The Million Dollar Man

So I let it loose.

It was my turn to tackle Sebastian to the mat.

A grunt of surprise left Sebastian as I released a flurry of punches his way. His hands captured my wrists after I was able to get a few good punches in, and he flipped us over again, so that he was once again on top. << Did I upset you? »> He mimicked my previous words, which made me feel like an idiotic fool.

My lips dipped into a frown and I felt my face heat up with frustration.

<< Come on Evie, »> Sebastian drawled out, heaving us both to our feet. << You're too predictable. >>

<< You fucking prick. >> I shoved him away from myself, fury pumping through my veins. << How dare you! You're ruining the lives of innocent girls. >>

<< Very dramatic, love. »> He drawled out, taking a small step towards me. << Now why don't you cut the theatrics and show me the girl everyone seems to rave about. »

I stared at him blankly, before I gave in to the darkness that consumed my soul. I felt my face morph into a dead, expressionless look. My eyes hardened and my cold exterior took over.

<< Whatever you want, King. >> My monotone voice rang out, and I quickly stepped forward, my fist flying towards him.

He dodged my fist, but wasn't coordinated enough to avoid my strong kick to his side, which resulted in him stumbled backwards a few steps. I didn't hesitate to advance towards him, a spark igniting inside of me. My impulsive attack was what was fueling me, and it was because of it that I hadn't realized how foreseeable my actions were becoming.

No, to me, I was on fire. I was winning a fight against the one and only Sebastian King, and nothing in the world could have made me feel more powerful.

Leave it to Sebastian to knock my straight off of cloud nine, and not bother to cushion my fall.

He expertly steered clear of my punches and kicks, and managed to deliver a forceful blow to my stomach, successfully winding me.

I lost my footing and staggered back, which gave Sebastian an advantage over me- one he happily took.

Before I knew it, I was in the corner of the ring, Sebastian's much larger, sweatier body trapping me into the overbearingly small area. Our breathing was loud and came out as desperate gasps for air, but Sebastian stood victoriously, his eyes gleaming with pride.

«You're a good fighter, Evie, I'll admit that. >> His voice was steady and calm. << But don't forget one thing-«< he leaned down, his lips merely inches away from my parted ones, << you will never be able to beat me. >>

He waited a couple moments, almost as if he were listening to my heavy breathing, while his eyes took in my horrendous state.

<< I can try. >> My voice came out as a shaky whisper, but Sebastian still heard it. I noticed the small smile that appeared and he nodded his head.

<< See Evie, that's what I admire about you. >> He backed away a bit, allowing me some room. << No matter what I say or do, you seem to never want to back down, or give up. I commend you for your unfaltering defiance and determination. >>

I stared at him in shock, before composing myself and scowling. I pushed past him and stepped out of the ring, listening to the sound of his footsteps just behind me.

<< You have a problem, you know? »

I turned around so quickly that I nearly fell, but was able to hold myself upright and glare at Sebastian.

<< I have a problem? » I snapped, my hands forming fists at my sides. << You think that I have a problem ? »

Sebastian rolled his eyes at me and nodded in an annoyed manner. << Listen Ev, I have witnessed you be the girl everyone claims you to be, and also the girl that not many know. >>

I scoffed and gave him a lethal look. << Oh ! So that's it! You think you know me ? Huh? >>

Sebastian sighed and muttered something along the lines of 'for fuck's sake' before his voice rose in a full response. << If everyone saw you wrapped up in a blanket, crying about some girl you barely knew, do you actually think you'd still be one of the most feared girls in London ? Hell, I'd reckon that you are the most feared girl in London right now. >>

I processed his words before running my hand angrily through my hair.

<< What's my problem then ? >>

Sebastian studied me closely before speaking. << Your problem is that when you get into your whole 'gang Evie' persona, you forget how to turn it off. And then, then there are times when you need to be that person, but you aren't, and instead- to be frank, you are this emotional girl who I just can't understand. >>

My lips were pressed together in a tight line, and I thought over his words, despite my stubborn side telling me to fight back and tell him he was completely wrong. But the thing is; he was right.

It had always been in the back of my mind that I had no control over myself, but I had always just blamed it on my impulsive ways, and never thought to look into it. But apparently Sebastian did for me.

<< Who should I be right now? >> I questioned, << Gang Evie, or emotional Evie ? »

There was a glint of amusement in Sebastian's eyes. «<< I'd prefer to avoid all the emotional crap for now, but gang Evie is a little bit too intense for the moment, don't you think? >>

I cocked my head to the side, my eyes drifting over him. << And what would that moment be? >>

Sebastian shrugged before placing an arm around my waist and turning me around, his large hand on my lower back.

<< Let's just get home. >>

+++++

The car ride had been filled mainly by old music playing on the radio, and it would have remained that way if I had not thought to ask the one question that was invading my mind.

<< Is it true? What you said about the three new girls you and your men took? >>

Trafficking camps made up a large part of gang life, and the idea of them wasn't exactly foreign to me, but more like repulsing. Being part of a gang my whole life, I had learned to accept the cruel reality that came along with it, but there was something about trafficking camps that made me sick to my stomach- as it would have the same effect on any normal person.

See, Sebastian's thoughts about the camps he had weren't unusual, and in fact, some gang leaders actually pride themselves in their camps, whereas others couldn't care less, or just don't have them at all.

«No, » he finally admitted, stealing a quick glance in my direction.

I stayed silent for a while, trying to think of reasons as to why he would say something like that to begin with.

<< I don't know, » he spoke again, «< I wanted to make you angry. >>

I stared at him, giving him a look that told him to continue. That answer wasn't good enough and we both knew it.

<< You just absolutely infuriate me sometimes, and I guess I just wanted to do the same to you, out of spite I suppose. >>