L. Miller - Gilded Wings

She strolled in with a bag hitched over her shoulder and three shopping bags. “Well, I need stuff to get ready for tonight”.

“Just invite yourself over why don’t you!”

“I just have. Now where is the vino? Actually, don’t worry, I’ll find it”. Lucy headed into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of Bollinger, “This is all I could find?”

“Better crack it open then”.

She filled two large glasses to the rim, “You’re not trying to inhibilitate me are you Lucy Bertie?”

Pointing to her chest and dropping her hip she replied in a I’m-a-completely-innocent-girl voice. “Moi, never”.

She headed over to my stereo and clipped in her iPod. The sound of the black eyed peas filled the room. My eyes welled at the lyrics ‘no no no no, baby no no no no don’t lie’.

“Hey Luce can we change the song?”

“Yeah sure, what do you want on?” Her eyes looking at me quizzically.

“Something dancey? — We are getting ready for a night out and all”.

“That’s my girl. This any better?”

Jessie J’s voice sang through the speakers. Strong, Independent woman. That’s more like it.

* * *

“Come on Evie, the cab is waiting”.

I ran down the stairs and grabbed my clutch. Tonight we were going for the sexy yet casual look. I wore my khaki skinny jeans and a cream blouse which I had tucked into the waistband. I finished the look with a brown skinny belt and my nude stiletto pumps. I felt confident. Also very much looking forward to seeing Connor’s ripped physic all hot and sweaty. Mmmmhmm.

We pulled up to Equinox. The domed curve of the building against the night lit skyline was breathtaking. It was dove grey with strobe lighting crossing the starlit sky. The sound of the music from inside the building was intense. I could feel the vibration through my body. As we walked through the glass doors the size of the building became apparent. The ceilings were sky high and everywhere I looked bodies were packed tightly. This was unnerving. We clutched hands determined to make sure we arrive to the rest of the group together.

“Travie!” Lucy shouted. Her voice was lost in the noise of the room and the background music. Tugging my hand she walked us in the direction of the group. Travie was looking his usual rock some self. Lucy leaped onto him and wrapped her legs around his waist. He in turn wrapped his arms around her as they decided to publicly devour each other’s mouths.

“Hey Jake”.

“Hey Evie, looking hot baby girl.”

“Uh, thanks Jake, where is Lex?”

“She has just gone over to the reception to find out where to pick up our tickets from. Can’t get in without a ticket”.

“I thought Luce said Connor had sorted the tickets?”

“I have”. I instinctively jumped at the sound of his deep voice caressing those two words.

“Hey Connor”. Jake called over.

“Evie you made it”. Lex squealed hugging me, exuding her enthusiasm for my presence.

“Hello again Evie”. His eyes staring into mine intently. Why was I acting so irrational? He was a man. A very handsome, sexy, perfect man. But a man none the less. Why did my body want surcome to his ability to debilitate me? Jake and Travie are both attractive men and yet I can talk to them. Yet Connor, Connor manages to send my body into overdrive. My heart rate quickens. My body urges me to touch him. My mind wanders, wanting to taste him, to feel him inside of me. He makes my body yearn for him.

“Hi Connor, thank you for the tickets. I’m looking forward to seeing you fight”.

He smiled, “Fight?” He lent down and whispered into my ear, “I was hoping you would say you were looking forward to seeing me half naked, hot and sweaty”.

My mouth dropped open and my body tightened everywhere. He leaned up and I could see the smile creep across his lips.

“See you after the fight Evie, here are the tickets”. He handed me five tickets and placed a kiss on my cheek.

“Oh my God, he is so fucking sexy.”

“He’s ok I suppose Lex.”

“Ok huh? — I suppose you wouldn’t mind if I asked him out then?”

Shock covered my face, “Wha, um, oh I um… . suppose not”.

“Gottcha, you like him Evie, just admit it”.

Oh yes I really fucking fancy him. I want him to rip my clothes off and fuck me until we are both hot and dripping wet. I thought best and settled simply with, “I’m with Henry”.

Our seats were amazing. We were practically twelve feet away from the octagonal cage. The cage was in the centre of the arena and seats wrapped around it with each level of seating being higher than the last. The atmosphere was sensational. Adrenaline ran high throughout the crowd. Testosterone was apparent, men arguing and staking their claim over who will be the winning fighter in tonight’s match. I had never seen Connor fight before but instinct told me he would win. He had to. The thought of him bloodied and crippled with pain was unbearable.

The surrounding lights dipped. Shadows cast over the faces of the adoring crowds. Bright light centred solely highlighting focus to the ring. In it standing two men, ready to fight to gain supremacy.

Connor looked delectable. His bare chest glistened against the lighting of the arena. His face looked fiercely dark, standing opposite his opponent. Their bodies shifted slightly, edging between feet, like a preliminary warning threat to one another. Connors frame was bold, wide and toned, he was six foot precisely, or so the guide informed me. But even though Connor was tall and toned he stood a few inches shy of the giant that was in front of him. My heart skipped in fear at the thought of Connor having to battle his way to victory against this huge monster of a man. Jake noticed my worried glances altering between the giant and Connor.

“Connor will be more nimble and have speed on his side against that big brute.” He offered.

I was not too sure whether Jakes reassurances were honest or a tactic to subdue my fear.

“Oh okay, I suppose he needs something on his side, that guy is huge.”

The ref talked into the microphone, amplifying his voice slightly. His voice was muffled and his words became lost into the noise of the crowd. Connor and his opponent, Santos, tapped fists and walked backwards from one another. Standing themselves opposite one another at either end of the cage.

Both men psyching themselves up and trying to intimidate the other. Springing from foot to foot. Tiny jumps made to enhance their size and form. Connor was immensely focused on Santos. His eyes never breaking contact. Not once looking fearful of his competitors size.

The ref called fight and Connor and Santos began to edge in towards one another. Fists raised just below their chins, ready to swing in the right instance.

Santos edged closer, prepared to make his advance. Connor goaded him, stepping back slightly allowing Santos to creep forward toward him. Santos continued to dance around Connor. His arms raised and fists clenched in a position to shield his face. Connor’s arms had relaxed, lowered to waist height, his confidence radiated from him. A small smirk crossed his lips as he prepared to make his move. Connor lightly jabbed out, nowhere near close enough to touch Santos and with minimal effort to ensure his energy levels were sustained whilst he played with his prey.

Santos became edgy with Connor’s movements and decided to swing out first. Santos mustered his energy and lunged forward with his right leg and following through with the same arm. His movement was sloppy, causing his body to lower without connecting with Connor’s. Connor sought his window and pummelled his fist into the side of Santos’ head.

Santos staggered back a little, and Connor grabbed his lower leg, hauling it up to his abdomen. Santos’ arms pound at Connor’s chest, attempting to push him off. Connor lost his footing and Santos used this moment to withdraw his leg from Connor’s grasp and edge away, bringing much needed distance between the pair of them.

The both drew in, jabbing one another with swings of their fists. Seeing Santos’ fist connect with Connor’s body was excruciating to watch. The pair ducking and dancing around one another. Minor kicks and jabs being thrown into the mix.

Santos advanced, with lightning speed it was hard to comprehend his movements until I saw Connor lying on the mat. Santos’ leg has swung and connected with Connor’s head, the force sending Connor flying onto his back. I gasped, fear propelling through my body. My hands clasped my face, shielding my eyes from the view of Connor’s bloodied face.

“Don’t worry, look, he’s up. That’s nothing; Connor’s tougher than that kick”.

I peeled my fingers away from my eyes to see Jake smiling towards the cage.

“Oooh he looks pissed now, Santos isn’t gonna stand a chance.” The grin across Jakes face was undeniable. He really believed what he was saying.

When I looked back toward the cage Connor stood strong and looked beyond angry. Connor went in harder and faster, swinging and connecting with his face and body with every strike. The roar of the crowd was inhabilitating. The atmosphere tense and cheering as Connor pummelled his was through Santos.

The claxon sounded informing that the first round had finished. I inhaled deeply in the comfort of knowing that Connor was fine, for at least the next two minutes before round two.

The dancing around one another began again, this was the last round and Santos was growing weaker, his body growing slow and uncoordinated. His hits were lazy and misplaced. Connor was conserving his energy. Slowly allowing Santos to draw out his movements and ebb away at himself.

With a last blow of energy Santos came in fast towards Connor, jabbing and punching. His hits were forceful but nothing compared to the swift uppercut that moved with such grace and force that sent Santos’ body flying and grounded to the floor.

* * *

Crowds barged through the exit doors. Men mimicking moves from the fight and discussing the tactics and results. The crowd was overall in favour of the winning fighter tonight and that gave me a sense of pride. I was right. Time to cash in the bet slip.

“Lex, I need to put this in to get my winnings”. I couldn’t help but gloat.

“When? How? I never saw you do that”

“Ladies room detour” winking at her, “I won’t be long Lex. Wait over by the main entrance with the others and I will meet you there. Drinks on me!”

Feeling very flush I headed back over to the group. I was stopped in my tracks,

“So you took a chance on me then Evie”.

“Yes, and it turned out to be very profitable”.

“Maybe you should let your instincts guide you in future choices”.

Before I could speak he had woven his fingers between mine. Leading the way back to the group through the thick crowds of bodies. It felt so utterly natural.

Without warning my hand was released. I looked down at my empty hand and up at Connor. Nodding towards our friends I realised his intentions.

“I didn’t want to let go”, he whispered into my ear. I couldn’t help but smile.

“So guys, guess who the drinks are on tonight”. I waved the wad of fifties in the air and the group cheered.

“Three grand, how much did you put on in the first place?”

I tapped my nose and Jake poked his tongue out in mock disgust. “I will never tell”.

“Spoil sport.”

I couldn’t help but giggle.

I knew it was a bad idea to invite everyone back to mine. But with their pouting and sincere promises of being on clean up duty in the morning how could I resist.

Lex was sitting on the floor in front of the sofa that Travie and Luce had claimed. Travie was sprawled across the length of it. Lucy lay on top of him and their legs were entwined with one another. Over the past half an hour they had barely come up for air.

Jake and Connor were sitting on the opposite sofa. I had intentionally sat on the rug between both sofas. I didn’t want to be too close to Connor. I couldn’t trust myself with him.

“Who want’s pizza??” I asked. It had just gone ten and my stomach was aching for food.

Lucy came up for air, “Me” she screeched “I’ll have another glass of vino too”. Holding out her glass.

Lex rolled her eyes at Lucy, “Yeah I’ll have pizza too thanks”.

“Me too, a meat feast to myself thanks”, Jake added.

“Connor?”

“Yeah, I’ll help you order and quench the cavalries thirst”.