Ground & Pound

by Emily Minton

  I also know I can’t go in there distracted. That would be the stupidest thing to do. I need to be completely focused, and if I’m worried about her, I might actually end up getting myself hurt. One wrong move can cost me everything in a fight like this. If I give Nico an opening, he is going to take it.

  I take in another deep breath, trying to get control of myself, just as Ozzy and Coach walk in. Oz reaches me first, pushing me down on the bench and tossing my gym bag next to me. “You’re cutting it close. You have to be out there in three minutes.”

  A cocky smile spreads across my face as thoughts of the last thirty minutes fill my mind. “It was worth it.”

  “Bet it was. Let’s just hope your dick doesn’t cost you your belt.” He pulls out a roll of tape and grabs my hand. Coach is pissed because I’ve basically thrown his no pussy rule out the window this time around.

  Within a minute, my gloves are on and I’m at the door, ready to fight for the belt. I place my sponsor’s hat on just before I step into the hall. Looking back at Ozzy, I give him a nod. “Let’s do it.”

  We meet security at the end of the hall. A second later, the announcer says my name and Droppin’ Plates by Disturbed starts to play. Ozzy slaps my back and says, “Whip his ass, bro.”

  I nod and take another deep breath, then lead my boys into the dark arena. The crowd is going crazy as the lights come on and the spotlight hits me. People are leaning out of their seats, trying to touch me. Ozzy and the rest of the boys from the gym are there, making sure no one gets too close.

  I do my best to look calm, but my insides are tied in knots. This fight can make me the next Heavyweight Champion of the world, but it could also end my career. Nico has a mad right hook, not to mention an amazing ground game. He could do more damage to me than all my other opponents combined. I throw off my worries, knowing it’s time to give my fans a show.

  I stop a few feet into the arena. Lifting my fists into the air and throwing my head back, I shout, “I’m here.”

  I’m about halfway to the octagon, when someone catches my eyes in the crowd. For a split second, I swear I see Emmy’s old boss. What would he be doing here? I take a second glance, but he’s nowhere in sight. There’s a man in the stands who looks a bit like him, but he’s not Jason. I must be seeing things. My worry for Emmy is clouding my mind, and that’s not good right now. I have to be at one-hundred percent for this fight. Shaking it off, I try to get focused.

  I finish making my way to the octagon, only stopping to lift my chin at Emmy and Trey. I know Trey is pissed for not being by my side, but I wanted him with his sister tonight. If something happens, she’s gonna need him. Next time, he’ll be with me every step of the way.

  Stepping into the cage, I run across it, jump up, and lift my hand in the air. I do the same thing four more times before going to my corner. My heart rate kicks up as the lights go down again and the announcer calls out Nico’s name. Red lasers run across the celling of the arena as the sound of Black Dog by Led Zeppelin starts, and the crowd goes insane.

  Their shouts drown out the music as Nico makes his way to the octagon. When he enters the cage, they begin chanting his name. He does his normal routine, growling like a wolf, before looking over at me. All the years of friendship are gone from his eyes. Instead, there is pure determination in their depths. He’s ready for this, ready to kick my ass. Well, I’m not gonna let that happen.

  Emmy

  The referee walks into the octagon, looking to Nico. “Are you ready?

  He nods his angry face up and down, while bouncing from one foot to the other. The hatred in his eyes sends a chill up my spine. As much as I have faith in Kane’s skills, the thought of him going against a monster like this scares the hell out of me. “This is scary as hell.”

  “Don’t worry, Em. Kane will wipe the floor with him,” Trey says, grabbing my hand for support.

  Squeezing his hand, I lean against his shoulder. “I know he will, but I’m still worried.”

  There is no chance for me to respond before the referee turns to look at Kane. My man’s eyes are cold as ice, as the ref asks, “Are you ready?”

  Kane nods, not changing his expression. From behind him, Oz shouts, “Let’s get this shit started.”

  A second later, the ref claps his hand and shouts, “Let’s get it on.”

  Kane and Nico both make their way toward the center of the octagon. Kane stands firm, waiting for Nico’s approach. He goes straight for a takedown, but Kane avoids his grasp, sending one of his beefy fists right into Nico’s face. My stomach clenches at the sound of his fist hitting Nico’s flesh. He stumbles, and Kane rushes in to knock Nico onto his back. He immediately goes for his arm.

  “What’s he doing? Why isn’t he hitting him?” I ask, nearly jumping my seat.

  Trey releases my hand and grabs my arm to hold me in place. “He’s going for an arm bar.”

  I watch as Kane scrambles to get Nico’s arm in a hold, but his opponent twists out at the last minute. Kane releases it, settling back into his guard. Kane rests his left arm against the cage floor and keeps Nico tight, trying for a better position.

  “He didn’t get it, did he?” I ask, nerves keeping me on edge.

  Trey laughs under his breath. “Not yet, but he still could.”

  He sends fists into Nico’s right side in short jabs, and uses his body to keep him down. Realizing that he needs more momentum, he goes to his knees. Kane goes down with an elbow landing in the middle of his chest, and his opponent twists to the side.

  I don’t like this,” I mumble, watching the action.

  Kane pulls back, aiming a fist at his face, but Nico rolls at the last second, using his legs to throw Kane off balance. Seeing his opportunity, Nico jumps to his feet.

  “Get up, baby,” I shout, jumping from my seat.

  Adrenaline flows through me as I watch Nico move closer to him. He goes for a rib kick, landing a brutal blow on Kane’s side. My man bounces back to his feet, shaking off the pain. Nico begins to circle him, attempting short jabs. Kane counters, throwing a right hook that connects.

  “There you go, Kane,” Trey yells, getting to his feet. “Knock his ass out.”

  Walking Nico back, Kane presses him against the cage and goes for another quick takedown. Nico’s back hits the mat, but just as quick, he pops back up and throws a left to Kane’s face.

  My eyes tear up as I see blood start to flow from Kane’s nose. “Oh my God.”

  Trey slings an arm over my shoulder, shouting his enthusiasm. “Get him, man.”

  Even though the blow was brutal, Kane presses forward. Hugging Nico’s middle, he delivers a vicious slam to the mat. Taking position, Kane sends blow after blow to Nico’s kidneys. For a few seconds, I see why he’s known for his ground and pound. Just as the thought flitters through my mind, Nico twists, unseating Kane, and jumps to his feet.

  “Why the hell does he keep doing that?” I ask in a yell. “Can’t the bastard just stay down?”

  “Only if he wants to get his ass kicked,” Trey answers, stretching to get a better view.

  Nico sends another kick toward the ribs, but Kane deflects, managing to get on his feet at the same time. They both move to the center, Kane on the prowl. Nico goes for another jab, connecting with Kane’s temple. The force causes Kane to stumble, but he comes back with a swing, hitting Nico in the same spot. Kane rushes him as he falls back. Before he can land another blow, the buzzer sounds, calling an end to round one.

  I have to fight to not run to the octagon, wanting nothing more than to grab Kane and pull him out of the arena. This is his job, and I have to get used to it. Still, this is the worst feeling in the world.

  Every time I see that man lay his hands on Kane, I want to jump in the cage and scratch his eyes out. “I don’t like Nico anymore.”

  Trey laughs, hugging me to his side. “You’ll like him again once this over.”

  “No, I won’t,” I reply, determined to hate the man for the rest of my lif
e.

  All too soon, the break is over. Just before Kane goes back to the mat, he looks over to me. Our eyes connect, and he lifts his chin. It’s only a brief gesture, but it gives me a bit of relief. Then, it’s over in a flash, leaving me wanting more.

  Nico goes straight for a leg kick, but Kane avoids it, shifting to the right. He rushes in, jabbing quickly then moving back. They both land a few blows, neither doing much damage.

  Moving quickly to his left, Nico goes for a low kick. It connects, nearly taking Kane to his ass. “I hate his guts.”

  “Yeah, he’s got some power in those legs, doesn’t he?” Trey says with a laugh, as if he’s proud of the bastard.

  Ignoring him, I focus back on the fight. Kane recovers quickly, landing a hard right then an equally brutal left. He follows with a few quick jabs, but they don’t seem to connect. Nico is moving quickly, ducking away from Kane’s hands. His leg comes out again, sweeping Kane’s legs from under him.

  My heart rate races as Nico lands on top of him. Blow after blow connect with Kane’s face, his gut, then back to his face. He’s trying to deflect the blows and send some of his own, but a hard right leaves him dazed.

  When his mouthpiece comes flying out, I nearly faint. “Oh, no.”

  Finally, Kane twists to his side, unseating Nico from his power position. He lands a hard right, but he’s so winded that he can’t do much else. Going in for the clench, he takes the top position. Covering Nico’s body with his, he wraps himself around him, not allowing Nico room to move.

  The seconds tick by, and Trey leans over to whisper in my ear, “They’re both tired. They’re trying to catch their breath.”

  The words no more than leave his mouth, before Kane is pulling back and landing an elbow into Nico’s stomach. As soon as he does, he scrambles back and bounces to his feet. I see him shout something at Nico but can’t hear what he’s saying.

  “What was that about?” I ask, even though there’s no way Trey could hear any better than I could.

  “Kane’s pissed. I think Nico threw a knee to his junk, so he’s probably telling him to get up and fight like a man,” Trey answers with a shrug.

  Looking back to the action, Kane finally throws a kick of his own. Connecting with Nico’s thigh, he rushes to punch the bastard right in the nose. Blood gushes out, making him look as bad as Kane.

  Nico shakes it off and fires off a round of punches of his own. His hands are moving so fast that Kane can’t even defend himself. Just before the fifth lands, the buzzer rings.

  The ref grabs Nico, pulling him away from Kane. He looks at both men and yells, “Get to your corners.”

  Again, I have to fight the urge to run to him. Instead, I watch closely as Ozzy steps in front of him and starts wiping the blood from his face. Next, he has a cotton swab in his hand and is rubbing Vaseline on his cuts.

  “Why’s he doing that?” I ask, wanting to concentrate on something other than the pain Kane must be feeling.

  Trey looks to me, his brow cocked. “Doing what?”

  “Why’s he rubbing that crap on his cut? It’s gotta burn.”

  He shakes his head. “Nah, it doesn’t hurt that bad. They pack the cuts full of that stuff to keep them from bleeding. I’d rather have Vaseline on me than blood dripping in my eye.”

  Shooting him a glare, I turn back to the octagon. “Thanks for the visual, bro.”

  Just before the break is over, Kane turns to me. This time, he lifts his tape covered fist and places it over his heart. Then, he raises his hand to point a finger at me. I can feel a million eyes on me as I return his gesture. Going one step further, I mouth the words I love you.

  That sexy smirk I love so much crosses his face, just before he turns to the ref. He nods his head, letting the man know he’s ready. A second later, he’s heading for Nico.

  He starts sending short jabs again. Stepping back, he goes in for another takedown, but the bastard defends it with a punch of his own. Landing the brutal hit, Nico sends a high kick to his body. The force of it sends him to the floor, and Nico presses on quickly, landing on his body with a thud.

  Nico pushes down, doing his best to keep Kane pinned. Tossing his body from side to side, he doesn’t allow Nico to get hold. My man pulls his knees up, leaving his opponent spread across his lower legs and making it almost impossible for Nico to land a solid punch.

  “What’s Kane doing?” I ask as my eyes take in the way his body is moving.

  “It’s called butterfly guard. It’s one of the first guards I was ever taught. It’s a basic move, but it’s perfect for the situation,” he answers, sounding on edge.

  Twisting his body, he rolls Nico to his back. Throwing a few quick punches, he jumps up and motions for his opponent to follow. Again, he says something that I can’t hear.

  “Why did he get up? I thought he had a great ground game?” I ask as Nico crawls to his feet.

  Trey’s eyes move quickly to me before looking back to the fight. “He does, but Nico’s is better. If Kane wants to win the belt, it’ll have to be on his feet.”

  Nico starts moving, walking backwards around the cage. Kane follows, just missing a high kick. His opponent doesn’t make the same mistake, landing one with brutal force against Kane’s thigh. I watch as Kane shakes it off, moving to the left and repaying him with a shot to his lower leg.

  He follows it up with a rapid-fire combo. His fists connect with Nico’s guts three times, before he throws another kick. This one lands on his opponent’s chest and knocks his ass to the mat.

  “Don’t do it. Don’t do it,” Trey mumbles, but Kane doesn’t listen.

  He follows Nico down, going in with a swinging hook that connects with his chin. He follows it with a flurry of blows that Nico defends. Leaning back, he drops several hammer-fist hits on his opponent’s guard. Dropping his guard, Nico’s hand falls to the mat. Kane draws back and sends his fist right into his opponent’s chin. A second later, the referee is on him, pulling him away from Nico.

  As the crowd’s shouts grow, I look over to Trey. “What just happened? Why did the ref stop it? Kane was finally whooping his ass.”

  “He did whoop his ass, Em. Kane is now the Heavyweight Champion of the world.” Trey is literally jumping up and down, a smile spread across his face. Grabbing me, he picks me up and twirls us both around.

  It takes a minute for his words to work their way through my brain. As soon as they do, I toss back my head and shout, “I love you, Kane Travis!”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Kane

  The referee grabs my hand, pulling it above my head. The crowd goes wild as he leads me to my corner before saying, “Give me a second.”

  He walks to Nico, and I turn to look at Ozzy. “We did it, brother.”

  “Fuck that,” he shouts, pulling me into a bear hug. “You did it, man. You did it!”

  My coach is hauling me to him a minute later, giving me a hug of his own. “I knew you could do it, boy.”

  A second later, he is handing me a t-shirt and a hat from my sponsor and pushing me to the center of the octagon. Then, the ref has my arm in one hand and Nico’s in the other. Behind us, the announcer starts to talk.

  “The referee, Michael Stevens, has called a stop to this contest at one minute and thirty-six seconds of round number three, declaring the winner by TKO and new Heavyweight Champion, Kane “Knock Out” Travis.”

  The ref lifts my hand once again, and the fans start to shout my name. A smile spreads across my face as I look into the audience and meet the eyes of my woman. Bringing my fist to my heart, I tap my heart then point at her. “Love you, babe.”

  She is looking at me with pride in her eyes, and it makes me feel good. I know the fight had her scared, and now that it’s done, we can both relax and things can calm down. Maybe, we can even get started on planning our future.

  Reaching across the ref, I pull Nico in for a hug and whisper in his ear, “Thank you, man. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to fight again
st an athlete as amazing as yourself.” Nico taught me everything I know, so the fact that I’ve beat him now is unbelievable and gives me a huge sense of pride.

  He pounds on my back before stepping back. “Thank you, brother, for giving me the chance to train you. You’ve come a long way from the little shit you were the day you walked into my gym.”

  Before Nico goes back to his corner, the commentator is at my side. “Kane Travis, that was amazing. It was absolutely spectacular. You proved you could play Nico’s game and win. Give us your thoughts on the fight.”

  Even though I want to tell the world how proud I am to have fought against Nico, a cocky smile covers my face, and I give the fans the answer they want to hear. “I told you all I was gonna beat his old ass, and I did. Did you doubt me?”

  Again, the crowd starts to shout. A strangled laugh comes from the commentator before he asks, “Right before I got to you, I heard you say ‘I love you’ to someone. I’m assuming it wasn’t meant for me, so is your girl out in the audience tonight?”

  I can’t help the smile that breaks out when he mentions her. When I look over, her eyes are wide, and I know she hates when I put the attention on her, but I don’t give a damn right now. Pointing to Emmy, I shout, “My woman is right there, right by the ring, the same spot she will be every time I fight. Love you, babe.”

  Her mouth drops open a bit at my proclamation. I can’t hold in my laugh as she starts to jump up and down and grabs her brother in a hug. So much for my woman not wanting to be on TV.

  “Well, what’s up next for the great Kane Travis?” he asks, pressing the microphone in my face.

  I think about his question for a minute. It’s one I knew he would ask, win or lose, and I had an answer prepared. I was gonna tell him who I hoped to fight next, and about what my training schedule was gonna look like. Now, though, that answer just doesn’t seem right.