Semi-Edited!

Song above is..Grace by Lewis Capaldi (Kinda fits but I just love his voice in general)

Happy Reading!

"Soooo." Olivia asked, laying upside down on her bed.

"So, what?" I asked from my position on her spinning chair.

"Why the stupid smile on your face?" Lexi grunted, her back leaning against Liv's headboard.

After Alex dropped me off at home, I got a call from Olivia telling me to come over. Apparently the guys had plans without them wanted to hang out. So I immediately got in my car and headed to Liv's. A smile cemented to my face the entire time.

Nothing was going to get rid of the smile on my face. Even though Alex didn't kiss me I felt like I was on cloud 9.

"I can't smile?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Lexi opened her mouth to make some retort but Olivia spoke first.

"Lex told me that Alex came back to your house after we left." Even hanging upset own Liv still managed to give me a look demanding answers. Shockingly enough Lexi looked to be waiting for my answer.

Looking at them it hit me that this was the first time I actually had friends. Friends who wanted to know what was going on with me. Who weren't going to judge me. The realization slapped me in the face like a freight train.

The smile slipped off my face as my heart squeezed.

"Uh oh." Olivia quickly sat up. "What happened? Did Alex do something? I'll kick his as if he did." Her voice rising as she continued.

"It's not him." I shook my head, willing the tears to not come to my eyes. "I just..."I struggled to find the right words as I looked at the two girls who were suddenly my closest friends.

"I've never had friends who genuinely asked about my life or cared to know." I shrugged.

"Riley." Liv awed, getting off the bed and making her way towards me. Next thing I knew she had her arms wrapped around me, squishing my face into her chest. I awkwardly tapped her back while getting suffocated by boobs.

"You are stuck with us forever Riley." She cooed, gripping me to her.

"Liv you are suffocating her with your tits." Lexi said to which I instantly inwardly thanked her. Not exactly the way I wanted to go. Finally Liv let me go, leaving me to gasp for clean air.

"Seriously though Riley. You are stuck with Lexi and I forever." When Lexi didn't agree, Liv cleared her throat loudly.

"Yes stuck forever." The bored tone from Lexi made me snort. Despite the tone I knew she meant it. "So are you going to tell us about you and Alex or what?"

"Yeah what did he want?" Olivia moved to the edge of the bed, leaning towards me as if she couldn't wait to hear what happened.

My smile was long gone now as I thought about what Alex told me in the clearing. I wasn't quite sure if it all had sunk in yet. Alex's parents dying a year ago along with Noah's sister. Him having to take care of Harper all on his own.

I knew as soon as I actually processed the news I would be a sobbing mess on the floor. But right now...I wasn't quite sure what to do.

"He took me to this clearing that overlooked the city."

"Wait." Liv put her hand up to stop me. "He took you to the clearing?"

"Yeah?"

"He never takes anyone there. Hell I've only been once." Lexi butted in. My eye brows raised at that. I wasn't that special...was I?

"Anyways, what else happened?"

"He..." The image of Alex crying against me flashed in my mind. "He told me about his parents." I spoke softly.

Olivia and Lexi didn't interrupt me once as I told them what happened at the clearing. Both quiet as I pretty much said everything I hadn't been able to earlier with Alex.

It was then as I re-told it all that it sunk in. One second I was talking and the next I was a blubbering mess.

"I'm the worst person ever." I sobbed loudly. Olivia had her arms around me as I cried. "Here I am complaining about my life when Alex is alone taking care of Harper. He lost his parents! Noah lost a sister! And I'm complaining about not seeing my parents?!"

"Oh Hun." Liv rubbed my back. "Alex didn't not tell you to make you feel bad or make you feel horrible for talking about your own problems. He knows what its like to have something happen to you that breaks you. He wanted to be there for you and help you when you needed it."

My sobbing had stopped as Liv talked, tears still streaking down my cheeks.

"Alex...Alex has been through a lot. But one thing Alex hates is pity. Hence one of the reasons he didn't tell you about his family until now, and why he doesn't let anyone close to him. But he also knows he isn't the only one struggling.

"All of us has had something bad happened to them. But because of those things it has brought us all together and closer than most friendships. We are all there for one another.

"Alex knew you were drowning. He knew you needed someone because he's been there and knows what its like to be alone and struggling. We were all there for him and now its his turn to be there for you."

I hadn't known the right word for what I was going through with the whole Mitch thing. But Olivia hit it right on the head. I was drowning, or still am. I'm not entirely sure but I do know I haven't felt like I was since I've met Alex and the rest of the group.

"I'm not saying you can't feel bad for Alex, because we all do. But he didn't tell you to make you feel horrible for him or at yourself for not knowing. I don't know if he's accepted whats happened. Not even sure Noah has either. But what Alex needs is someone who understands and will help him feel like the entire world isn't on his shoulders. Does that make sense?" Liv turned to look me straight in the face. I nodded.

"You are human Riley. You can't help the things you feel. But what you can do is make sure Alex knows that telling you won't bite him in the ass. That you will continue on doing whatever you are doing to make him, HIM, again."

Liv didn't mince words. Basically telling me to stop feeling bad for Alex, that he didn't need that. And for that I was glad. Me feeling pity for Alex wasn't going to help anything. It has happened and theres no changing it. Alex has accepted that and I would need to too.

I sobered up from my little emotional breakdown. Keeping Oliva's words in my head, I sent her a weak smile.

"Thank you." I didn't need to say anymore. She sent me a small smile back of her own knowing what I was saying thank you for.

"And the same goes for Noah." I nodded although my heart broke for both boys.

The three of us were quiet for a few moments. The tears on my face dried and despite the headache growing, I felt better. The sudden mood change threw me but I figured it was much needed after the brutal talk this morning.

A knock on Liv's bedroom door shook us all out of our thoughts. A second later Liv's dad, William, popped his face through the door.

"Hi girls." I wasn't sure what was wrong with me because the sight of Liv's hot dad smiling at me, made my face burn. I wasn't the only one though. Even Lexi looked smitten by William.

I've always read books where the girls think their best friends dad is hot. And the dads are usually young and handsome, so I've always thought its only in books. Dad in real life aren't like that. Now...enter Olivia's dad.

"Hi dad." Olivia grinned over at her dad.

"You girls have any plans for tonight?" He glanced over at me and I knew he noticed my red-rimmed eyes but he thankfully didn't comment on it.

"Not sure yet. Maybe see what the guys are up to." Liv shrugged. "Where are you going?" Just then I noticed Mr. Dante was dressed up.

He wore a nice button up grey shirt paired with a pair of black slacks. The collar was open and the sleeves of the shirt rolled up. Damn. My inner self purred before I instantly stopped myself. What the hell!

"Dinner with an investor for this new property."

"You'll kill it as always." Liv left my side and got up to give her dad a hug. My heart squeezed at the sight making me turn away.

"Let me know what you guys are doing tonight. Don't stay out too late or get too drunk. If you do call me." Her dad said sternly. He wasn't an idiot and knew us underage kids drank, and he also knew it would be pointless to try and stop everyone. So instead

It was cool that he accepted it unlike some parents, and he even offers to pick everyone up if they are too drunk. That's how it should be.

"We will." Liv promised. I don't know about them but the idea of drinking didn't sound appealing at all, if ever. After how I felt this morning I was pretty sure I wasn't going to drink ever again.

"Be safe and have fun." With another kind smile in my direction and Lexi's, Olivia's dad left the room.

"Why is your dad so hot Liv?" Lexi groaned once the door was shut. Seeing the disgusted look on Liv's face I giggled. I inwardly agreed with Lexi though.

"Don't ever say that again." Liv's nose was scrunched up. "And you have a boyfriend Lexi."

"So? I can look at the merchandise, I just can't touch it."

My control over my laughter snapped at her comment. Clenching my stomach I rolled to the side laughing loudly. A minute later Liv and Lexi joined in. The three of us sounding like hyenas as we rolled on the bed/floor.

Once my laughter died down I laid there on my back trying to catch my breath. We laid there for a while, the music we had playing earlier still going on in the background.

"What should we do tonight?" Liv suddenly asked after a good 15 minutes of silence.

"Lets go with the guys." Lexi suggested.

"But aren't they busy tonight?" There was something about Liv's tone that made my glance over at her. She was sitting up and seemed to be having a silent conversation with Lexi about something.

"So?"

"Lex they don't like us going." I could tell Liv was trying to be vague about whatever it was but it only made me more curious. Sitting up I looked between the two.

"Don't like you going where?" I questioned.

"We can go if we want. They aren't our keepers." Lexi scoffed.

"Alex will be pissed." At the sound of Alex's name I frowned.

"What about Alex?" I spoke a tad bit louder hoping to get an answer. The pair looked at me before looking back at each other.

"Let him be. We should go."

Now beyond curious about whatever this place was I pipped in.

"I want to go."

"See she wants to go." Lexi gestured to me. Liv was quiet for a moment, biting her bottom lip in thought.

"Fine but they will be pissed."

"They'll be fine." Lexi waved her off before getting off the bed.

As I pushed off the ground I heard Liv mumble under her breath. Wherever Lexi wanted to go Liv didn't approve.

"It will be fine." I squeezed her arm to try and make her feel better. It couldn't be that bad.

* * * * * ** * * *

"Stop messing with the top." Liv smacked my hand away for the tenth time.

"It's too short." I whined, tugging at the hem once again.

"No it isn't."

"I'd fuck you." Lexi and Liv said at the same time. I'm pretty sure you know which one said what.

Because we apparently didn't have time to go back to my house to change, Liv shoved pieces of clothing at me and told me to change. Not even giving me a choice in the matter.

I didn't know that Lexi leaves clothes here once in a while so she was all set; almost like she planned for things like this to happen.

So I was currently wearing a pair of Lexi's high-waisted black skinny jeans with rips. Along with a very snug black  top that kept riding up my stomach. I stuck with my black converse I already had on, wanting to feel a bit more comfortable than the heeled boots Liv and Lexi wanted me to wear.

While the outfit wasn't 'out there', it definitely wasn't me either. I'm not use to wearing tight clothing that hugged my body. Because I had more junk in the trunk than Lexi did, the jeans hugged my butt making it stick out more.

As we headed for my car, no way was I letting Olivia drive again, I heard Lexi mutter something to Liv.

"Her looking like that will make Alex less mad." Still beyond confused at Lexi's words I shrugged it off. I was about to find out what they meant. Plus knowing Lexi she wouldn't tell me anyways.

With that I drove to wherever we were going blindly. Lexi in the passenger seat would give me directions but as I drove I got even more confused. I didn't recognize where we were going at all.

When Lexi directed me into the parking lot of what looked like an abandoned building I felt my nerves kick in. The sun had set by now and made where we were even scarier. The fact that we were a bit outside of town didn't help either.

"Are you sure you have the right place?" I asked as I turned in. Surprisingly though the parking lot was full of cars.

"Yeah this is the right place." Liv was quiet in the back as I found an empty spot and pulled in. A quick glance out the window I gripped the steering wheel. It looked sketchy as hell.

Liv and I had no choice but to get out and follow after Lexi. All three of us stuck close to one another as we crossed the parking lot. Lexi lead us towards the building and to a door. Without a word she opened it, not seeming a it nervous compared to Liv and I.

We walked down the empty hallway, the only sound was our footsteps until we got to another door. As soon as Lexi opened the door my eardrums were hit with yelling.

What the hell?

I glanced back at Olivia with wide eyes. She didn't look surprised by the yelling and instead grabbed my hand. With surprising strength, Liv tugged me after her and Lexi further into the room.

One second it was dark and the next it was bright. We passed through an arched doorway and before me was tons of people. I looked away from the crowd of people yelling to focus on a huge ring dead center of the room. From where we were out I could see two people in it fighting, but with the tall crowd I couldn't see too much.

A tug at my hand drew my attention away from the ring. I'm at an underground fighting ring. Oh god. I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that underground fighting rings/clubs were real. You always read about them in books but yet I didn't think it was true.

And the fact that the guys were here....did that mean the rumors about Alex being a fighter were true? Maybe I should listen to the rumors a bit more.

Liv and Lexi shoved our way through the crowd. The crowd was too busy watching the fight to even care about being shoved. We weaved our way towards the other side of the room, Liv's grip on my hand tight.

Before Liv seemed nervous but now that we were here she seemed fine. She even walked like she had been here multiple times before.

At first I didn't want to push anyone away or be rude but, by time we got to the other side of the room I was shoving people left and right. After being shoved half a dozen times I was over the crowd.

Finally we came to a stop where it wasn't as crowded. Lexi stood on her toes, eyes darting around as if she was looking for someone. I glanced around us, still trying to wrap my head around the whole atmosphere.

As I looked around I noticed multiple guys staring at us, or more like leering. A good handful of guys were around us, all seeming a bit older and not friendly looking.

The way they were looking at me made my skin crawl. Kind of like when that guy Marcus at the club looked at me. But this was worse than that. When one guy to my right took a step towards me I shrunk back against Olivia.

Just then I heard Lexi's voice yell loudly.

"Nico!" She waved her arm high in the air, yelling her boyfriends name. I took my gaze off of the guys around us and followed Lexi's. I watched as a familiar mop of black hair turned towards the noise.

Nico looked in our direction, taking a moment to realize it was his girlfriend yelling his name. His face switched from confusion, to shock, to angry. The pissed off look on his face as he stalked towards us had me shrinking. He did not look happy to see us at all.

Beside me I felt Liv tense as Nico neared us. The only person not scared was Lexi.

"What are you doing here?" Nico asked in a calm but lethal voice as he came to a stop in front of us. He may have seemed calm but I could see he was holding back. He was pissed.

"We wanted to come see-"

"Lexi you know not to come here alone." Nico interrupted her.

"Babe-"

"Don't 'babe' me." Nico said through clenched teeth. "You know what it is like here. Something could have happened."

I could see it then. He wasn't necessarily pissed we were here, he was pissed at the fact that she didn't tell him she was coming. That we were coming to what was most likely a bad place for three girls like us to be at alone.

"Babe." Lexi spoke in a soft voice, stepping up to him. "I'm okay nothing happened."

"It could have Lexi."

"I know. I'm sorry." Hearing Lexi apologize made my eyebrows raise. That's a first. "I didn't want you to tell us we couldn't come." Her voice was so soft and filled with something I've never heard from Lexi before.

"I won't ever tell you what you can and can't do Lex." The tension in Nico's shoulders loosened. He reached up and grabbed Lexi's chin, tilting her head up. "I won't ever do that." He spoke so fiercely. "I would have met you at the door if you had called."

"I promise not to do it again." As the pair kissed I glanced away and took a step back. It felt like I was listening in on something I shouldn't.

I hadn't realized I let go of Liv's hand until I felt someone else grab my arm. I was roughly spun around, stumbling slightly at the movement.

Standing in front of me, gripping my upper arm, was the same guy who took a step towards me a few minutes ago.

Up close I could see he was definitely older than I thought. He looked to be in his 50's with very little hair and I could see tattoos running down his neck. His grip on my arm tightened as I tried to yank it free.

"What is a little thing like you doing here?" The creep asked. His disgusting breath fanned across my face making me want to throw up. Upon speaking I saw he was missing some teeth. I tried to take a step back but his grip wouldn't let me.

"Let me go." I tried to sound strong but it came out as a weak whimper.

"Girls like you shouldn't be here alone." The guy licked his lips, making my nose scrunch up in disgust.

"If you do not remove your hands, I will." A new voice spoke up behind me. Whipping my head over my shoulder I slumped in relief.

Noah stepped forward, his blue eyes hard as he glared at the guy gripping my arm.

"I won't ask again." The voice that came out of Noah was one I've never heard before. Gone was the goofy, funny, kind guy. In it's place was someone you didn't want to mess with.

The guy holding onto me glared at Noah, his hand tightening so hard I whimpered; knowing it would bruise. As Noah took a step forward the guy finally dropped my arm.

"Whore isn't worth it." The guy spat before turning and limping off. I held onto my arm as Noah wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. I relaxed against him, beyond glad he came when he did.

"You always find trouble don't you." Noah tried to joke but it came out forced. I laughed humorlessly.

"Thanks." He didn't say anything, just squeezed my shoulder and moved us back around. In front of us Nico had his arm tightly wrapped around Lexi's waist, Liv was standing next to a pissed of Derek.

"Going to tell us why you girls are here?" Noah asked, his voice still low and serious. He looked at all three of us.

"It was Lexi's idea." Olivia suddenly blurted, throwing Lexi under the bus.

"Hey!" Lexi glared over at her.

"It was. I said no." Noah glanced down at me, waiting for my response.

"I wanted to see what they were talking about." I mumbled weakly. He sighed heavily.

"Well Alex is up next. Lets get up front."

Nico lead us towards the ring. As he walked the crowd in front of us seemed to part like the see. Almost like we were royalty, but I bet it had to do with them being scared of Nico. I'll be honest-all three guys right now were scary as hell.

As we got right up front the three of them stood at our backs, shielding us from the crowd. I tried to ignore the tension around us as I finally got a good look at the ring.

Right now there were still two guys in it. Both looked bloody and tired. Behind us the crowd seemed less excited than when we first got here. The way the two men in the ring were acting I figured they were about done.

I watched with wide eyes as one of the guys suddenly swung at the other, hitting him so hard I heard it from where I was standing. I flinched at the sound, standing there frozen and the guy fell to the ground.

A guy who looked like a ref came forward calling the fight to and end. People around us cheered and a few booed. From the corner of my eye I saw a few people passing money over to others.

My full attention turned back to the ring as two guys came and helped the one off the floor. He looked conscious and it made me queazy. Feeling something touch my arm I jerked away, twisting my body as I do so. I relaxed seeing it was Noah.

"You okay?"

"Alex is going to fight?" I ignored his question. He looked at me before nodding. "And you're going to let him?" It came out a lot harsher than I intended. But the idea of Alex getting hit and knocked out like that made me sick.

"Alex will do it whether I want him to or not. I'd rather be here than let him do it alone." Noah didn't once look away from my gaze as he spoke. I knew Noah wasn't making Alex fight but he wasn't stopping him. He knew Alex could get hurt doing this.

"Riley he will be fine. He's the best fighter here." I knew Noah could see the concern on my face. I wasn't good with violence in general and now here I was about to watch Alex fight a foot away.

"Trust me Riley, he's going to be okay. I'd be more concerned about how he's going to react to you being here."

"He's going to be pissed isn't he?" Noah nodded. "Why?"

"This isn't the best part of town or the best place to be for a girl to be alone. He's going to be livid when he sees that bruise on your arm." I glanced down as saw the bruise already forming on my arm. Great. Why do I bruise so easily?!

"Why didn't he tell me he fights?" I asked. Just as Noah opened his mouth to answer a loud voice echoed over a microphone.

"This will be interesting." Noah mumbled as I turned around to face the ring.

"I've seen him fight. He'll be okay." Olivia said softly next to me.

"How long has he been doing this?" I had a slight idea of when but needed Liv to confirm it.

"Right after his parents." She had to lean in closer and talk in my ear as the 'announcer' spoke.

"What about Harper?"

"He makes sure she is at a friends house or one of us is watching her."

The guy announcing Alex's opponent interrupted our conversation. With what I assumed was an encouraging smile, Liv left me to my thoughts.

I had already guessed Alex started this after his parents passed. Maybe a way to help cope? Harper's comment now made sense. When she said her brother comes home sometimes with bruises, this is why. That didn't help my worry at all. If Harper has noticed bruises before than that means he's been hit before.

I couldn't bring it in me to be upset that he didn't tell me he did this sort of thing. It wasn't my business to know. And if it is anything like the movies then the one rule about fight club-is never talk about fight club.

Pushing it all aside I focused on what was happening in front of me. I had completely tuned out the introduction of Alex's opponent but he stood directly in front of me. He was bouncing on his toes on the other side of the ring facing us. And boy was he huge.

The guy had tree trunks for arms, laced with tattoos. From here I couldn't exactly tell how tall he was or even how old he looked but I knew one thing...he looked frightening.

That is who Alex is going up against?

A pit formed in my stomach at the thought. Oh god this was going to be a blood bath. It won't be that bad. He'll be wearing a padded helmet and gloves. He'll be okay. I inwardly tried to calm myself down.

At the sound of cheering I looked away from the huge man in front of me.

"The next fighter needs no introduction. A crowd favorite and undefeated champion...Alex!" The announce yelled.

All around me people yelled. My ears rang with the loud screams and my whole body seemed to shake as the floor shook below me. It didn't take a genius to know this was the fight everyone has been waiting for.

I took a quick look at our group; Nico stood tall and rigid, one arm hooked around Lexi to keep her back against his front and the other fisted at his side. His gaze never once left the ring.

Next to him was Derek. His arms were crossed over his chest and his stance was wide like he was ready to take anyone down if need be. While he too was focused on the ring, he kept glancing down at Olivia in front of him.

Olivia was shifting on her feet as she wrung her hands. I watched as nerves finally get to her enough that she reached back, extending a hand blindly towards Derek. He didn't even hesitate in uncrossing his arms and grabbing her outstretched hand. He tugged her a bit closer to his front as they gripped hands.

Just a tad bit off to my right side Noah stood. He stood as tall as the others and just as intimidating. His arms crossed and his jaw clenched so hard I could see the muscles contracting from here. His eyes laser focused on his best friend entering the ring.

At the sight of Alex all thoughts left my head. He entered the ring shirtless and clad in only a pair of athletic pants. I was mildly surprised at the choice of long pants but the thought instantly disappeared as he moved around the ring, showing off his sculpted upper body.

I've already seen Alex shirtless but for some reason he looked to be in even better shape. Maybe it was the lighting because his abs looked more prominent and so did his arm muscles.

I managed to tear my eyes away from his bare upper body and focus more on him. I watched as he stalked around the ring before finally settling into the opposite corner of his opponent. His back was to us, and man was it a ripped back, so he had yet to see us all there in the front.

Alex bounced lightly on his toes, rolling his shoulders as he did, before stopping. As my gazed moved lower did I finally see his hands were bare. Wait...so was his head. There was no helmet or gloves. His hands seemed to be taped or had something on them but that was it. No ounce of padding anywhere.

(There are no such things as too many shirtless Alex gifs...right?)

"Where are his gloves!" I shouted over my shoulder to Noah.

"There are no gloves."

"What do you mean? Isn't this boxing?" I saw the answer written on his face before he answered.

"Riley...this is a street fight. No gloves allowed." He paused before continuing. "No rules either. They go until the other is knocked out."

I whirled back around as all the blood in my face drained. Until someone is knocked out. My eyes darted to Alex's opponent and then back to Alex. The guy was double his size and his arms were the same size as Alex's head! There is no way he could take him for crying out loud!

"Remember clean fighting." Was all the announcer said before backing away. I felt Noah move up beside me but my eyes were glued to the ring.

All I could do was stand there as a bell rang signaling the start of the fight. Both guys walked out of their corners, circling around each other for a moment.

"Trying to find any weaknesses." Noah spoke into my ear. "The sooner you find the weakness the faster the fight ends and the more money you win."

This continued for a few minutes until the other guy seemed to get annoyed. I tried to hold back my gasp as the guy swung his fist out towards Alex. Just in time Alex ducked and moved away.

Unconsciously my hand found its way to Noah's forearm, gripping it tightly. I needed an anchor as I watched the fight unfold in front of me.

The crowd around me were cheering so loud I couldn't hear myself think. People yelling out Alex's name or the opponents name who I learned was Grant.

My grip tightened as 'Grant' swung and then kicked at Alex a few more times. But Alex easily moved out of the way. He had yet to hit the guy back and instead seemed to lead him around the ring.

"Trying to tire him out faster." Noah spoke again. I didn't bother to nod that I heard, keeping my eyes glued to Alex.

Alex lead his opponent towards our side of the ring, giving me a closer look at him. He looked so focused so....in his element. Grant went to punch Alex in the stomach but once again on light feet, Alex stepped back in time.

As Alex moved away from Grant and more into my line of vision our eyes met. Out of everyone in the room Alex's grey eyes landed on me and stayed.

An array of emotions flashed across his face as he just stood there staring at me. Almost like he didn't know if I was really there or not. He was too focused on me that he didn't see the fist flying straight towards him.

I saw it at the last moment as the fist his the side of Alex's cheek, sending him rearing to the side. 

"ALEX!" I screamed making a move forward. A pair of arms wrapped around my middle to stop me from entering the ring.

Alex only stumbled to the side before gaining his footing. His head whipped back to my direction, probably taking in my horrified expression.

This time I noticed the move in time. Grant snapped his arm out again to hit Alex while distracted.

"WATCH OUT!" I screamed, my body wiggling in Noah's arms but he held me back. My yell seemed to knock Alex out of whatever trance he was in and ducked just in time to miss the fist that would have hit his temple.

Seeing the side of Alex's face I watched his jaw clench before he suddenly just launched himself at his opponent. Noah was right, Alex was trying to wear Grant down before and clearly was holding back his punches for a reason.

With how fast Alex stalked towards Grant it seemed to throw him off, letting Alex land a right hook to the side of his face. It only took Alex two hits to knock the huge guy on the ground.

I couldn't take my eyes off the guy as he fell to the ground with a loud thud. It was pure silent for a moment as everyone waited for the guy to move or wake up. When a good five seconds passed and he didn't move everyone around me erupted into the loudest yells yet.

It seemed like the entire building shook as people cheered at Alex for winning. I felt people knocking into Noah but he held firm, keeping us steady and not letting me fall.

While people cheered around me, I only had eyes for one person. The same person who was now making his way towards me, ignoring the announcer who called his name.

My heart was beating so hard in my chest and I felt my whole body shaking. Watching Alex get hit sent something rushing through me. I wanted to punch him myself for letting himself get hit. How dare he let himself get hit in the face! I wanted to knock some damn sense into him.

I wiggled around of Noah's hold and took a step forward just as Alex reached me. Beyond pissed at him I did the one thing I've been dying to do. I reached out and grabbed his face in my hands, yanking him towards me.

"You are a fucking idiot." I said before slamming me lips into his. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IT IS HAPPENING! As you all requested...Alex and Riley have kissed!! I know I left it on a slight cliffhanger with the kiss but the next chapter I have big plans for, so I decided to cut it. Plus an update never hurts :D

I know it is cliche to have the 'bad boy' be a street fighter but I did warn you guys about the fact that there may be some cliches in this book. Plus who doesn't love a good bad boy/street fighter. And it kinda makes sense to have Alex fight to get his mind off of his family. 

Anyways, I am sorry about the wait! I really am! But Thank you guys for being so patient and understanding. I really don't know what I'd do without you guys. Because without you this book wouldn't have reached 113K READS ALREADY!!! AHHHH

So thank you so much for being the best readers ever!! <3 <3 <3 

P.S I am hoping to update one more time before Christmas next week, if not I will the following days after because my parents will be out of town for 4 days. And I have nothing better to do with my boring life. 

LOVE YOU GUYS! <3 <3

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-Ken