L. Miller - Gilded Wings

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”.

“Thanks”, I smiled.

Since we had arrived I had purposely been putting distance between us. My body longed for his touch, yet my head knew what his touch represented. Lust, unfaithfulness. Not that Henry gave that a second thought. But what Henry had done was inconsequential. It did not indicate that I was at liberty to indulge in my own adulterous relationship.

I grabbed the home phone and headed out into the hallway toward the kitchen. Connor followed me out. Suddenly I was aware of my every movement.

“Evie”, I turned to look at his staring at me impassively.

“I’m just going to order the pizza”. I smile sweetly and dialled the number praying for someone to answer quickly.

“Hello, Papa John’s, can I take your order”

“Hi, yes”. Shit. Connor started to walk towards me, his eyes full of lustful determination. Stopping mere inches away from my face. His breathing deepened and my heart lurched.

“I’ll, um, sorry, I’ll have two large Margaritas”. As I say the words Connor has stepped behind me out of view. I can sense him. Feel the closeness of his body. His hot luscious breath just moments from my neck. Instinctively I tilted my head a little to expose my bare neck. Allowing the tingling sensation to run father along my neck.

“A um, large meat feast, and”.

“Concentrate Evie” he whispered against my neck. His hands wrap around my waist and he pulls me into him. I can feel his erection pushing in to the small of my back.

“And, sorry, a large pepperoni, with”. I stuttered.

His tongue traced the line from my lobe to the base of my neck. He holds me by my waist and turns me to face him. His eyes are filled with intent.

“and two portions of wedges please.” Our mouths just moments away from meeting.

“Ok maam, that will be about thirty minutes and should we deliver to the usual address?”

“Yes please”. Connor grabbed the phone and placed it gently on the granite kitchen worktop. My lips parted wanting to tell him to stop. He was so beautifully perfect. His hand cupped the back of my head and his lips touched mine. For a brief moment I allowed myself to enjoy his full soft lips kissing mine. To allow my mind to wander at what it would be like to be with Connor. He pulled away breaking the connection of our mouths. His eyes sunk into mine. Carmel tones softened his piercing blue eyes. My face was still cupped between his hands. Yes, Yes my subconscious screamed at me, kiss me again.

“Do you want me Evie?” The sound of his voice saying the words out loud brang my world crashing down around me.

“Connor, I, I am getting married. I can’t do this”.

“You’re making a mistake Evie, you don’t want him. If you did you wouldn’t have let me touch you the way I just did.”

Is this just a game to him? Does he just want the thrill of the chase. Another conquest to add to his growing concern?

“Who the hell do you think you are? You came over and started touching me while I was on the phone. What did you expect me to do?”

“You could have stopped me if you wanted to. Tell me you didn’t feel it. Tell me you didn’t want me to kiss you?”

“I didn’t.”

“You can lie to yourself, but I know what you felt. I felt it to. Tell me you’re not wet with anticipation over what I just did to you.”

So what if he was right and the wet slick feeling between my legs was alight with desire for Connor.

I reached out and slapped him across his face as hard as I could, which was in turn pathetically lame. “You are a complete and utter arse hole. Does it make you feel good to play with my emotions. Then, to talk to me like that, like I am some cheap slut. Fuck you Connor.” I spat at him, biting back the tremor in my voice.

I stormed past him, heading towards the lounge. Seething with anger, I went and sat next to Lex. Bringing my knees up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them holding them in place.

“You ok hun?” Lex asked softly.

“Yeah, I’m just fine”. I couldn’t quite hide the bitterness from my voice.

Connor walked in with a bottle of wine and some beers for the guys. Wine wasn’t going to do what I needed it too. I crawled behind the sofa and reached into the drinks cabinet. I needed something strong. My life was shattering before me and I wanted to forget, forget everything.

“Want a shot girls?”

Connor’s eyes burned into me. He gaze capturing my every move. I feel liberated and he was not going to bring me down. He is not going to control my capacity for alcohol. Not him.