Chapter 85
I nodded to myself. You can do this, Casey.
I pictured Bryant smiling at me, fist pumping the air and cheering me on and that was all it took for me to regain all the confidence I lost.
Plastering a smirk onto my face, I tilted my chin further upwards and walked with more determination in my steps. Levy seemed to notice the difference in me as he grinned at me and patted my back; hard.
Laughter forced its way out of me that surprised us both. I've been so gloomy lately that I couldn't remember the last time I let a genuine laugh out of my system.
"Let's go, the bitch is back in the house," I announced aloud, winking at Lev who grinned at my antics. With our five year age gap, Lev was like a brother more than anything else.
We walked out of the room and to the stairs where everything gave me a slight sense of déjà vu.
"Good luck, Pix. Watch yourself out there." I nodded at Levy's words and decided not to pay too much attention to the uncertainty in his voice.
The more that I think about it, the more focus that I'll lose.
I climbed up the stairs when the man gave me the go and immediately switched to Pixie mode, embracing the erupting cheers and shouts.
I put on a stone mask façade as my opponent appeared before me. He was huge.
I could feel Levy's scared voice try to wriggle itself into my head but I immediately shook it off.
No, focus Case. You got this. I got this.
I readied myself. When the man started charging, my instincts kicked in and I rolled over, dodging him by mere millimeters.
He was fast for his built and I certainly didn't expect his moves to be so calculated. Most of the fighters I've faced were sloppy and driven by ego or hunger for blood and money.
I now understood why Levy was so concern. This guy was not someone who should be underestimated.
I turned just in time to dodge his punch. I ducked my head and barreled towards him, using my body to send him sprawling. I wasn't going to lose this fight. I have my family to think about.
Unfortunately, the man's built did him good and he was up before I could even compose myself.
That's not good.
His foot rose and he threw a swift but hard kick to my side, causing me to release a sharp cry and be thrown to the side.
No, get up.
I forced myself up but before I could even stand, his shin connected with my side once more.
His foot came down on me again but this time, my hand flew and caught his ankle before it could cause any more damage to my body.
I tugged hard at it and twisted it. With a cry of shock, his body landed with a hard thud. I gritted my teeth silently, bearing the pain while I tried to get on my feet.
The man rose from the ground and faced me with a narrowed look. One glance at it and I knew I was in for some deep shit.
His arm shot out and I tried to block it only to have his other fist hit my face.
I staggered backwards but when I saw his leg rise for the second time, I threw myself towards him and pressed my side to his body to avoid his swinging shin I grabbed his lifted leg and tackled his other leg that was supporting his body. He went down once more and this time, I wasn't keen in letting him get off the ground so soon.
He's done enough damage to leave me breathless, and although I was made aware of the faint throb that was starting to bloom on my side, I knew my adrenaline will keep me going.
I kicked him on the temple, sending a silent apology towards my opponent and trying not to wince. I was known to be brutal but a kick to that area hurts like a bitch.
After making sure he wasn't at his best state, I kneeled to his height and wrung his neck with my arms, cutting off his air circulation.
I kept a tight grip and numbed myself when I felt his hand started punching, slapping and clawing at my arms to release his neck.
The bell immediately rung after what seemed like forever and I released my opponent, deciding to just hurry out of there before the guilt I was feeling crack through my façade.
I rushed down the set of steps, met Levy on the way of grabbing my prize and got out of there, gasping desperately for fresh air. The second the cool night air infiltrated my lungs, I halted my steps and leaned on a nearby tree.
Levy helped me on my feet when I started groaning in pain.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay to ride all the way home? I don't mind driving you. We'll pick your motorcycle up first thing tomorrow."
I shook my head, there's no way I'm going to let him drive me. He doesn't belong in my other life. I won't let my two lives mix, including the people in them.
God knows what happered the last time I did that.
Levy just sighs in defeat and helped me walk away from the backdoor.
The previous adrenaline has already washed off my system and as predicted, the pain escalated. With nothing to suppress the throb, the pain was kicked up a notch but all I could do was clench my jaw to keep the cries in. I'll live.
I'm sure it was just a minor bruise. I've gotten worse hits.
Monic and Jake appeared, and Monic noticed my limp and hunched posture, immediately freaking out.
"Oh my God, Ca-" I sent her a sharp look, motioning subtly to the guy beside me, who was supporting half of my weight and she immediately faltered.
"-can you even walk?" I wanted to facepalm myself so hard at the stupid question but shook my head, knowing she's trying to cover her slip up.
"Well, we'll take it from here. Thanks for taking care of her." Jake interrupted and I almost hugged him right then and there.
I gave Lev a small wave before the two of them helped me, propping me up from each side. I sighed tiredly once they tucked me in the backseat of the car.
Jake slid in the driver's seat and Monic took shotgun.
"Let's just go home," I mumbled tiredly but halfway of pulling out from our parking area, Jake hit the brakes. The movement caused me to stretch my arm out to prevent my body from rolling over but ended up with me groaning in pain as the throb increased.
I heard Monic's gasp and Jake's sharp intake of breath.
"What the hell's up this time?" I muttered in annoyance, forcing my body to sit up.
The sight before me made my breath hitch and all pain on my side was instantly forgotten, I straightened up, eyes wide and jaw slack with astonishment.
The silhouette of the man was faint but the dim light of the street lamp was enough to give away his identity; his brown mob of hair that was highlighted by the light and his shadowed sharp features.
Adam.
