Love-Hate

MARGAUX

Colorful lights, loud music, the scent of alcohol. Ah, I hate being in such places. Wrinkling my nose, I blew out a sigh turning my attention towards Mary who already had four glasses of various drinks that some men had bought sitting idly by the counter in front of her.

"Don't look at me like that, Margie. I hate you," I laughed.

"I'm sorry, Mary. But you do know why we are doing this," I said, pouting my lips trying to plead with her. She rolled her eyes at me.

Earlier today, she had wanted to avoid having to dress the part to enter Rhythm, the bar. She had wanted to steer clear of unwanted attention to ourselves. However, there was kind of a dress code in order to get in.

She had argued that we could just punch our way in. I would have agreed to that. But that in itself would be calling the attention she claimed she did not want nor like.

In my opinion, even when Mary was to wear a sack tonight, people will still notice her beauty. She tends to stand out wherever we go.

"Please, let's just get this over and done with. I'm not enjoying playing nice."

I smirked.

"You're not going to drink those then?" she rolled her eyes at me, shaking her head, pushing the drinks in my direction just in time for the bartender to place another concoction in front of me.

Smiling, he gestured his head to a guy from one of the booths in the corner. I caught his eye. He looked like he was in his thirties with black sleek hair and a nice build, it was evident that he was working out. The polo shirt he was wearing was hugging his body in the right places.

The man was actually good looking, I'll give him that. However, I was not interested.

Furthermore, he reminded me so much of Paul, I instantly wanted to puke.

Raising an eyebrow in his direction, I picked up the drink and gestured for a toast. I watched as the man smiled, probably thinking that he just scored a drink with me. But then, I steadily held his gaze, watching carefully as the smile on his face began to fade away when instead of downing the drink, I little by little spilled it on the floor.

"Oops," I mouthed, feigning a surprised expression.

"Sorry," I said to the bartender right after, handing him back the now empty glass. He smiled.

"It's okay, miss. It is completely understandable,"

"Thank you," I stated before hearing three consecutive claps coming from behind.

Turning, I found myself face to face with the guy named Nico, an amused and unhappy expression was plastered on his face.

"Nice act," he said, darting his gaze from me towards Mary. For a minute, I think he had forgotten how to breathe.

I was tempted to do one eye roll. Why am I not surprised. I mentally shook my head. But I really can't blame him. I can't blame any of them.

"Did you enjoy it?" I said. Nico sent a smirk my way.

"Are you kidding me?" I chuckled, wanting to infuriate him even further. He seemed to dislike me. But I could hardly care. I won the fight fair and square. It was only given that I claimed the prize I was supposed to have.

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" I said, holding his gaze, raising my chin, defiantly fighting him in the staring contest.

"Besides," I added. "You are not the one whom I came here for. The fire in his eyes seemed to have been ignited. I could only respond with a satisfied smile, watching Nico continue to glare at me.

"Nico," turning my attention to the one who had called Nico, I found Kevin, the Mafia Boss whom I had knocked out cold yesterday looking right at me. The first thing I noticed when our eyes met was the cut on his lower lip.

I had to stop myself from displaying too much mirth or they might not take me seriously. I needed them. In order to prepare to meet and clash with Takahashi, I needed a crew to support me.

"Rose," not wanting to give anything away, I instantly turned my attention towards Kevin.

"Kevin," I said, smiling innocently right after as I tried not to think about how easily I had ended the fight yesterday. I hardly gained any additional sweat while trying to take him down.

To say the least I was a bit disappointed. From what I had heard about him, a part of me had been looking forward to seeing it in action.

It had been a long time since I had a decent sparring partner. I had looked forward to being able to receive some massive blow and have a very sore body right after.

Well, my body did feel sore from fighting one person after the next yesterday. But those first few fights barely gave me any scratches.

I was about ready to have some bruises and receive some physical pain to at least numb the ache inside that I was feeling. I was looking forward to having some real fight.

Unfortunately, none of those even took place.

"You came back," I can't help but notice the somewhat sarcastic tone hidden in those few words.

"Of course, I believe that we had a deal. Sadly you were unconscious and had no time to discuss a few things further," I watched as briefly, a look of embarrassment flashed on his face but had somehow vanished in an instant.

If my theory would be correct, he still can't get over the fact that I had won. He must still be reeling from the embarrassment of being defeated by a woman in one clean punch.

"A deal? I didn't even say yes. It seemed to me that this 'deal' which you are claiming is quite useless. A deal only happens when the two parties would come to an agreement."

I admit, he had a point. However, I can make an argument with that.

"The moment you had joined me in the ring I think that was quite understandable as a way of agreeing to the conditions I had just set. You did not speak it out loud. But in some way, the deal had taken place."

Seeing his indescribable expression, I could only assume that I too had made a point.