1
"We all harbor different passions, savor unique tastes, and nurture distinct dreams and goals. Yet, above all, our destinies diverge; it's just that for some, their fates are intertwined with each other's.
And you know what? They were polar opposites, contrasting in every conceivable way. He was a boxer known for his bravado, his arrogance, and his rough edges—a man whose gruff exterior belied a lack of romance and a penchant for abrasiveness. Yet she was the embodiment of serenity and gentleness, organized and respectful, her intelligence matched only by her diligence and lofty aspirations. She possessed a strength of character that could command respect in any room.
Their paths collided unexpectedly, setting their worlds into a tailspin.
Eleanor, only 22, managed a quaint bookstore, a sanctuary for her love of sweeping romantic tales. She longed for a love as grand as those within the pages she cherished, a love that remained elusive. Living with her parents and her brother, Michael, she was the family's beacon of success, while Michael, pressured from a young age to change, often played the role of the family's concern.
""I have no business in these grimy places; the very air of this den sets my skin crawling,"" Eleanor muttered.
This was her second venture into the seedy bar in search of Michael. Despite her complaints, there was a part of her that felt compelled to return. The unknown that lay ahead was both a fear and a silent thrill.
""I refuse to step foot in there again, Eleanor. Last time, we were nearly mugged. Your brother doesn't deserve your loyalty,"" declared Madeline, her steadfast friend, adamant about not entering the establishment.
""I'm not here for him; I'm here for our mother. Stay here; I'll be quick,"" Eleanor said, cutting off any further discussion as she stepped out of the car with determined resolve.
She navigated the dimly lit alley to the entrance, where a bouncer loomed large. His stature was imposing, his skin dark, his hair a tangle of curls, and his arms crossed in silent challenge.
""Where do you think you're going? This isn't a place for kids,"" his voice boomed, sending a shiver down her spine. Eleanor's petite frame and youthful features often misled others to question her age.
Silently, with a confidence that belied her appearance, Eleanor produced her ID and presented it to the bouncer, who, after a skeptical glance, stepped aside.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of sweat and blood. The cacophony of the crowd surrounding the boxing ring was jarring, their cheers for the violence unfolding before them something Eleanor could never take pleasure in.
""What brings you here? This is for fighters and staff only, unless you're... looking for company,"" a cornerman remarked with insinuation, catching Eleanor off guard.
""I'm not here for that,"" she retorted sharply, her arms folding defensively. ""I'm looking for Michael.""
""I don't know any Michael,"" he replied brusquely.
Eleanor's frustration was palpable, but her attention was diverted by footsteps echoing down the corridor. She turned to see a man whose presence seemed to command the shadows themselves. His eyes, dark and piercing, surveyed her, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. He was a formidable sight, his physique a testament to rigorous training, and while his muscular build was not her usual preference, there was an undeniable allure to his rough-hewn attractiveness. His hair, slightly damp from exertion, clung to his forehead, and he wore his boxing attire with a casual ease that only heightened his formidable appearance.
He addressed the cornerman with a smirk, ""What's this, babysitting duty now?""
Eleanor bristled at the comment. ""I'm not a child. They wouldn't have let me in otherwise, would they?""
The cornerman laughed, but the boxer's attention didn't waver from Eleanor. ""Do you even know who you're talking to?"" he asked, his tone laced with a challenge.
""I don't care who you are. I'm not a child,"" Eleanor shot back, her resolve as firm as the stance she took.
He appraised her with a new interest. ""What brings you here, then?""
She was here for Michael, but their exchange was cut short as the cornerman interjected to clarify her purpose.
Ignoring the cornerman, the boxer's eyes narrowed slightly. ""You're Kid's sister?"" he asked, the nickname for her brother sparking a flicker of annoyance in Eleanor.
""Kid? You mean Michael?"" she asked, disliking the diminutive nickname.
""That's what he's known as here,"" he said dismissively, but Eleanor wasn't deterred.
""Where is he? I need to speak with him,"" she demanded.
The boxer, seeing her determination, led her to the training area. There, amidst the heavy bags, was her brother, unleashing a flurry of punches.
""Eleanor!? What are you doing here?"" Michael's surprise was evident.
""That's what I'm here to find out,"" she replied, her gaze never leaving her brother's."
"""Ignore my presence. I have training to attend to. Your sister shouldn't be in a place like this,"" the man with the obsidian gaze remarked, his tone dismissive yet not unkind.
""Appreciated, man. I'll handle it,"" Michael, ever the nonchalant sibling and close to the imposing figure, ushered Eleanor aside for a private word.
""You shouldn't be here, Eleanor.""
""And what about Mom? You promised her you'd steer clear of this place. How can you be so inconsiderate?"" Eleanor's voice was tinged with both concern and accusation.
""I'm 24, Elle. This is where I belong,"" Michael retorted, his resolve unwavering.
""Is this what you want? To be battered and bruised? Is this the life you cherish?"" Her voice softened, betraying her worry.
""I excel in the ring. Watch me fight tomorrow. You'll understand my passion,"" he pleaded, his eyes holding hers in earnest.
""We'll see. I'll be here, against my better judgment. Win, Michael, for Mom's sake,"" she conceded, her heart heavy with their mother's sorrow.
The man with the dark eyes ceased his assault on the punching bag, his attention captured by Eleanor's fiery spirit.
""Sorry to intrude, but she doesn't belong here,"" he interjected, his gaze lingering on her.
""Let the 'idiot' know I'm 22,"" Eleanor snapped back, her brother chuckling at the exchange.
""She's coming tomorrow, just to watch. That's all,"" Michael assured his friend, who continued to observe Eleanor with an unreadable expression.
""I'm fine, just training for tomorrow's fight. I'll dry off and walk you out,"" Michael said, excusing himself and leaving the siblings momentarily alone.
""Why are you staring?"" Eleanor demanded, her eyes locking with the boxer's as she made for the door. He responded by halting her departure with a firm grip on her arm.
Their gaze held, electric and intense. A shiver of connection raced through them, an undeniable recognition of something more in their touch.
""Stay here for Michael,"" he commanded, his voice a deep rumble that resonated within her.
""Why can't I wait outside?"" Her defiance was as much a part of her as her fiery hair.
""It's not safe for you out there. This isn't some playground,"" he countered, his grip still secure on her arm.
""And what makes you think I'm safe with you?"" she challenged, her spirit unyielding.
""I don't play games with women,"" he replied with a wry chuckle.
""Good. Because this 'woman' isn't one to be trifled with, 'animal,'"" she retorted with venom.
""You realize the danger you're in with me, right? I'm not someone to provoke,"" he warned, his voice low and threatening.
""Is that a threat? What will you do if I 'provoke' you? Strike me?"" Eleanor's anger flared.
""I don't lay hands on women, especially not young ones. I prefer to... give, not take. But you're too 'young' for that,"" he teased, the word 'young' clearly a jab at her pride.
With a swift movement, Eleanor broke free and stormed out, the man with the dark eyes trailing behind her.
""Didn't I say not to leave?"" His authority was palpable, but she didn't falter.
""I'm not obliged to obey you.""
""Stubborn as well as young,"" he observed, watching her flush with indignation.
Before she could respond, Michael reappeared, ready to leave.
""We're heading out. Later, Zeus,"" Michael called to his friend, a nickname that seemed to suit the boxer's godlike stature.
""Take care,"" Zeus replied, his eyes softening as he watched them depart, a smile creeping onto his face once they were out of sight.
A bystander, having witnessed the fiery exchange, couldn't help but probe, ""Is she yours, Zeus?""
""That's none of your concern,"" Zeus retorted, his usual stoic demeanor in place as he re-entered the training room. Yet, despite his focus on the upcoming fight, Eleanor's image, particularly her vibrant red hair, lingered in his thoughts.
""What's got you? Her fiery mane or the fire within?"" teased the onlooker, sensing the undercurrent of something more than mere irritation between Zeus and the fiery redhead."