Not So Innocent

Chapter 7

I'm too shocked to move.

The only thing I register apart from Starks firm kiss would be his face.

I feel as though I'm frozen in a block of ice; unable to close my eyes, push him

away, or even kiss back.

After what seems like a lifetime, my lips are free yet again, the only problem is

Stark has dropped to the ground after a forceful punch to the face.

Watching Archer give the man a swift kick to his already bloody face finally

pulls me out of my stupor.

"Arch! Wait, that's enough," I say wrapping my arms around him from behind.

My boyfriend turns around to engulf me in a hug of his own, or so I thought.

I'm thrown over his shoulder swiftly, only hearing the cheering of the crowd

after the stunt Stark pulled.

What the hell is his problem?

Finally reaching the locker room, I'm set on the nearest bench and Archer

steps back like I'm on fire.

He paces in quick circles, grabbing his hair in his fists tightly.

"It's oka-"

My words cut short at the sound of the loud bang errupting through the room.

I jump in surprise and stare in disbelief at the large dent in the burgundy

locker.

"It's not okay!" Archer yells pointing his finger at me.

Blood still drips off his cuts, not having the chance to wrap his hands before

the incident.

"That f*****g bastard thinks..."

He trails off with a cold laugh.

"I'm gonna kill him."

I shake my head and do everything I can to convince him to save it for the

ring. I'm betting they're going to be the final two at the turnament, so he just

has to wait three weeks.

"Fine," he agrees with my reasoning. Stepping close and kneeling in front of

me he grabs my wrists roughly.

"I'll if we both make it to the final match I'll end him then, but if one of us

doesn't make it that far I'm taking matters into my own hands."

Ignoring the pain from his grip, I nod knowing I can't convince him further. I'll

just have to hope they both make it. For a split second, I worry. Archer kicked

ass out there today and I don't know how my boyfriend will fair with him.

The door opens and Hank calls Archer out saying his next match is up.

Before he stands, he looks to my wrists surprised. It's almost like he didn't

realize he was gripping me. Prying his fingers off, the skin is abnormally white

where he held it and it slowly turns red.

This will bruise.

Not wanting to hear an apology, I lean forward and give him a peck.

"Good luck kiss," I say softly.

"Stay here. I'll be back in just a minute okay?"

I nod and watch him leave, debating whether or not to count.

I don't need to since the door opens just a couple seconds later.

"That was fa-"

I stop short seeing the the familiar face of Stark walk in.

I stand and back up so he doesn't try to come closer.

He holds his hands up and keeps an almost apologetic look on his face.

"I'm sorry. I know you have a boyfriend and I don't know what came over me. I

just couldn't help myself."

I frown at the pathetic excuse.

"And Archer just couldn't help but mess up your face. What were you

thinking!?"

The man sighs frustratedly. He walks to the opposite side of the locker line so

he can be close, but maintain a barrier.

"I was thinking 'wow this is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and if I

don't kiss her I'll regret it.' Also, the punch and kick we're both worth it. Won

my match anyway so it didn't effect me."

I scoff looking at the evidence of what 'didnt effect him.'

"Right. You'll bruise nicely."

His eyes turn sad for a moment and I almost think I hurt his feelings.

"You won't bruise nicely."

I stare in confusion until he nods down at my arms.

Oh, my wrists.

The bright red skin doesn't seem to ease up. It only seems to be more

irritated. He walks around the barrier now, stopping a few feet away.

"You don't have to be with someone like that you know. I know it's not so bad

right now, but one day he'll only become worse."

My eyes darken at his words.

What does he know?

Instead of letting me answer, he cuts the conversation short.

"The match is almost done, I bet. I need to go but I want to do something

first."

I wonder what it could be. I consider he's about to give me his number, but it's

not the case.

I'm met with another surprise lip lock, but this time I pull away quickly.

"You need to stop that!"

My anger is met with a light chuckle and he dissapears out the side door

seconds before the front one connecting to the arena opens.

"Good, you're still here."

Archer gives me pat on the bottom.

"I won and it's my last match. Let me shower and change before we go meet

your brother."

I go to the mirrors and provide him with privacy. Looking at my reflection, I see

swollen lips, the result of two men kissing me in the span of one hour.

I'm a ho. It's official. I've stopped to a very low point, as if lying to my family

wasn't bad enough.

At least James knows... Part of the truth now.

All I have to do now is make sure he and Archer get along. How hard could

that possibly be?