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"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more." – Angelita Lim

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Chapter 88
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When Luke and Levi told me of Kade's state, I underestimated. It was far worse than I could have ever expected.

I'd never seen this version of Kade before.

His blood-smeared fists shielded his bruised face as his opponent slammed hit after hit into him. His skin was already beginning to bruise up, the leftover blood disguising some of the damage. Cuts lined the contours of his face, as well as his busted lip and swollen eye. His steps were slow, careless and sloppy—even I knew that.

The man was nothing compared to the ones he had fought before; Kade could have knocked him out if he wanted to. But, this Kade wasn't the one I knew from all the other matches.

I gasped as his head snapped to the side from his opponents right hook. Kade's expression didn't even change, as if he didn't even feel the hit. He spat the blood out, barely missing the other fighters' foot.

From here, I could see his darkened eyes. His face remained a stone cold canvas as he managed to lazily dodge a hit from the man.

My blood froze as I turned to Luke, who was pacing in his spot, murmuring curses to himself. "What do we do?"

He blew out a harsh breath. "We have to wait for this round to be over. I'll tell him you're here, and he'll get his shit together. If only he can stop being so goddamned stupid and just beat this son of a bitch."

Both of our heads snapped forward at the collision.

Either side of the building roared into boos as the opponent slammed Kade to the ground. I grimaced at the impact, as the air left his lungs. My heart began to slam into my rib cage, watching the man slam his meaty fists into Kade.

I didn't even realize I was gripping Raven for support until my nails dug into her arm. For her sake, I released my death grip.

Luke and I glanced at one another in a silent plea of desperation. Levi released Raven to grew closer to the ring. His footsteps stopped, and he slammed on the platform to get Kade's attention. I couldn't decipher his yelling, but by the urgency along his face, I knew he was just as wrecked as we were.

My fingers pinched down on the necklace as I chewed on my lip. Even at the taste of blood, I didn't stop as I watched them. Whatever he said did alter Kade's route, though. If Levi had been a minute late, I wasn't sure if anything could have helped him.

His opponent grew predictable by Kade's slump form. Kade noted it too, just before he grasped the man by the neck. My stomach fell to my knees, watching he slammed his opponent onto his back, his grip still around the man's throat. He used the back of his knees to pin the man underneath him, and slam his fists into every possible bone along the man's face.

I grasped my stomach as I heard the crunches of bone under bone. "Shit," I hissed before I knew it.

Luke yelled something to his friend, but the blood rising in my ears made it impossible to decipher. He nodded toward me while his eyes remained on the stage. "I know. Imagine the bastard when he sees you."

My heart did tricks, and I breathed its hope out. My attention returned to the fight, which had escalated in the short time of the conversation.

The fresh blood on top of the stage grew in batches as Kade continued on with his punches. The man remained in his position—in fact, I didn't think he was capable of moving any longer. The ref seemed to note this too, but he lingered behind the two.

Kade seemed to fall back into his shadow. He lifted himself up by the man's still chest. The ref lifted Kade's arm to declare his win, and the building seemed to rattle under my feet, writing into screams and cheers.

But Kade's eyes remained still on his feet, and he he yanked his arm from the ref. Without so much as a second glance, he jumped the platform steps three at a time before storming off into a different direction.

Levi followed right behind him, motioning to us with a wave.

"Come on," Luke said, nodding to me and Raven. He led us in front of him, holding us close to him in case something happened. "I'm right behind you."

"Wait." I paused my feet. "What? I thought you were talking to him."

They told me that all I had to do was show, not talk. I didn't even plan to see Kade ever again before yesterday, let alone, speak to him. Not intentionally anyway.

His dark eyes shifted to the stage. I wanted to follow them, but the man's still body wasn't a pleasant sight.

"That was the plan, but a far away glance isn't good enough anymore," he said, beginning in the direction Kade left to. I held Raven's hand to make sure she didn't get left behind in the mass. "You saw how fucked he was, and we're only on the third round. I don't give a fuck what you say, or what you do. Suck him off for all I care, just do or say something." He paused before nodding and adding, "Please. If you need that part."

My footsteps labored the closer I grew to the direction Kade went in. For the first time tonight, I thanked the swarming crowd.

Though it didn't last long since Luke shoved each and everyone. He kept Raven and I as close as possible to make sure no one touched or bothered us, until we were clear.

I glanced around at the lockers with my heart in my throat. I hadn't been here in a while, but I remembered it all too well.

As we continued down the hallway, voices only grew.

They were mostly from Levi—angry, heavy curses and shouting. I barely heard Kade, but when I did hear the deep timbre, my gut tightened in anticipation.

Even if I would have known I'd talk to him tonight, nothing could prepare me. To hear his voice, to see him. It was like a bulldozer knocking me over.

My stomach began to roll as the nerves turned over and over. "I think I'm gonna be sick."

Raven gripped my arms to turn me toward her. I met her cautious eyes as she glanced me over. "Kimberly, if you don't want to do this—"

I inhaled through my nostrils to try and soothe the brewing inside. It didn't help in the slightest. "I'll be fine...I think?" Fuck.

Just as the words left my mouth, the door slammed from behind me. I turned to see Levi marching toward us with a frown, his glare on the ground.

"Fuck him," Levi grunted, flicking his head toward me. "Your turn. Go and try and talk some sense into the asshole."

He wrapped an arm around Raven's waist while hers remained on my arm. We shared a look of support, but I appreciated her concern.

Slowly, I pried myself away from it in order to step toward the door.

My fingers grazed the cold metal before I glanced back at the three. Luke and Levi stared back at me as they nodded toward the door. I caught glimpses of their sanguinity before I swallowed my fear.

The click of the door was far louder than needed, or maybe it was just me. Without thinking, I shut the door behind me and stepped inside.

And there he was.

He hadn't even noticed me yet. His head hung in his hands, his arms propped on his knees behind the large desk against the wall. His body was trembling too much to remain still.

A couple towels, as well as rolls of gauze and tape sat on the desk, though he still wore the bloody wraps from last round.

My heart stilled in my chest the longer I watched him. I knew I had to hurry before the next round began, but in this moment, it felt as if time slowed until it were barely even relevant.

It was instinct to grab him, to hold him and never let him go. So I had to catch myself before I did just that. Instead, I cleared my throat.

He shook his head, though his stance remained the same. "I told you to get the fuck away from me, Levi.  That's my last warning."

My fingers clenched down on the necklace as I stepped forward. "It's not Levi." That was the best I could manage before the bile stirred in my stomach.

His head shot up. His darkened eyes fell on me, pinning me like a deer caught in headlights as he examined me over. It looked like he was trying to confirm that I was really here.

"Kimberly," my name slipped out of his lips like a secret he wanted everyone to know.

It made my eyes squeeze shut. Just like that, the memories resurfaced and threatened to end me under their significance. I had to try and will them away, because there would never ever be any more of them.

I blinked away the tears as I stepped closer. Each one felt like a dumbbell hung to my calves, but I proceeded on until I was in front of him.

His eyes absorbed every move I made, before he straightened up. But now that I was even closer, the brokenness in his eyes caused my skin to burn. The bags under his eyes were accomplices to the cuts and scratches around his face.

"What are you..." he paused to suck in a tight breath, his chest shaking. "You're here."

The way he looked at me still earned the same reaction from my body, though I'd never admit it aloud. I had to will my heart to slow as I picked up the hand wrap.

"I'm here," I responded, attempting to keep my tone neutral. My fingers barely missed his skin as I pushed his chair back. "But, you're not."

I positioned myself so that I was in front of him. His hands burned to touch me, I could sense it. We were both repining for one another, but that wasn't why I was here.

"What are you doing?" I asked him, my eyes falling as his own begged to see them.

"What?" he breathed out, his voice cracking over that simple term.

I glanced toward him again. His eyes were beginning to glint with tears as his fingers tightened around the table.

I willed myself to continue as my own welled up. Tonight would be the last time I spoke to him, and I couldn't get his or my own hopes up to something that would never happen again.

"What are you doing?" I repeated as I began to unroll the hand wrap. "You're getting your ass kicked out there, Kade."

Kade blinked. His eyes fell from mine, and he swiped at his bloody nose. I parted his legs to stand between them, then grabbed one of his hands.

My chin trembled the longer I watched him. His fingers shook in my hand as he glared down at them. For the past couple weeks, I thought this wouldn't have affected him the way it did me. I thought that I was the only one stuck with the pain, but I was more than wrong.

"You're going to listen, and you're going to listen to me right now, Kade," I whispered, undoing his wrap. I begged my hands to stay steady, but I was good at this. Kade taught me several times how to wrap, so I knew the act well. "You're going to go out there, and you're going to do what I know you can do."

Kade's jaw tightened until I saw the muscle tick as he shook his head. "I can't—" He was so distraught, it pained me.

I continued with my wrapping as I shook my head as hard as I could. "Don't say that bullshit. Do you remember our bet? One of us do something we're afraid of, and the other do the same?" I watched his head slowly nod.

I was careful of his knuckles as I picked up the wrap. "This is it. It's your turn."

Kade glanced up at me so quickly, it knocked me off guard. His darkened gaze softened as he bore into my eyes. My heart slammed so hard it hurt the longer we watched each other.

Finally, I tightened my grip around the gauze as I focused my attention to that instead.

"We've all seen what you're capable of, and you know it, too," I stated, steadying my voice. "So, do you know what you're going to do?"

Without warning, I felt my voice crack as I handed off the last bet I would with him.

His penetrating gaze hung on my face for anything detectable, and I hoped I didn't give it. Because if I did, he would see the very love that still remained for him. That he couldn't have.

"You're going to walk out of this room," I stated as the necklace began to weigh a million bricks in my pocket. "You're going to get in that ring, and you're going to win. You're going to beat the hell out of all of them without another thought to it. You're going to make Chivo regret ever meeting you, and you're going to keep your winning streak. You can, and you will. My Kade doesn't walk away because he doesn't lose. He won't ever lose." I picked the towel up, and wiped at the spots I could get with it. Sucking in a breath, I nearly forgot to release it. "And if...if you won't do it for yourself, then do it for me." I tilted his head back to get his nose, then swiped at the other wounds.

I placed the bloodied rag behind me, then went to drop his hands as I finished the last wrap, but he held on. I let my eyes bore into the ground below as the tears began to blur my vision.

"I won't settle for less, okay?" My words fell into a whisper the longer his hands held mine. Even through the material, the heat began to build and build until I was ignited.

I met his eyes as the silence continued on. His own bore into mine, telling a million stories by that once glance. His fingers slipped from mine before they travelled to my waist, pulling me in until he had me to him.

I squeezed my eyes shut as the tears began to slip. I heard his tearful sigh come with it.

He rested his head on my stomach, his arms tightening their his grip around me. He turned his face into my stomach to press it in deeper. As if I would disappear if he let go.

I would, but not to his knowledge. So, I held on. This would be my last time being able to.

For the first time in weeks, the roar of commotion inside of me went quiet. The only thing that mattered was us. I never wanted to leave it.

But, I had to.

My hand stroked at the back of his neck, his curls combing through my fingers. "Do it for me, okay?" I whispered, my voice breaking over the request.

Slowly, I managed to pull back, my hands going to his shoulders. His shiny eyes softened as he examined me over.

Then, he stood, his height towering over mine. It looked as if he wanted to say something, to say so many things. But, there wasn't enough time. We both knew that.

His eyes jumped between the door and my own. Just as mine followed, Kade dropped his head. It was instinct as his lips fell on my own.

All of our tears mixed in as we clung to one another. I felt his chest relax against mine, the thundering of our heartbeats synchronizing against one anothers'. His lips burned against mine as his fingers so barely grazed my face.

This would be the last time our lips touched, and the very thought sent me into a frenzy for more. My hands pressed against his own to keep them there as I embraced the kiss with every ounce of love I would always carry for this man.

Just as Kade's hand pressed into my neck, I heard the door shake with a knock. Luke's voice rung through, alarming us of our time limit.

Slowly, we tore away from one another, yet his hand remained on my face. His forehead pressed against mine as his chest raised and fell all in one motion.

My skin trembled as I grabbed his hand. With my other, I reached for the necklace then placed it in his empty palm.

Slowly, I brought his hand to me until my lips grazed the bruised skin.

"I need you, Kade," I whispered to him, my eyes itching as I watched hope slowly but surely, fill Kade's expression. "Win."

Kades' fingers tightened around the necklace as he slipped it into his pocket. He nodded, before leaning in, again. I squeezed my eyes shut to savor the electricity of his lips against my forehead. "I will. For you."

The door rattled as Luke shoved it open. His eyes bounced between the two of us before finally settling on Kade. Kade's expression shifted into a stone-cold wall as he strode past him, and back into the hall.

My steps were lazy. I wasn't sure if it were because of the worry or because of the intimacy. Either way, my body seemed to float along as we followed behind him.

"Did it work?" Luke whispered, staring at Kade's back.

I ran my sweaty palms over my jeans with a shaky nod. "I think, I don't know."

"We're about to find out," Levi added as he sauntered up to my side. "After Ray, it's Angelo. Then, Chivo." His tone dipped as he glanced over me to Luke, who was already staring back.

I didn't have it in me to try and decipher their plan right now. My only objective was Kade, and his victory.

As the speaker announced Kade's return, the people grew into a frenzy. My head began to bang around as soon as we neared the rowdy crowd.

Before Kade even fully made it to the platform, he turned. His eyes found mine, immediately.

I grasped Raven's hand for support, staring back. My heart slammed against my rib cages as I nodded at him. He was capable, he was more than that actually.

He nodded in return, climbing the steps. Finally, Luke and Levi led us back to our seats. It was as crowded as before, but still empty nonetheless. Our view was perfect from here.

"He's going to be fine," Raven shouted in my ear, linking arms. I offered a shaky smile in return before fully focusing my attention ahead as the bell rung out.

Please let him be fine.

His opponent, Ray, was a skinny, but tall man. I hadn't seen much, but Luke warned me that he was quick in his footing. He had a few inches on Kade, but Kade had the muscle.

Both men watched the other for the first move, their bandaged hands in front of their faces. Ray was the first to move, his fist flying out for a left hit. Kade's feet shifted, his arm blocking the collision before the other slammed into Ray's stomach. I saw him gasp from the impact, and he he jumped back on his heels. His lips curled into a grin as he swung again, this time connecting with Kade's jaw, which barely moved in return. Even though he was quick, his hits definitely didn't hold the same strength as Kade's.

The longer the two fought, the more I caught onto Kade's routine. In his other fights, he went straight for the action. Since this time was six men, he was letting them swing and try to get him down to tire theirselves out. Then, when the opportunity presented itself, he knocked them out.

Kade dodged another series of hits, swiftly jumping out of the corner he led Ray in. Ray, whose face was bright red with frustration, released a growl as he toppled forward through the ropes. He jerked around, eyes narrowed in rage. Before he could sustain his footing, Kade's arm lurched out to launch an uppercut. It sent Ray's head sideways, but before he could collapse, Kade swung his fist into the man's abdomen, then he leaped back just enough to be cautious before perfectly balancing a punch to Ray's jaw. The crowd sang in a harmony of screams as Ray collapsed to the ground.

"Shit, he's good," Raven shouted over the screams. I felt my lips lift in pride as I nodded. Even if he had missed some of his practices, there were enough of the others' to sustain him through the rounds.

Luke and Levi stood on either side of Raven and I, carefully examining over their friend. Luke cast a glance over me, a smirk settling. "You did good with the blowjob."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "I didn't give him a..." I shook my head. "You know what? Whatever."

Luke chuckled, his expression shifting with appreciation. "Listen...I'll admit this once, and only once...I think I don't hate you anymore."

My attention bounced between him and the stage. "Really?" All I heard were the chants of Kade's name as the announcer shouted his win.

"Nah." Luke's dark blues danced with mischief as he balanced his arms over his chest. His eyes returned to Kade with a shake of the head. "Nevermind, I think I still do."

I chuckled, turning away. In its own odd way, I felt like I was talking to a sibling, like a part of my family were in him and Levi. I didn't know if it were because of how long I'd spent around them, but the warm feeling was there anyway.

I wondered how Maggie truly felt about him in these moments too. The more I'd been around him, the more I realized they were so alike, it felt like I was talking to Maggie in his place somedays. They seemed like they'd work out, in another universe where Maggie didn't want to murder him and vice versa.

But in all honesty, I thought if anyone could handle the Luke Vaudest and the smart-mouthed, whorish asshole he was, it'd be my best friend, who could tame the wildest of them all, if their paths ever crossed again. But I doubted it ever would with how distasteful Maggie seemed when it came to him.

Who knows. Maybe I was wrong, and they would never be a thing. Whatever made them happy was fine with me.

I glanced at Luke again. "Is he getting a break for Angelo?"

He sighed. "No, they changed it. He has to bounce between him and Chivo." His voice began to edge into anger before he advanced toward Kade.

Okay. I thought to myself. He's going to be fine.

I repeated those five words as if they were the only ones in the dictionary. That was the only support I had to sustain myself right now.

There were only two more. Kade had beaten Angelo before, and more than once. He could do it again. But, by Kade's condition, I wasn't entirely sure.

He was seated on the edge of the ring, and Luke was right by him with water and towels. Kades' eyes weighed down on mine, even though Luke was yelling something into his ear. His hands held the necklace, his finger barely grazing the picture. I had to squint my eyes, but the pure action made my skin warm to the touch.

My lips tipped into a smile, one that was meant only for him. I hoped that he got the message, that I knew he was capable of winning this. His own twitched as he nodded at me in understanding.

With one last glance, he sprang up, tossing the towel down. His feet were quick as he climbed the steps to the ring, where Angelo awaited.

I held my breath as I watched him. A smug smirk lined his face as he glared at Kade, who returned it right back. Neither of them touched the others hand. Instead, Kade spat a patch of blood near Angelo's statue.

The crowd buzzed behind me as the bell rang out.

This time, Kade swung first. Angelo was too caught up in his ego when he saw Kade's injuries so it landed him a punch to his temple. As soon as it connected, Angelo stumbled back to better guard himself.

His expression darkened as he took a shot. His right fist sprung out, and Kade took the bait. He dodged in that direction, and Angelo swung his left fist into Kade's jaw. My stomach clenched with it.

Angelos' lips curled into a grin, watching Kade labor behind, his fists tightening to swing into his ribs. Kade stammered back, his face reddening against the impact.

He couldn't take much from the very first couple of rounds. "Shit, shit," I repeated under my breath.

Kade fell back into step, though this time he moved with more caution. His eyes fell over Angelo's routine as he bounced on his heels. Even though he was quick, his injuries could be his biggest downfall right now.

With his false punches, Angelo backed Kade into a corner of the ring. I had to stretch my neck to see, but quickly shrunk away from the sight of Angelo sending hit after hit into wherever he could reach. Kade held up his arms to dodge the impact, but I knew it still damaged him, nonetheless. My stomach twisted and turned in knots the longer it continued.

Fuck, fuck. If I had gotten here sooner, Kade would have more energy for Angelo. I shut my eyes until I saw spots. I willed something, anything to turn this around for Kade.

Just as I opened them, I noted how slow Angelo's punches had grown. Kade took the opportunity by grasping Angelo's shoulders, then slamming his forehead into his nose. A crack followed. Blood poured from it, and Angelo roared into the air, though it was barely heard through the people.

But, I heard it loud and clear. It made me smile in joy. The jerk deserved it more than anyone.

Kade's chest weaved in and out as he swiped at the sweat sponging along his forehead. As if he sensed my desperation, his eyes jumped from Angelo and to mine. From here, I hoped he could sense the amount of faith and hope I had in that moment.

I smiled at him, then nodded at him to continue on. If he paid attention to me for too long, Angelo would be glad to take advantage. He was too close.

Kade inhaled a tight batch of air, and he leaned up from the rope. His slick muscles tightened as he raised his hands for Angelo, who was still in a daze from his broken nose. His face was smothered with blood, but he was too occupied in that, so Kade punched him in his temple. Angelo's head rattled and he attempted to fix his miscalculation, but it was too late.

Without hesitation, Kade threw his weight into Angelo's body, fully slamming him onto his back. Angelo's curse of pain rang through my ears as well as the smack that followed from the impact. Oos rang out from the crowd, including from Luke, Raven, and Levi.

My mind flooded with pride as I watched him. He could do it.

Angelo tried to flee, but Kade had him pinned by the throat with one hand as well as his lower body. The other was relentless against his face, the punches quick and effective. The wrapping I gave him turned red in a matter of seconds.

The entire arena went silent as he grew closer to the end. My eyes brimmed with tears of happiness as the announcer began to time. Kade never stopped his punches, yet Angelo continued to struggle, barely managing to escape Kade's grip.

As soon as the announcer yelled one, everyone erupted into screams. He won.

"He did it," I shouted with a grin at Luke, who was wearing a prideful one of his own.

He and Levi shared a collective nod. "One more."

One more.

I watched Kade make his way to us from the stage. My breath ceased as his eyes followed up to mine. In that moment, it felt as if we were the only two in the room.

As soon as he was in front of me, I gasped at his fresh injuries. Before I could reconsider it, my finger slightly grazed his bruised face. My throat thickened as I observed him over. I didn't think it was possible, but he was in far worse condition than before.

Even past his injuries, he managed a cute smile. "Hey, beautiful," he managed out, his arm tightening around his stomach. "You okay?"

My heart warmed so deeply, I had to stop myself from rubbing at my chest. Even while he was injured, and barely capable of walking, he was checking in on me before himself.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine." I managed a smile as my eyes returned to his. "You beat their asses, just like I knew you would."

Kade shrugged with a small smile, his chest deflating as he glanced back toward the ring. With a shaky sigh, he turned back to me. I didn't like what I saw. It looked as if he had given up.

"Hey," I said, my hands sliding into his. "You're not giving up. I won't let you."

Before I could condemn my actions, I pulled him closer to me. I felt several eyes weigh on us, but paid them no mind.

"I know." I felt his lips as he both smiled and sighed against the side of my head. "I know you won't, sweetheart."

When I pulled back, there was enough hope in his expression to sustain me. I cursed under my breath before I edged past my uncertainty, and leaned in.

His lips cushioned against mine before he returned it, his hands grazing my back to deepen the kiss. I embraced the electricity that shifted to the tips of my toes, the erratic beating of my heart, I embraced everything.

His gaze softened as he held me. "I love you," the three words spilled out of his lips in a rush as he eyed me cautiously. "I love you, Kimberly. So, so much."

Hearing it after weeks overturned my stomach in that same way it did before. I knew I would have to deal with the consequences later, but I couldn't think of later right now. I couldn't think of the last anythings.

"I love you," I responded, though I could barely hear my own words past my body's tremors. Those were three of the truest words I'd ever spoken to him. "And I believe in you, okay? Always." That, too.

The hope rolled across his expression as soon as he heard me. I could feel Raven watching me, but I pursed my lips and kept my gaze on him, alone.

With one last peck to my lips, he was running back to the ring. I savored every second of our interaction.

The next couple of seconds felt like a lucid dream. People were making noises in every way possible: screaming, cheering, breaking bottles, slamming chairs.

Chivo was presented before anyone even physically saw him. But, when I did, I felt my blood still. I had to crane my neck to get a better look, but it was enough.

Chivo stood at 6'0", only a couple of inches under Kade. His black goatee was perfectly groomed, as well as his slicked black ponytail, A frown seemed to be his default option as he marched forward.

When he laid eyes on Kade, that frown shifted into a shit-eating grin. Kade responded with a bored, blank expression.

With one hand flick, the five guards that stood around him were gone. Chivo flicked off his red ring jacket, then climbed the steps two at a time. Now that I had a clear version of him, I could see that his body was in perfect shape. Bulky, but manageable.

My hands tightened with anger as he jumped over the ropes. This was the dirty son of a bitch who was going to have me killed. Not only that, he was trying to get an easy win. He had Kade fight five men because he knew that there was no way he could take Kade in his prime. There was no pride in that.

I tightened the insides of my hoodie as I watched the two approach each other. Chivo offered a hand. I couldn't help the prideful smile from dancing across my lips as Kade smacked it away from him before getting into his stance.

The smile washed away as the bell rung. Kade had to be careful. If he wanted to win this, he would have to use the very last of his energy. From his injuries, there wasn't too much of that left.

Chivo was the first to make a move, his fist jutting out for one of Kade's obvious injuries. Kade anticipated it, fully dodging the hit before he caught his opponent in the corner of his jaw.

My blood ran cold at Chivo's grin. He was enjoying this.

Instead of giving into his rage like the others, Chivo backed off. His hands were perfectly positioned enough to guard, but to observe as well. His eyes flickered around Kade as he approached. But, Kade was an observer too.

When he caught onto his opponents wandering eyes, he took the shot. His fist lurched into the side of Chivo's head, knocking him back a couple of steps. Kade didn't pause to let him regain his footing. Instead, he went in with a couple jabs to the stomach before he ended the series with another uppercut.

I heard Raven and Levi cheering from beside me, but I had to hold the excitement for later. This wasn't over.

Chivo landed on his back from the force of the hits. Unlike Angelo, he regained hisself quickly. Kade approached him, but just as he grew close enough, Chivo grasped the back of his ankle and pulled him down. Before Kade could react, Chivo was on top of him.

No.

I turned to Luke with wide eyes. "That's cheating, right?" I turned back to see Chivo's fist moving to the speed of lightning.

Luke cursed under his breath at the sight. "Of course it is, but they're all so fucking scared of Chivo's shadow, they won't say shit."

My legs seemed to wobble with every punch. I could see Chivo's grin as he continued on. He wanted death.

"He's going to kill him," I shouted at Luke. I didn't even realize I was holding his arm until he glanced down at it. I reared my nails back but since he didn't try to throw it off, the hold remained.

Lukes' eyes jumped to Levi, who was already watching him. "It should be working by now."

I glanced between the two as their expressions shifted from calm to concern the longer the seconds passed.

Raven held onto my arm, her face buried into Levi's chest. I turned back to the ring, the tears beginning to blind my vision. Kade was barely moving.

I yanked on Luke's arm as I felt my eyes widen with desperation. "You have to help him." I turned to Levi for support, but neither of them did anything.

Chivo had slowed his punches, but it was barely any help to Kade now. "Wait for it," Luke stated after the long stretch of silence.

My mind was too strewn to solve their puzzle right now. They were entirely too calm with letting their friend get killed right now. I felt like pulling my hair out. We were right on the edge of line and death the longer this continued.

Just as the announcer stepped up, something shifted. My eyes could barely register the next couple of seconds.

It happened like a flick of the finger. The entire crowd went silent as Chivo's body began to slump onto Kade's. Kade—with barely any strength left as it is—was just as shocked by the change, but welcomed it in the matter of seconds.

Kade shoved Chivo off, his body flopping onto the platform with a thud. His eyes hung around lazily as he tried to shift under Kade. But, before he could have his return, Kade reared his fist back and slammed it into his opponent. Chivo's head slumped against the platform before his eyes fluttered shut.

Kade knocked him out.

He won.

Those two words were louder than the crowds' roars, even the bell. I was stuck on them like glue. He. Won.

Luke, Levi, and Raven all yelled around me, but I couldn't register anything else. As Kade climbed off of Chivo's still body, still alive, nothing mattered.

Kade limped off the platform, his bruised eyes lingering on me, and me alone. But, before he could reach me, he was surrounded. The swarm made him completely disappear from my sight.

"He can't race like this," the statement from Luke made me pause. I turned toward him slowly. "There's no fucking way."

In my relief, I had completely forgotten about the race. They were right, it was impossible.

"Shit." Levi nodded in agreement, his eyes swimming with concern as he stared in Kade's direction. "What the fuck should we do?"

Raven glanced between the two. "Can't one of you race for him?"

Levi shook his head, running a hand through his damp locks. "No, we're his trainers. They'll notice one of us gone. It's not allowed."

He glanced at Luke with uncertainty. "Maybe we can pay one of the other racers to do it? They'll do anything for cash."

"Do you know how many of them voted against him tonight? He lost them a lot of money." Luke released a heavy sigh as he shook his head. "Fuck no, they'll purposely lose."

"What happens if he doesn't race?" I asked, my concern growing by the second. "He already has to stay for another year."

Luke nibbled on the inside of his cheek until he met my eyes. "You don't want to know." The warning in his voice made my heart drop.

I shook my head as I glanced between the two. Both continued to bounce ideas, until they agreed that it wouldn't work. And, Kade would have to pay for it.

They were right; there was no way Kade could race in this condition. He could barely even walk right now. His injuries would cause him to lose the race, which would result in even worse punishment. He couldn't win like this, it wasn't possible.

But, I knew someone who could.

I didn't dare challenge the thought, the consequences would come later. It was the only effective way. Without enough time to glance over my decision, I turned and took off toward the track.