Page 86 of Embriagado

Pure fury crossed his eyes, making them seem like blue flames.

“Screw you.”

“Wouldn’t you want that?”

He averted his stare, the blush on his cheeks not escaping me.

What a fool.

“Don’t you want to watch the fight?” I offered, making room for him beside me.

“No.”

“Your loss.”

I turned back to face the cage and the crowd cheering for blood. Watching from the private stall made it much easier, as I didn’t need to be part of the fuss. Tonight’s fighters were mediocre at best, not worthy of my money, but still an enjoyable act, especially now as one of the fighters had broken the other’s leg in an illegal move, causing the crowd to roar.

“Are there no rules in here?” he asked, voice tight.

“No rules, no laws, no dignity.” I kept my eyes on the fighter, who was screaming in pure agony while holding on to his broken leg. “People come here to bet and see blood. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“And you call this a sport?” he hissed.

“I call it a calculated risk.”

He finally moved to stand beside me. “The hell are you on about?”

I nudged my head in the direction of the cage, watching how the other fighter proceeded to beat the injured one.

“Those fighters… whatever you choose to call them, you think any of them care for sport? They’re here for the violence, for the rush and adrenaline, while I’m here to make money.” I turned to look at him, eyes locking with his. “And you, you’re going to help.”

“What—”

A loud shout pierced the air, and his eyes darted back to the ring. He seemed horrified by what he’d just seen, but not caring for what went on there, I kept staring at him—my new betting horse.

“Five fights. That’s all I’m asking,” I said, grabbing his attention back.

“You’re nuts.”

“I think it’s a fair offer, considering it’s either that or your life.”

His eyes filled with fear.

“You said you seek forgiveness, didn’t you? So here I am, offering it to you on a silver platter in exchange for doing what you do best.” A memory flashed before my eyes, forcing my lips into a smile. “And you are the best when it comes to fighting like a brainless dog.”

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. “I-I can’t do this.”

“Why not?”

“I’m trying to be better.” He barely spoke the words.

“Fine, do that. Be better. But not before you earn my forgiveness.”

“You don’t get it,” he snapped. “I-it’s not that simple.”

Turning away from him, I placed my hands on the rails and looked down at the people cheering from below. What a pack of sheep, unaware they were cheering for their own doom.

“What you don’t seem to understand is that you owe me, Mr. Rivas. You owe me for what you did to me three years ago, and I’m giving you a rare chance to pay off your debt. An easy way out.” I clenched the railing tighter until my knuckles went numb. “So stop being a righteous fool and say yes before I change my mind.”