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"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." – Eleanor Roosevelt

Chapter 64
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"No." Levis' forest green eyes glared at the stack of blocks before he blew out a sigh. "The fuck kinda impossible foolery is this shit?"

I giggled, shrugging my shoulders. "Hey, you asked to play."

He rolled his eyes, murmuring something about cheating before his concentration was back on the blocks. Mine was elsewhere.

For the millionth time today, I glanced at the large platform. There he was, with his knuckles wrapped, and punches nearly as loud as gunshots.

Kades' ribs were nearly healed all the way. I could see his movements were fluent, again, more smoother and swift than they'd been before. I was happy about that fact, but that didn't soothe the nervous feeling in my stomach.

Everyone walked on pins and needles whenever Chivo's name was mentioned. I'd never seen him face to face, nor did I plan to anytime soon, but just thinking about how far he was willing to go made my bones chill.

Not only what he would do to me. But, to Kade.

From the way Kade was hitting Luke, he looked beyond ready. Even though Luke was one of his best friends, his swings were relentless. As were his dodges and attacks. It was a ruthless, but beautiful sight.

I just hoped it'd be enough.

"Quit looking his way, he'll be fine," Levi chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned back into his chair. "Luke would be a little too happy to sneak the fucker in the jaw."

I held my eyes on the platform a like bit longer before looking away. "I'm just..." I trailed off as I pulled a block from the Jenga stack. It all came tumbling down. "Scared."

The time was nearing three. We'd been in the cages since eight in the morning. I'd watched Kade train so much today, I was sure I could fight Chivo at this point. Levi was the one who got me through the hours, though, thankfully.

Levi watched me closely before offering a reassuring smile. "Don't be. You've seen the fucker fight. Chivo's just some pussy whose gotten a couple good knockouts in, but trust me. He's not ready for Kade."

"He has to fight six men, Levi," I groaned, glaring my frustrations into a block. "Two of those including Chivo and Angelo."

I could see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to offer positivity. But, realistically there was none. There was either winning or losing.

He threw a block at me, which thumped against my chest and fell into my lap. "I have good news."

"Mhm?"

"Four of those men are bitches," he joked. "He'll go through them like clockwork before he gets to Chivo and Angelo."

I threw a block at him, but he caught it. "How does that make me feel better?"

He grinned. "Oh... and he has a 10 minute break between each of them...how about that?"

If looks could kill, Levi would be in his grave.

"Fine, since you're so stressed. Listen..." Levi leaned in, his expression tightening with seriousness. "Luke and I have a plan."

My eyebrows shot up to my hairline. "Really? What is it?"

He stared into my eyes before a grin stretched his lips from ear to ear. He tapped my nose, leaning back onto the concrete, again. "Well, that's going to be our little secret. But, you didn't really think we would let our boy go into this shit alone, did you?" With a wink, he trained his gaze to someone behind my shoulder.

I didn't have much time to think over his words before I felt someone grasp my shoulders. I smiled as those familiar lips grazed against my cheek.

Luke followed right behind him. "What are you two talking about?"

Levi grinned at me from his spot. "Nothing, just Kimberly's fantastic block-knocking-down skills." He snatched the towel Luke reached for, earning a scowl.

Kade took a long sip of water, rolling his eyes at the two until he placed his attention on me. His hand grazed my cheek. "You okay, sweetheart?"

I nodded, placing my hand on his, and squeezing. "Of course."

His body was slick with sweat from his training, his chest still rising and falling from the workout. It was proven to be a task to keep my attention on his face with his naked upper body on full display.

"I'll be right back, okay?" he told me, leaning down to place a kiss on my head. "I'm just going to get a shower, then I'll take you out for your favorite, okay?" I nodded, a smile following. "Thank you."

His fingers tipped my chin from the bottom, dropping down to kiss my lips. "I love you."

I returned his kiss, pushing him away a moment later to stop from getting sucked in. "I love you." A grin remained before he finally pulled away.

I stared at his back as he walked away. Luke and Levi watched before I heard Luke mutter, what sounded like a crude comment, no doubt.

After last nights atrocity, I wasn't in the mood for anything. Especially Luke.

Before I could stop myself, my head was turned toward him and Levi. "What?"

Luke poured some of the water in his towel, pressing it to his damp forehead. "I said, I'm so glad your ass won't be here during the match."

I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling his words coax my agitation. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Luke chuckled, now pressing the towel to his neck. "It means that you're nothing, but a distraction. You saw how badly you fucked up his focus with Angelo, didn't you?"

"Luke," Levi hissed at his friend who of course, never stopped. "Don't start with this shit."

He shook his head, laughing without an ounce of humor. "Nah. I don't give a fuck about you being his girl, I'll always be honest. You make him too soft, and that's nothing but an issue in a place like this."

Fury begin to settle in my bones. "Why is it such a problem that your best friend's actually happy? Shouldn't you be the same for him if anything?"

"Not if that shit could cost him a match. Besides, he's not happy, he's distracted. Distracted by temporary pussy and a weak fuck."

Levis' brows furrowed as his mouth turned grim. He stood up from his spot, glaring at his friend as he stepped between the two of us. "Luke, shut the fuck—"

Before I could stop it, my lips spewed, "You know, now that I think about it..." I shrugged. "It kind of sounds like you're a little too interested in my boyfriend. Or, are you upset because you know that you couldn't, and will never find someone to deal with that bullshit ass attitude of yours?"

Luke's stormy blue eyes darkened as he shoved Levi's arm down as hard as he could. In two short strides, he was standing in front of me, his expression tight with the rage of a bull.

Shit.

"Listen, princess, because I'm not repeating myself, again," he said, glower holding mine. "I've never given  two fucks where Kade puts his dick, but I'll be damned if I ever let any of his new flavor of the weeks disrespect me. Understand?"

At my glare, he swept another look over me, then without awaiting a response, turned around to walk away.

Every moment that had transpired between Luke and I, was front, and center in my brain. I thought of everything. Of every single thing he said to me. Of every single thing he did to torment me, without even uttering an apology. He never owned up to it, nor did he have any type of guilt. He didn't care to change his actions. So, what gave him the right to be upset when I returned his disrespect?

"Shit," I hissed in a chuckle. "So, you can dish it out, but you can't take it?" I scoffed behind his back. "Yeah, and I'm the bitch, right?"

He paused, turning around, again. His fists were tightly clenched on either side of him as he glared me down.

I had to hold my ground. I had to tell myself I was no longer scared, and hold it up until I started to believe it. "What? Are you gonna confirm the bitch title by hitting me?"

At this, his jaw loosened as he chuckled. "I don't hit little girls."

"Well...let's get in the ring," I stated without a second thought. Until I heard it with my own ears.

Ah, shit.

Luke cocked his head. Levis' eyes were pleading with me to walk away.

But, I couldn't. This man had been mentally torturing me every since I stepped into this town based on I don't even know what. He and Kade weren't different in the beginning, but Kade owned up, apologized, and changed his ways. He'd shown me why he knew what he did was wrong, and he'd spent every moment making up for it. But, Luke continued to do the same thing, for his pleasure and his pleasure only. I didn't deserve it. I was done taking it.

The silence was deafening before Luke finally broke the barrier. "Fine. But, I won't hit you. If I get you on the ground, though, you lose."

"Hold the hell on." Levi shook his head, eyes wide as he heard Lukes' terms. "Hell no. I'm not letting you guys fight."

I thought about it in a quick manner. Every time we stopped by the cages, Kade taught me bits and pieces of what he knew. He wanted me to know a couple of self defense moves, just in case. Of course, those sessions couldn't be measured with Luke's training, but if I were lucky, I could use his cockiness to get a couple good hits in.

Hell, even if Luke did decide to beat me, I wouldn't die. I would accept the fight like a champ because I could at least say I did it. It was better going out like this than any other way. Plus, Kade or Levi could save me before I completely died.

My eyes caught up with Luke's. I nodded. "Let's go, then."

We had to hurry. If Kade came out of the shower and saw this, he would murder Luke without a second thought. He might even do it now, but at least we could get a few good minutes in.

Levi continued to try and stop it, "Both of you just need to chill out, okay? Kade will beat all three of our asses if—"

My eyes remained on Luke. "Let me worry about Kade," I interrupted him. "Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Luke chuckled, winked and jumped the stairs of the platform. Levi groaned, cursing both of us before stepping closer to me.

"I think you're both fucking crazy, but..." he huffed, scratching the back of his neck. "Go for his legs. The fucker always forgets to cover them. Just don't break them. And, he has a big ass mouth. Hit him in it a couple times if you can." He raised his hands in surrender. "But I never told you this."

I nodded, absorbing his words. Go for the legs. I cocked a smile. "Told me what?"

Levi smiled softly, but it quickly turned into a frown. After a wish of good luck, I went to the platform stairs.

Luke was ready, jumping in place as he watched me step into the ring. "Remember, you hit the ground, you're out."

"You're both going to give me a fucking heart attack down here!" I heard Levi holler from our side, the stress in his voice visible. "It's not too late to call it off—"

I cut over him with, "I know," I responded to Luke, my voice growing weaker as I fought the nervousness in my stomach. "I won't."

"Guys!" Levi yelled from the ground level. "It's not too late to come out!"

"Shit the fuck up, Levi," Luke snapped back at him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Levi palming a hand through his hair. "I'm just saying! I have some weed in the car." I heard him curse. "Kimberly, I have edibles, too, if you wanna go that route! We can all kick back, and—"

"Levi!" Luke and I yelled in union.

I heard him draw out a groan. "What?! I'm trying to take the route that doesn't end up with Kade beating all three of our asses, you know!" I heard him stomping around. "When it comes down to it, I'm bolting for the exit the moment I see Ryder come out. You two are gonna have to figure it out on your own from there! I'm a very sacrificial person, and I'm putting myself first—"

"Fuck this," Luke hissed, nodding at me. I took it as the start, immediately moving close enough to get started.

As soon as I stepped up, Luke's hand shot out to land a hit. I gasped, but was quick to jump back.

"I wasn't ready!" I argued, my face reddening at the anticipation of a broken nose. "And, you said you wouldn't hit me."

The ends of his lips curled, blonde strands falling into his eyes. "I didn't hit you, though, did I?"

I tried to jump into his pace, but he was quick. Too quick. It was expected from someone as trained as him, but damn. But, from what Kade taught me, I could hold my own long enough to carry on.

Luke laughed at my distraught figure. "Come on, princess—"

As Levi advised, I took that as an opportunity. Plus, I hated his voice. I got into the same position Kade taught me, and launched my fist directly into Luke's jaw.

Before it connected, Luke dodged it, and instead caught that very wrist, shoving me back. I stumbled, but I caught my footing in time before it could weaken me.

Frustration roared in my blood, but I didn't let it hold me back. As soon as I glanced his way, he was already coming for me.

Luke swung, but I dodged it, and instead reversed his move. With my free hand, I balanced myself enough to put enough power behind it. I swung my fist into his stomach as hard as I could, making connect with nothing, but muscle.

This is gonna hurt in the morning.

Luke cursed, gripping his stomach, pain swelling expression over. "Motherfucker." But, that wouldn't hold him off too long.

Panic curled inside my gut as he came at me, and I immediately pushed myself out of the way. Instead of getting to me, though, he knocked himself into the ropes.

When he turned around, he grinned, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Shit. Ryder trained you pretty damn good, huh?"

I blocked my face with my hands, stepping farther away. I couldn't let his words get to me any longer, nor could I let them distract me from winning this. Or, at least getting close.

Kade had taught me to watch for anything. To observe, anticipate, and expect. I did, glancing over Luke's body for a twitch of movement.

I was too cocky. Just as I thought he would throw a right punch, his left arm pushed me back, again. It was gentle considering his true strength, but still enough to nearly trip me up with the ring ropes.

Humor hung in his eyes as he saw a quick flash of defeat soar over my face. "Oops."

"Okay, it's over," I heard Levi call out. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him already climbing the steps. "I'm coming up. Let's run a couple rounds, Vaudest."

"No." I shook my head, though the pain in my shoulder had barely settled at all. "Let me finish."

"It's over," Luke stated, that cocky voice of his gloating.

My head shook, despite how nauseated the act made me. Instead of focusing on it, I brought my arms back up into position. "I didn't hit the ground."

As Luke said, there were no rules right now. So, when he opened his mouth to speak, I took my shot. While training, Kade and I figured out that my right arm was definitely my strongest when it came to swinging.

With every ounce of rage I could concur, I swung my fist into Luke's jaw. A smack followed, right along with his curse as it connected.

It sent him back a couple of steps, as well. Instead of giving time for retaliation, I crept up behind his distracted figure just enough to remain discreet.

Since he was so indulged in his jaw, he didn't notice until my foot kicked the back of his knees in, that I was right behind him. It was just enough to knock him down.

Every sibling knew this trick, and it did the job every time to knock someone down. Ryland had done it to me too many times to count.

With a curse, Luke tried to catch himself, but his knees gave out. With a loud thud, he had no other choice but to fall to the ground with an aching jaw, and nearly numb legs.

My body shook with shock as I stared down at him. Shit. I beat Luke.

I heard Levis' yells rooted deep in my ears. "Yeah, that's my motherfucking girl! She took your weak ass knees out, man!"

My lips slowly stretched to a grin. I beat Luke.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, my voice weak from the loss of energy as I panted. My eyes fell across his figure.

"I'm not a bitch, or any of the other bullshit thing you've called me." I paused to catch my breath for a second, sweeping at my forehead, again. "I don't care about whatever issue you have, anymore. You've tried to make my life a living hell ever since I stepped into that school. And, even after everything, you never once apologized to me. But, you know what? I don't care. I genuinely don't give a fuck if you like me or not. But, if you really had any ounce of care or respect for Kade, as one of his best friends, you would learn to just shut the hell up, and be happy for him. Because, he would be for you."

Luke clenched his jaw tightly, sitting as still as a statue. I was sure I didn't break the bone, but his jaw was red. He avoided eye contact with me, but I knew he caught every single world I said.

Levi tossed a towel my way. I smiled at him as he gave me a thumbs up. But, just as I began to walk off the stage, I felt a hand wrap around my ankle.

I yelped as that same grip pulled, and had me tumbling. As soon as I landed, I felt the air rush out of my lungs, but at least my head was still in tact. I hit the ground, but that was after he did.

Just as I turned my head to Luke to declare my victory, he was already staring at me. Usually, his glare was full of unsaid torments and insults, but right now, I could see none of that. He wore his usual scowl, but I detected no resentment.

He hopped up with the speed of lightning. My gaze followed over his back as I pulled myself up on my elbows.

Just as I went to stand, he turned around, walked right back to me with his head down, and outstretched a hand. I took it with a cautious hand.

As he helped me up, he murmured, "You won."