "good" you wouldn't have laughed so hard.'

'I'm just not used to seeing you in such clothes, now give it to me!'

'Oh fuck, you're not going to give up are you?'

I groan before I quickly toss the phone on the couch and make a run for it towards my room. As I shut the door and quickly lock it I already hear Kizzy cursing in the hallway. I take one last look in the mirror before I start to undress. Damn it, why are these clothes so damn hard to take off?! I grumble as I hear Kizzy rumbling on the doorknob.

'Not fair Karma!'

She shouts and I let out a short laugh while trying to untie the cords of my corset. Goddamn, this will take forever to figure out! I groan as I hear Kizzy sliding down and sitting against the door.

'So when are you going to start?'

'Miya wants me~ to come in tomorrow at n-noon~ so some of the girls~ can show me the ropes!'

I answer with a struggled voice as I'm trying to hoist myself out of that damned tight corset.

'Bloody hell, I'm going to set this thing on fire before tomorrow comes~  if this thing doesn't come off~  right fucking now!'

I curse while Kizzy bursts out in laughter again from the other side of the door. I grit my teeth while looking at myself in the mirror. I clearly need some help with this. I walk over to the door and manage to get the lock open.

As soon as I open the door Kizzy falls backward, camera in hand, and before I can react a bright flash goes off. Fuck. I blink my eyes a couple of times and throw her an angry look while cursing under my breath. Dammit. I just should've let her take a picture in the living room, it wouldn't have been as bad as this one. I curse at myself and it seems like Kizzy was so focused on getting a picture she didn't even realize what kinda situation I was in. As she looks me over she topples over with laughter once more, discovering my arms are entwined all over the place because of the cords. Honestly, I myself don't even know how I managed to pull this off.

'Now you have your damn picture of me looking like a complete utter idiot, trying to get this bloody thing off. Mind giving me a fucking hand?!'

I mutter angrily as I try to pull my arms loose to no avail. She nods still giggling as she gets up and starts to undo my corset.

'So how are the other girls that work there?'

She asks me with a troubled look, forcing down her chuckles as she undoes the cords one by one yapping something along the lines of "How on earth did you manage to do this in such a short amount of time..."

I just let her complain about it as I tell her all about this afternoon while changing out of the maid's costume, and into some workout clothes. It sure feels good to wear my own stuff. I think after giving her an update, telling her I'm gonna go and head over to the bar to see if I can get some more training done today. She forces a nod as I pick up my bag and head for the door.

'I won't quit fighting, Kizzy.'

I whisper quietly while opening it as she looks at me with a sad smile on her face.

'I know.'

That is all she says before I head out. Just before I'm out of view I turn back to her and warn her with a smile that she isn't to show that picture to anyone. She nods back before I close the door and jog off. Sorry, I'm such a disappointment Kizzy. I murmur into the night as I dash off to the bar.

***

As I enter the bar I notice there is a lot of commotion going on for a weekday and walk over to Sean at the bar.

'What's all the damn ruckus about?'

I ask him while my eyes scan around the place. Fight night? I wonder, noticing a lot of people are grumbling to one another. Clearly having different opinions while stacking piles of money, paying a rough-looking guy in the back.

'Oh, Karma! I didn't think I'd see you again tonight. There is an open fight night so the WMC fighters can show what they're made of, to convince people to bet on them before the actual event starts. I wanted to tell you this morning but you stormed out so fast, I didn't get a chance.'

'Can I still enter?'

I question and Sean nods telling me the entry fee is two hundred bucks.

'There is another female fighter that wants to enter and she's still looking for an opponent, 'cause the mixed fights only start with the real event.'

I check my wallet while he tells me this, grumbling inwardly when I find out I only got a hundred on me at the moment. Damn it, out of all the times it has to be now?

I stand there contemplating whether or not I have enough time to go home to get the money, and then get back here before the rounds start as someone shoves two hundred bucks to me from the side. My eyes drift from his arm to the face of the person standing next to me, Micah. I roll my eyes at him slightly agitated. Don't they ever learn?

'I don't want your fucking money.
I'd rather be killed than to be associated with the Whitfields, and I believe I told you that already this morning.'

I spit at him. Sean discreetly turns around to help other customers not wanting to get involved in the conversation, whereas Micah laughs quietly as he tells me with a mocking voice.

'Has anyone ever told you your mouth eventually will get you in trouble, if you continue to speak like that?'

'Trouble seems to find me anyway, even if I keep my mouth shut. So why should I?
I'd rather have the other party knowing exactly what I think of them. Getting into trouble is not what I'm afraid of.'

'So what are you afraid of exactly, Karma Stone?'

He asks interested and I shoot him an annoyed look while I mutter angrily.

'That's none of your concern. So fuck off already.'

I turn my back to him to show him know this conversation is over. Though he evidently doesn't receive the message as he continues talking.

'Alright. But that money I was offering wasn't from the Whitfields, just so you know.'

I cock my head to the side lifting a suspicious eyebrow at him wondering what he means by that.

'I'll loan the money to you, personally. If you win tonight you can pay me back without interest. If you lose, then you'll pay me back by the end of the week plus ten percent interest for the wait.'

'And why would you do that?'

I ask him with a dubious look on my face. Nobody does that from the kindness of their heart, especially if you work with the damn mob. I think to myself waiting for his answer.

'You can see it as an apology for our encounter this morning.'

'An apology?'

'Well, you clearly weren't happy about my approach this morning. And I gotta give it to ya, not many people dare to say what you did. I'm impressed and I wanna see what you've got.'

I mull it over, questioning myself if I should agree to it as I glance over to the clock. I would probably make it down to the wire if I run back for the money, but I'll also tire myself out more than I would want to before the fight even starts. Out of options I groan and look back at Micah as I grumble in defeat.

'Fine. But I'll pay you back tonight, you can count on that.'

He nods satisfied with my answer and I pick up one of the hundred dollar bills and shove it back in his hands, telling him I only need half of it. He laughs while giving me a nod.

'You're something else, Karma.'

'That's what I was thinking. You guys are quite famous and rather feared, but honestly? I don't see it. You all just seem weird to me.'

He topples over with laughter rubbing his eyes, clearly amused by my words. It wasn't meant to be funny, or even a fucking compliment. Though I'm not sure he's getting that... As I said, they're a weird bunch. I think while rubbing my temples.

'Your big mouth reminds me of someone...'

He mumbles still laughing while glancing over at the clock. I gesture for Sean and he signs me that he'll be over in a second. Meanwhile, Micah gets up from his seat grabbing his jacket as he mumbles.

'Sorry I gotta keep this visit short at the moment, I have other business to attend to tonight. I'll be looking forward to seeing you fight in a bit.'

He winks and I shiver in response, which only makes him laugh again. God, these guys are sucking the life out of me. I think to myself as he walks off. Maybe that's the strategy of the mob in New Orleans, tire people out mentally. I laugh to myself at that theory when Sean comes over.

'I see that went better than this morning.'

He smiles, apparently knowing about what went down earlier today. I shrug not interested, slipping him the entry money for the evening.

'I just can't wrap my head around the bunch of people that are working for the Whitfields. Though I've got a feeling this deal will eventually bite me in the ass...'

Sean chuckles and slips me a glass of coke telling me it's from the house, he studies me intently while I take a sip before he speaks up again.

'They are interested in you, I can tell you that much. You shouldn't underestimate them, you are still on their good terms at the moment. I've been around for a while and I know what they are capable of, they have a finger in anything that happens in this city. They aren't feared for nothing.'

He tells me bluntly and I just nod casually.

'I'm not here to make an enemy of them. Hell, I'd rather have nothing to do with them at all. They're the ones who keep interacting with me, and I don't know how to get fucking rid of them.'

'Just go with it, for now. They're involved with the WMC so you'll see plenty of them from now on. If you truly want to get rid of them, I suggest you leave New Orleans.'

I raise an eyebrow wondering if he's being serious. Fuck it, I'm not about to leave until the fights are over. Not even for the mob. I think and he shrugs, the look on my face speaking volumes as he tells me I have my answer at that. If I don't leave, I'm forced to run into them now and then. Fine! I'll stick it out for now.

'So I take it you still want to fight tonight?'

He asks, and I grin back at him telling him I've never backed out from a fight. He grins satisfied and tells me he'll inform the other female opponent that she has a match for tonight. With still forty-five minutes before the fights start, I decide to head downstairs to get changed and warmed up.

I walk down and into the basement where already a bunch of people are busy setting everything up for the fights. Immediately I hear whispers all around me as soon as some of the fighters spot me, but I choose to ignore them and continue walking toward the changing room. Unfortunately, there is only one big changing room in use tonight, which means both females and males have to change in the same room. Personally, I don't mind. I shrug and stalk into the room full of confidence. Once inside I see a few fighters I recognize and it's clear that the WMC will include some big shots. I need to up my game, I want to win this. No... I need to win this. I think to myself as I walk to the back ignoring the other men changing.

I sit down on the bench and grab my clothes out of my bag, taking a quick glance around to see the others are also only doing wraps around their hands. So tonight the same rules count as in the WMC. No gloves, only wraps. Good. Otherwise, I'd have to borrow some gloves.

I stand up and turn around taking off my shirt, hearing some whistles from some of the men beside me that undoubtedly have too much testosterone in their bodies for their own good. I shoot them a deathly glare in return, immediately they shut their traps and turn back around. Bunch of pussy's. I mutter agitated while I'm doubled over putting on my pants until I feel someone tapping on my back. I sling around crouched down readying my fist to slam into some guy's crown jewels, stopping mere inches before him. I look him straight in the eyes, my own blazing with anger. Dean.

'Hasn't anyone ever thought you it's rude to sneak up on a girl that's changing?'

I growl at him while I get up. He smirks back at me while crossing his arms as I finish getting ready and start tying my wraps around my hands.

'And hasn't anybody told you not to aim for a man's goods?'

'Don't get cocky. I didn't touch your goods, and I sure as hell prefer to keep it that way!
So what the fuck do you want?'

'A little birdie told me you were here, I had to see for myself.'

He says with a mocking tone and I glare back at him, glancing past him to see several fighters following our conversation.

'Little birdie, my ass. I seem to be the talk of the town already.'

I huff a little annoyed. I'm not the type that likes being the center of attention. Dean looks around the changing room and shrugs slightly. I ball my fists a couple of times to make sure I did my wraps right and look up at Dean.

'So old man, isn't it time for your retirement already?'

Immediately some of the guys in the back suck in their breaths while their expression turns white, startled by my straightforwardness. Dean's brows knit together in anger, he certainly didn't like that remark. But I'm in no mood to back off whatsoever and I cross my arms staring back at him. Dean McGregor is a veteran in the underground boxing scene and he has many titles on his name, including winning the WMC's belt five years ago. He's just over forty years which is rather old for a fighter, though even because of that he is still a very strong one. He's one of the very few people I have to look out for, if I have to go up against him. He's everyone's worst fear as a matter of fact. He's also the only fighter I desperately want to win from.

'I'll retire the day that you manage to beat me, little one. Which clearly wasn't the last time...
Where did you fly off then, I wonder?
You got a big mouth Karma, but do you also have something to back that up this time around?'

'Fuck off, you know damn well I didn't chicken out on that fight! I got busted while all of us scattered out of there, they held me for about a month but they couldn't prove anything. In the end, they had to let me loose.'

'Doesn't explain why you went awol for five years.'

He snorts and I grit my teeth at him. Bastard.

'Apparently, I'd drawn their attention, I am so fucking lovely after all...
They've followed me for quite some time and eventually managed to get proof of me being an underground fighter, so I've been in prison.'

'So it's true you only just got out. There have been lots of rumors about you going around, you know.'

'Like I give a fuck what others say about me. I'm the one winning that damn belt this year.
Oh and don't worry, I'll make sure you'll still be able to sip your cocktail out of a straw when you've retired. See you in the ring.'

I give him the fakest smile I can plaster on my face and stalk right past him angrily gritting my teeth, seeing all the other guys looking at me flabbergasted as I leave the changing room. One thing hasn't changed, I still hate his guts! He's a good fighter and I respect him for that, though I still want to beat the crap out of him. He still doesn't acknowledge that females can also fight! I shake my shoulders and arms as if to get rid of the anger boiling inside of me. I've gotta warm up and blow off some steam... I think and make a turn for the gym area as I tell myself. Don't worry Karma, the day will come when he'll learn his fucking lesson. There are a few punching bags and speedballs lined up on the side, along with a few halters and some other gym equipment to get the fighters warmed up.

I put in my earplugs and put on some rock music as I walk over to one of the punching bags that isn't being used by another fighter. At a rapid pace, I immediately start punching the living day out of it.*Thud, thud, thud!* That idiot! *Thud, thud, pow!* I'll fucking show him what a girl can do. *Pow, p-pow!* I'll show god damn everyone! *Pow, pow, slam!* I can't show weakness. *P-Pow, slam!* 

Finally relieved from even a little bit of my anger I slow down my pace. I gotta watch out, I need to properly warm up first. *Thud, thud, pow!* I can't end up overworking my muscles. *Pow, pow, pow!* I curse myself for letting Dean wind me up like that as I continue my warm-up. *Thud, thud thud!* He always gets under my skin, dammit! *Pow, p-pow!* Fucking hell, he didn't deserve that belt! *Pow, p-pow!* Nearly thirty percent of the fighters got arrested before that night, it wasn't a fair win. *Pow, pow, slam!* 

They continued the fights at a later time once everything cooled off, and they found a different location. But I wasn't able to rejoin since I was already in custody at the time. And it wasn't just me, but also a lot of other fighters. I wasn't even able to fight... *P-Pow, slam!* I continue punching my combinations like this until I'm satisfied and slow down until my hands eventually stop. But this time, I will. I'll show everyone that he isn't as tough as he makes himself out to be. I close my eyes, stretching my limbs for a minute. 

Looking at the clock I see there are still fifteen minutes left. Maybe another few minutes at the speedball before heading back to see the draws? I think and just as I turn around and start to walk my eye catches someone from the back. I would recognize those worn-out sweats anywhere.

'Mark?'

I ask almost taken aback. Of course, he's here. It's his dream to compete for the WMC just like me. It's not that I'm startled to see him or anything, it's just been a very long time since I've last had contact with him. I believe it was in New York, about six years ago? Mark continues to punch the speedball at a rapid speed not reacting to my voice, he's probably wearing earplugs too. 

His punches are rapid but controlled. I think as I stand there observing him for another minute or two. He's become much stronger since we've last seen each other. Mark is an old acquaintance I've come across and trained with. Even though it's only six years ago it feels like a lifetime since I've seen him.

'Mark!'

Finally hearing someone shout at him he takes out one of his earplugs as he turns his head to me, his hands still holding the speedball while he's trying to catch his breath. His eyes grow wide as soon as he sees me and a smile spreads on his face.

'Karma ... long time ... no see.'

'Yeah well, I wanted to send you a postcard from the latest "hotel" I've been staying at for the past three years... But that was kinda hard since I couldn't pinpoint your whereabouts.'

We both let out a laugh as we tap each other's fists. He takes a step back and reaches into his bag for a bottle of water, once he drowns half of it he offers me the rest. I gulp the content, though I quickly stop as soon as my taste buds start to recoil from the flavor and spit out the rest that's left in my mouth.

'Goddammit, Mark! You know me good enough to know I'll throw up from the flavor of cucumber! What the hell is this shit?!'

'Cucumber flavored water?'

He says innocently unable to hold in his laughter, I shoot him a glare as I crouch down rumbling around in my bag to find something to get rid of the flavor.

'You'll never change do you?'

I mutter as I pop some gum in my mouth. Mark laughs and nods as he looks over at the time.

'Same goes for you, darling.'

'Fuck you, Mark! I'm bloody no one's darling!'

I snap although I can't contain a small smile from creeping up, he's always been like this.

'So, it's true what everyone is whispering about? You just got out, and you're immediately jumping into the WMC?'

'I'm not going to let this opportunity slide past me for a second time.'

I say while gritting my teeth as I see Dean entering the gym behind Mark. Mark glances over his shoulder to see what I'm looking at and turns back around knowingly.

'That obviously didn't change either.'

He states with a crooked smile referring to my hatred for Dean to which I can only roll my eyes. Mark knows full well about my relationship with Dean. It doesn't exist.

'I want to be the one that shoves him off his fucking pedestal.'

I spit while mentally throwing daggers at him. Mark chuckles and pats me on the shoulder.

'Easy tiger. You'll have to wait and see the draws for the WMC. Though I think you'd be able to do it if you get the chance, and I can't say I've missed him either.'

'True.'

'We also may end up fighting each other. If that happens? I'll give it my all, Karma.

I smirk at him and give him a nod while crossing my arms. Sorry Mark, then I'll also have to beat your ass. This will be the year, I just know it. I see Mark looking me over with a smile on his face before he looks over at the time and says.

'It's good to see you're doing fine, Karma. I wish we could chat a little longer but they are going to divide the fights, you coming?'

He says while gesturing at the clock. I nod and follow him back to the main room, which currently looks like a full running bar with a fighting podium in the middle, and spotlights shining all over the place. This is where the WMC fights also will be held. I think to myself as my adrenaline starts to kick in. 

Because of the isolation in the back, in combination with my earplugs, I didn't notice all the noise coming from the venue. Once we set foot in the bar we're greeted by the bluster of hundreds of people who are cheering full of anticipation for tonight's fights. The buzz of all the people feeds my adrenaline, even more, sending chills down my spine. Let's go! 

All of the fighters gather at the corner beside the dressing room. It's a little area with a full view of the ring, where only fighters, coaches, and people especially close to the one's fighting can enter. We all focus on the man standing in the middle of the ring holding a microphone.

'Gooood evening everybody!
Where y'at? I hope everyone has made their bets and got their drinks, 'cause we'll be seeing some fighting tonight!'

The crowd erupts in a cheer to the referee's voice. He's a true New Orleanian for sure. I laugh silently, his roots shining through without a doubt as all the locals shout back "Awrite!" from the top of their lungs to his greeting, and his question about how they're doing. 

He picks up a bucket that holds all the male entry name cards that'll be paired up once drawn and also one female match card. Since we're the only two females fighting tonight, we're paired up automatically. He starts calling out the first couple, they are two men that I'm not familiar with. I don't see them as potential competition, later on, so they don't particularly spark my interest. The man continues and calls out the female couple's card. Damn, I'd preferred to go on later. Going up later, instead of being one of the first draws, means that the crowd is already pumped up and their vibe would be higher. They're looking forward to seeing the fight of a lifetime and are still hoping to see a better one, than the one before. They also tend to remember the last fights best, so these fighters have a better chance to get higher bets placed on them next time. I'll just have to set the bar high and give them something to remember. I tell myself, glad tonight were blind wagers as I look around until my eyes land on the other female fighter. At the same time, she also spots me and I nod at her showing my respect and determination while she does the same. It'll be a good fight. 

Mark gets paired as the sixth fight of the evening with someone I've once seen before. If my indications are good, Mark should be able to win it smoothly. Dean obviously got the lucky straw and ends up in the tenth and last pair. It's almost too good to be true... I glare at him with my arms crossed as he shoots me a smug look. Dick.

The first pair is sent back for another ten minutes and splits up, both heading to private changing quarters to collect themselves before their fight will start. Both I and the other female contestant wait in the hallway since we're up second. The other ones either make their way back to the main changing room and gym area in the back, or they stay behind to watch the other fights until it's their turn. Mark winks at me as he passes me by and I laughingly shoo him away. Tsk, that moron. 

After that everything drifts into a daze until I get called away for my upcoming fight. I pop in my earplugs when I enter the private room and close my eyes, setting the volume completely open as I let myself be consumed by the music. This song always gets me in the mood. I grin, completely driven by the vibe of the music I warm up. Throwing some strong air punches in a couple of different combinations. I open my eyes when I feel someone's opened the door of the room and turn around. A man nods at me and leads me to the ring. It's showtime. 

I enter the bar still wearing my earplugs and humming my song. I doubt it'll even be noticed with all the noise going on. Even I can hear the crowd rumble through my own tune. Pumped up and full of determination I turn off the music, tossing my phone and earplugs aside before climbing through the ropes.

A smirk spreads on my face as I take in the old familiar feeling of standing back into the ring. Finally... I look up at the spotlight and I take a deep breath while closing my eyes and balling my fists, taking it all in. I'm home.

***
A/N:

From the next chapter on out the switching between characters will begin and you'll all be introduced properly (probably) to the main male character Luca!
The chapters that are from Luca's Point Of View will be titled "In which he ..."
and the ones from Karma's POV will be titled "In which she ..."
That way you can tell them apart, so please pay attention to it otherwise it may be confusing.

Yay!!
I've sooo been looking forward to this and I hope you're all going to fall in love with him, them, immediately or eventually. That's up to yourselves. It'll be a tough story between their lives, I can tell you that much.

Of course, I'd love to hear what ya'll think of it so far! <3

What are your thoughts about Karma and the others so far?

xoxo Dominique.