8. Mariposa

It was around six in the evening by the time I arrived to the fight club. I took a walk around, getting a feel for everything. As Javier had explained, everything checked out here. There wasn't any shady business I wasn't aware of. I was thankful for that. I wanted to speak to the owner and discuss further plans for the club. I asked around, however, Ace wasn't here yet. They advised he normally showed up later in the evening, typically around seven. So in the meantime, I decided to grab a beer or two as I watched the fights. 

I was actually surprised with how poor the fighters fought. They all appeared to be amateurs, but unpracticed ones at that. Their skills were lacking, to the point I found it rather boring. I would have to talk to Ace about finding better fighters. These guys were nothing but drunk men having a go at each other. I wanted the fight club to be better than this. If Ace couldn't find better fighters, I would shut the place down.

I was barely paying attention to the fight when something caught my eye. I turned to see the most stunning woman I'd ever laid eyes on. To my surprise, she was looking directly at me. It had been so long since someone had last looked me in the eyes. Typically others were unable to, as they were too afraid. But not her. She matched my gaze, unwavering for even a moment. 

She reminded me of a butterfly- mariposa. Strong and beautiful, while full of intrigue. I could sense she was hiding something, which only made me more intrigued by her. I wanted to know her story. I wanted to know why she was here. I wanted to know her secret. 

Regardless of what I felt for her, I knew I couldn't act on it. I was leaving tomorrow. I didn't have time for her. I looked back towards the fight, ignoring her presence. 

Until I saw her talking to the MC. They seemed to be having some sort of conversation, making me wonder what they could be talking about. When suddenly his gaze follows hers, until it lands on me. His eyes go wide before immediately turning away from me. I see her nod her head. He looks at her nervously before waving, signalling the end of the fight. The fighters in the ring look confused, as they hadn't finished yet. I looked on just as eagerly, wanting to know what was going on. I couldn't deny, I found this entire situation intriguing. I sent a wink in her direction as the MC climbed onto the stage. He grabbed the microphone and shouted out to the crowd. Immediately everyone grew silent, equally curious about what was happening.

"Everyone, I hope you haven't fallen asleep from that pathetic fight, but I have something that may pique your interest." The MC shouted out, piquing my interest. 

"We have a newcomer to the ring." The MC shouted, which made me furrow my brows. A newcomer? This was an underground fight club. How could a newcomer get in? As far as I was concerned, no one could enter unless they were on the list. Ace was the one that approved the fighters. They had to train multiple times before even being considered a contestant here. So what was going on?

"Not only that. But our newcomer has requested a challenge." Once again the crowd grows silent as they wait to hear who was challenged. My attention is so focused on the MC, that nothing around me matters. I watch as Ace steps towards the MC and whispers something in his ear. The man nods then continues.

"Our challenger, Firecracker, has requested to challenge none other than THE REAPER!" The man shouts, instantly silencing the crowd. The crowd had gone so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Someone wants to challenge me? Do they have a death wish? They must, if they think they can survive against me.

"Now the question we're all waiting for." The announcer continues.

"Reaper? Do you accept the challenge?" The announcer questions, as all eyes turn towards me. Even though I didn't know anyone here, everyone seemed to know who I was, which only made me smile. I've never been one to shy away from a fight, so when the MC asks whether I accepted the challenge, I shout out the only response. I turn to look at Mariposa, seeing her stare back at me. I tried to read her expressions but she was locked up tight like a professional poker player. I couldn't read anything off of her.

"CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!" I shout, winking at Mariposa.

I jumped onto the stage and removed my sweater. I've already had to get changed once already today. I didn't feel like having to waste yet another outfit because of it being soiled by the inevitable bloodstains. 

I kept my attention on the MC as I studied the crowd, anxiously awaiting who in here would have the balls to challenge me. When none other than Mariposa jumps into the cage. Is this a joke? Did Ace put me up to this? I'm not one to attack a woman, but if she's actually the one to challenge me, then who am I to stop her?

I found my interest in Mariposa increasing by the second. She had an air of mystery to her. But mostly, it seemed as though she had something to prove. But to who? Surely she hadn't decided to challenge me just to get my attention. So then why was she here? Ace seemed to know her, as he told the MC to call her firecracker. The two must know each other. If she made it out of here alive, I would have to talk to Ace about this. I wanted to know who she was, and what he knew about her. No other women were allowed in this club. But mostly, women typically weren't interested in being anywhere near here in the first place, which made me even more curious as to why she was here.

Did she know who I was? Is that why she chose to challenge me? It couldn't be. Because if she knew who I was, she never would've challenged me in the first place. Challenging me was a death wish. One that I was more than happy to oblige. It's just a shame that a body like hers will go to waste.

Unfortunately, I may never find out the answers to any of those questions, as she was as good as dead. Even my best fighters couldn't survive in a fight against me. So what makes her any different?

I watch as she removes her sweater, and tosses it to the ground. I find myself admiring her silky curves. She's not bad-looking at all. If things were different, I definitely would've f*cked her. It's a shame she won't live for long. Perhaps I could convince her to give up. Then I could f*ck her after. I nod my head in satisfaction. That's exactly what I'll do. I'm sure I won't need to do much convincing once she realizes she's out of her depth. 

I step towards her, expecting her to flinch as I approach her. Little do I realize how much I'd misjudged her. As she doesn't even flinch from my presence. Rather, she remains firm in her stance. I realize too late why she didn't move. She wanted me to attack her first. It was a good strategy, but too bad it wasn't going to work.