Something else I’d learnt from my research was to go after their fingers and do some damage. Hands are an important part of a fighter’s arsenal, so making it so he can’t grab you or close his fist is an excellent strategy. My first-hand experience of these tactics was non-existent, so my brain was going into overdrive absorbing it in real life.

Ginger was eventually victorious on points, but it was a close match. Both men looked like they could benefit from a trip to the hospital, and I wondered if Ginger would be okay for his next fight later. Two new fighters, David and Peter, entered the cage, and I watched more of the same. David was declared the winner, again on points. I wanted to see a knockout. My thirst for blood was being quenched, but my hunger for new skills rumbled on unsatisfied.

When the MC announced a short break, Jim offered to introduce me to one of the women he knew would be there.

We approached a group of three women I hadn’t seen outside. It was actually a bit of a relief to have some female company. Unlike the women I’d seen outside in next to nothing, these ladies were dressed more like me and looked completely at ease in this environment.

“Michelle,” Jim interrupted their conversation. A very attractive woman, I guessed to be in her early forties, turned and smiled. “This is Jules, the girl I was telling you about who kicks all the guys’ butts at the track.”

Michelle threw her arms around me, laughing. “Jules. I’ve heard so much about you.” Leaving her arm around my shoulder, she introduced me to her friends, Barb and Lynn.

“You okay here, Jules?” Jim asked.

“Absolutely,” I replied. “Thank you.”

Jim sauntered off, probably to find Shorty and his other mates. I knew he felt protective over me, so I was glad to give him a break.

“So, Jules,” Barb started. “How are you enjoying it so far? Bit much?”

“Oh my God, no. I love it. I was actually hoping to see some hard core decimation if I’m honest. You know?” I punched my right fist into my left palm. “Someone really taking control and smashing someone.” My enthusiastic reply elicited more laughing from the group.

“You’ll fit right in here, love,” Lynn said, raising her eyebrows and glancing over towards the cage. “I think you’ll really enjoy the next fight. I believe Leo is up next.”

The three women noticeably swooned at the mention of Leo’s name.

“Who’s Leo?” I asked, naturally intrigued.

Barb smirked. “Other than being smoking hot, his name definitely suits him,” she said seductively. “He’s untouchable and undefeated—always takes the lion’s share of prize money. I wouldn’t mind if he wanted to take me too, if you know what I mean.” She winked, and they all laughed and nodded their heads in agreement.

“Not everyone enjoys his style though,” Michelle said. “And obviously most men don’t have the same appreciation for his appearance.”

“Why wouldn’t anyone appreciate his style?” I asked.

“It’s over too quickly. No one stands a chance against him,” she explained.

“Well, I can’t wait. Sounds like he has awesome skill.”

“Unlimited will always overcomes skill,” Michelle stated in a sing-song deep voice. “That’s what my husband says, anyway.”

“Who’s your husband?” I asked, smiling.

“The ginger ninja from the first fight.” She flicked her hand up towards the cage.

“Oh okay.” I nodded my head, recalling his victory over Romper Stomper. “He deserved the win, I thought.”

“Thanks.” She smiled warmly. “Speaking of which, I really should go check on him, make sure he’s okay. He took a few nasty blows.”

“Do you ever get used to watching your husband up there?” I asked, wondering how I would feel if someone I loved were in the cage. The fact that I had no one to compare that to spoke volumes about my feelings for Richard.

“Yes and no.” She cocked her head from side to side and contemplated her answer for a few seconds. “Adam needs this. He didn’t have a great childhood and he has a criminal record from some of the trouble he got into when he left school. He has the skills to go pro, but this is where he wants to be. This is where he feels at home.”

“Has he ever gotten seriously injured?”

“He has.” Her eyes cast downward, obviously struck with painful memories. “Fortunately there are several doctors who are keen supporters of the sport and are willing to be on standby. Without insurance, it’s high risk for them, so we’re lucky to have their support. It helps knowing they’re here.”

“It was really nice to meet you, Michelle.” We embraced, and then she pushed her way through the crowd and disappeared.

“Where’s the bathroom?” I asked, turning back to Barb and Lynn.

“I’ll come with you,” Barb said. “I need to go too.”

After saying goodbye to Lynn, I followed Barb towards the other side of the warehouse, through a heavy white door and into a hallway where we found the facilities. After I relieved my suffering bladder, I glanced in the mirror as I washed my hands. Even I could acknowledge the fire burning in my eyes. I felt more energised than ever before and knew this night was going to be life changing. It already had been.

When we returned to the warehouse, we quickly realised the next fight was about to begin, and the massive crowd was going to make it hard to resume my original cageside position.

“I can’t believe I nearly missed the start.”

“Go get a closer look, Jules,” Barb encouraged. “Push your way through to the front. Watch out for Leo’s groupies though.” She clenched her teeth. “Those women are fierce.”

“Are you going to come with me?”

“The blonde guy up there in the cage with Leo is my husband,” she replied, shrugging. “It’ll be over soon and I’ll have to see if he needs me to take him to the hospital.”

“Oh.” I suddenly felt awkward being so excited to see the man who she fully expected to crush her husband. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “He knows the score. He’ll be fine. Will you be okay?”

“I can see Jim up at the front. I’ll elbow my way through to him.”

We embraced quickly and both said, “See you next time.”

Before I made it to Jim, the fighters entered the cage. The blonde I knew to be Barb’s husband, so Leo had to be the one with his back to me—a back that made my whole body hum with electric desire. He had two tattoos that I could see. At the nape of his neck was a geometric design with nine spires shooting out from oval shapes. Below that, were two powerful and intimidating tigers. I’d never thought too much about tattoos, but at that moment, I was thinking of little else.

By the time I made it to Jim, cageside, they had tapped fists and were starting their dance around the cage.

“Oh hey, Jules.” Jim ushered me in beside him, and I reefed my eyes away from Leo against their will. “You nearly missed Leo’s fight. Just wait. This guy’s a fucking lunatic.”

“So I’ve heard.” I hoped the heat I felt burning my cheeks wasn’t too obvious. I hadn’t yet gotten a proper look at him, but his presence was overwhelming. Even my inexperienced eyes could tell his opponent stood no chance whatsoever. Fear was clearly evident in his eyes and body language.

Leo moved like a predator around the cage, circling his terrified prey. Barb’s husband, a relatively small guy, was already in defensive mode and was probably just hoping it would be over soon. To his credit, he attacked first in a scrappy blur of punches and kicks, expending a huge amount of adrenaline-fuelled energy on his fruitless endeavour. Leo blocked every single one effortlessly before going in with a series of killer blows that were both unexpected and clearly strategic. I was awestruck, rendered mute by the incredible display of brute strength that seemed to come from somewhere deep within. He was a man possessed by something dark and primal and, for reasons I couldn’t explain even to myself, I felt a magnetic pull towards him.