The shower was refreshing as I stepped out, snatching a clean towel to dry myself off. I made my way to the bedroom closet and threw on a T-shirt and gym shorts, and tied up my sneakers. I opened my bedside drawer and took out my wristwatch. My hand brushed over the stack of Lillie's letters I kept hidden secretly inside.

I picked it up and held it in my hand for a moment, opening one unwillingly. I read one past letter, and I felt her presence instantly. I closed my eyes, taking her in.

I'm convinced that the longer I am away from this woman, the more I yearn for her!

The nightmare was a few days ago, but the fear of it still lingered. I felt her pink smooth letters against my rough hands. I moved her letters close to my nose and I could still smell the faint scent of her perfume.

A pang of guilt, regret and sadness shot through me like a bolt of lightning hitting the ground.

I breathed out.

No good can come from these memories. She probably moved on already. The thought sunk my heart. I shook my head hard, returning Lillie's letters carefully in my drawer and closed it. I had other pressing matters to take care.

A low rumble stirred in my stomach, and the food sounded great right about now. It was already late afternoon, and I had nothing besides a banana for breakfast this morning.

I walked to the kitchen and opened the empty fridge. Nothing was there besides water bottles, an energy drink, bananas, a few slices of last night's pizza still in its box, and a carton of five eggs in it. I scowled. Shit, I really needed to get more groceries. My mind instantly flashed to Lillie's cooking and my mouth watered. I swore I could smell her delicious meals right now. I shook my head hard again. I really need to stop thinking about this girl. It's been fucking months now and I still can shake her out of my mind.

I sighed. Looks like it's left over pizza for dinner.

My phone rang on the kitchen counter. I picked it up and answered. It was Gunner.

"Yeah?" I mumbled.

"Big Ben wants to see you... now." Gunner instructed, his words muffled by his chewing.

"What? Now?" I asked, irritated.

"Meet us at Salty Grill restaurant in 15 minutes." Gunner said, and hung up before I could say another word.

"Damn." I breathed out.

I hated when they messed me around like this. What the fuck now!?

***

The restaurant was empty, with a few people scattered around the spacious pub. A waitress came over to me, ushering me to a table, but I spotted Big Ben in the corner booth with Gunner and another guy. You couldn't miss the man, he looked huge in his blue custom-made suit. Looking like a highlighter in a dim place.

I smiled at the waitress and walked up to the booth. Gunner saw me approaching, and his grin turned into a scowl. I hated the guy too, so the feelings were fucking mutual. He moved up reluctantly, giving me space to sit on the stretched-out bench. I placed my hands in my pocket and took a seat.

Big Ben nodded his head in greetings and so did I. His mouth was brimming with food, not allowing him to speak for the moment. I looked at the table, filled with lavish meals. Pasta, lobster, a side of fries and a half-eaten steak on his plate. Fuck, this guy could eat, all of them could, judging from the other two guys.

I knew I was hungry, but damn, sitting here with these bastards devouring their meals took away my appetite.

I blew out a breath. "Why am I here Big Ben?" I needed to get this over with so that I could get the fuck out of here.

Big Ben eyed me. He finally swallowed, took a napkin, and wiped his greasy mouth. Before answering, he took a swig of his brandy filled glass.

"What understanding do we have, boy?" Big Ben asked, studying me.

"Well, to my understanding, we have no understanding," I mocked.

Big Ben narrowed his left eye at me. "What deal do we have, Dimitri?"

I clenched my teeth. "I fight for you and pay my fucking debt so I can move the fuck on."

Big Ben chuckled. "I thought we passed that, and we just in business together."

I blinked hard at him. "I got $30 000 more to pay and then I'm out of your game." I said.

I could see Big Ben's jaw twitching. "It came to my attention you might do dealings on the side of your own?" he said, glowering at me.

What the fuck was he talking about?

I narrowed my eyes and shrugged my shoulders.

"If there're any changes in my plans, I need to know about it. And I don't like people fucking up my money." He said menacingly. "Be careful who you talk to, Bleeder. If you choose to leave, it will be on my terms."

Was he talking about the agent woman from the UFC? Whatever it was, I didn't like his tone.

"Is that a threat?" I asked, staring into his dark stone eyes.

Gunner snickered beside me, and my blood boiled like a fucking kettle top.

"Take it as you will... You have another fight tomorrow night. Get ready to win." Big Ben said and waved me off to go.

As I got up, I released my clenched fists from my jacket pockets. I was pissed as hell. I gritted my teeth as I exited the restaurant. Fuck this guy, I thought. Clearly, Big Ben was ticked off by the news the agent had given me.

How the fuck did he even know about it?

I had a lot to process and think about. I walked to my apartment, since the distance wasn't too far away. The sky was getting dark, with thick grey clouds edging forward. I felt a tiny drop hit my forehead as I trudged on. Shit, that's just my luck, it's about to rain. My phone beeped in with an incoming message. I took out the phone from my back pocket and checked it.

I blew out a hot breath.

It looks like when it rains; it fucking pours.