Chapter 161
We walked straight to the dressing room where I took off my jacket and slipped out of my shoes.
I stuffed everything into my duffel bag, took a gulp of water and let Adam take the bag from me once again.
Preston stepped towards me, his arms wide open and I immediately hugged him without a second thought. This guy had been there for me through the toughest times and he had become a big brother figure to me.
He was so different from Bryant and yet I knew that he would've been Bryant's best friend if Bryant was here.
"Break a leg, Case." Preston whispered in my ear. He held onto me tightly and I gripped onto the back of his shirt just as tightly. I was beyond grateful for his existence.
"Preferably the opponent's, aye?" Preston added and I gave out a small laugh at that, nodding along.
He finally let me go after planting a soft kiss on the crown of my head and told me he'll see me by the ring.
I turned to Adam, giving him a sheepish smile.
"I'm sorry for breaking down on you earlier," I apologized.
Adam simply shook his head and pulled me into a hug.
I closed my eyes, pressing my face into his chest and letting myself indulge in the safety that his arms provided.
I've always felt small beside Adam. The times that I was in his arms were the only times I felt vulnerable and yet secure at the same time.
I breathed in his scent, trying to remember the slightly musky smell that stuck to him wherever he goes. He smelled like vanilla.
I allowed myself to bask in the familiarity before pulling away, conscious of the pressing time.
Adam cupped my face with both of his hands as he searched my face.
"It's okay to be scared, Case. But you've got nothing to fear because you're going to kick ass. Got it?"
I nodded silently, listening intently and willing myself to believe in every word uttered by the man before me.
I was so busy looking into his eyes, trying to figure out what he was thinking, that I didn't realize he was leaning in until his eyelids fluttered close.
Yet, I didn't push him away. Soon enough I felt his soft lips brush mine before he started pressing his lips firmer against mine. His hands circled my waist and brought me closer while my hands rested on his hard chest.
I could feel him smile when I moved my lips against his before I finally pulled away.
"What was that for?" I asked him, a bit breathless.
"A good luck kiss." He stated with a smile before kissing my temple and leaving the room.
I tried steadying my breathing as I stood in the room alone.
‘You got this,' I told myself.
I'm Pixie. I got this.
I started nodding to myself at my thoughts and shook my hands as if I was shaking all the nerves away.
I could feel the fear that had a tight grip on my heart ever since I left the house loosen slightly as I breathed in and out steadily.
When I finally felt like I was in the right mindset, I walked out of the room with my head held high and my shoulders squared.
I could hear the crowd cheering and immediately steeled my features as I neared the base of the small set of stairs leading to the ring.
One last fight.
‘Better make it count,' I thought to myself as I cracked my knuckles and stretched at the base of the stairs.
When my nickname was called out, I felt the adrenaline rush enter my system and started jogging up the steps.
Let's get this over with.
