"Jada, where the hell are we?" I asked nervously, noticing the bad feeling in my stomach grow rapidly with each passing second. The dark alley we had just turned down only worsened it as I gazed out the window, watching light rain fall over the cool window.

I heard my older sister answer, "Look, you're the one that wanted to tag along, remember that."

Shaking my head, I retorted, "That still doesn't answer my damn question."

I watched as she glared at me from the driver's side of the car, pulling down yet another dark road. She answered, "Just chill... it's not anything bad. Well... it kinda is, but it's not dange-" she cut her sentence short, "Just wait till we get there."

"Why can't you just tell me?"

"Because I can't."

"Why?"

"You might try to talk me out of going and I need to be there tonight."

I fell silent as I thought that maybe I was about to be a main character in a horror film or something while Jada continued to drive painfully slow. My eyes were darting around the street, and I noticed that we had gone from a deserted road to a road that actually had cars parked on curb, which I gratefully celebrated in my head.

She eventually pulled off to the side and parallel parked, looking at me, "We're here."

I looked around as I shrugged, "What is here?"

She rolled her eyes, "Just... c'mon Bree."

I got out of the car and walked beside her down the dark street towards this building, which was also giving me a weird feeling. I suddenly debated on whether or not I should text someone and let them know where we were just in case. Then again I had no fucking clue where we were so that would be pointless.

I shoved my hands into my jacket, "What is this, an underground club or something?"

I received yet another vague answer, "Something like that."

Jada led me up to a building that actually had a few people outside which made me feel a little bit better knowing we weren't the only humans out here. Then again it was still sketchy, and not just because it was dark and out in the middle of an abandoned part of town.

We walked up to a door that had an extremely built guy who I pinned as a body guard or bouncer of some sort. He glanced at Jada and nodded, letting her in without saying a single word. I thought, What the hell was I about to walk into?

Then we walked through the door and down a flight of stairs. I could immediately hear loud rock music blaring through the walls as I quickly pinned this as a club, which seemed to be the only logical explanation. Then as soon as we made it through the basement-like-door I realized that wasn't the case.

The open room was bright, loud chatter erupting and blending with the ongoing rock music that kind of made me want to hit someone's face in. The first thing I took notice to was the caged ring in the middle, barricaded off so that the audience couldn't get too close.

Jada grabbed my arm and dragged me to a bar located on the far side of the room, "Want a drink?"

I rolled my eyes, "I want you to tell me what we're doing here."

Ignoring me again she turned to the bartender and ordered, leaving me to keep to myself and look around. I was still holding my phone tightly in the palm of my hand, wondering why the hell we were here and when we were leaving. I knew Jada had always liked the UFC thing and all but this definitely wasn't that and I was immediately confused.

"We're here to watch a fight."

"A fight?" I answered sarcastically, as if I didn't get that hint by seeing the damn ring in the middle of the room.

Jada handed me one of the drinks she had in her hand, "It's an underground fight club."

I had obviously begun to put two and two together as I nodded, not sure how I felt about this. I looked at her, "So it's illegal?"

"Of course it's illegal."

I rolled my eyes, sipping my drink as I tried to calm my nerves. Why on earth would Jada bring me here of all places? Was she somehow involved with this? I looked at her uneasily, "Please don't tell me you're somehow tangled in this Jada..."

Judging by the absence of a response I knew she was in fact involved somehow or someway, and I was sure it was going to take her a bit to open up and tell me. I wanted to leave because this place had a lot of strange people, mostly consisting of middle-aged men wielding bottles of beer and arguing with heavy Brooklyn accents. It was unsettling to me but Jada looked at peace in her own head, which somehow helped me calm myself down, but I still wanted the truth.

I grabbed her elbow, hissing sharply, "Tell me the truth Jada Elizabeth."

She looked at me, giving me a sharp look, "Do not speak to me with that mom-like tone, Breanna."

"Well tell me the truth for fucks sake!"

Then suddenly the lights dimmed as it all seemed to shine and focus on the ring that was only about ten feet from Jada and I. I cringed as a loud announcers loud voice spoke, "Alright ladies and gentlemen, betting it closed and our first fight is about to begin!"

There was cheering and a lot of noise, which let me know Jada had been right, this was absolutely not my scene. I wanted to leave but Jada was here for a reason and I had no choice but to stay.

I felt Jada lean over and speak, "We're only staying for the first fight so we'll be in and out."

I mumbled under my breath, "I don't see why we're here in the first place..."

I missed the next announcement, and too my surprise I saw a girl run out onto the ring. She was built, I wouldn't say up to professional standards but she was still in significant shape. She pretended to box the air, hyping herself up before her and her opponent apparently duked it out. Things like this made me nervous, not just because it was illegal but because it was actually pretty dangerous, especially for whoever was fighting.

Then I heard the announcer yell into the microphone, "And welcome our second fighter, Drew Wilder!"

My eyes focused on the taller blonde that ran out onto the ring, her hair pulled back in a tight pony-tail as she remained calm and collected, unlike the other girl. Even though they were seconds away from kicking each other's asses I couldn't help but let my eyes linger on the so-say Drew, whose eyes were physically the lightest I've ever seen, yet still held something dark behind them.

She was bouncing lightly on her feet, her calf muscles protruding as I tried to wrap my head around the fact that she was insanely gorgeous. She had nothing on but a pair of spandex that cutoff mid-thigh and a sports bra, showing off her obviously in-shape physique.

Jada nudged me, "Don't get too carried away now, Bree."

I shoved her back, still mad about actually being here. But after seeing Drew... well I was kind of glad I had.

I couldn't pull my eyes off of the blonde that seemed to be getting into her right mind as I dreaded the start of this fight. Something in me didn't want her to fight, and I wasn't sure if it was because I was obviously not a fighter or if it was something just a little more than I was aware of.

I moved closer to the ring, feeling Jada follow behind me as I pushed through the crowd. My heart was pounding in my ears as I took in the hype of the arena, grasping that I had completely drowned out everything that was going around me. The loud bell rang through my ears, signaling the start of the fight and sending Drew and the other girl into defense mode.

I watched Drew dance around the ring, her and her opponent mocking each other. They were light on their feet, fists raised in front of their faces for protection. Drew's eyes were laced with darkness, watching the girl that accompanied her in the ring. She looked so focused on her, as if there was nothing else around when she was standing in that ring.

Then everything kind of happened quickly as the opponent attempted a jab, but Drew had seen it coming, dodging it quickly. She danced around the dark-haired girl that seemed a little too eager, which only made her look amateur.

Drew moved quickly, delivering a quick punch to the girl's lower jaw, missing the sweet spot she had been aiming for. Drew was quick, her movements were off-beat to the girl that she was fighting, and her bobbing and weaving looked to be at random. Out of the two it was obvious Drew was the more skilled one, which took some of the unwanted anxiety off of my shoulders.

I could feel the intensity of the crowd around me, knowing that something like this was dangerous but it only added to the dark atmosphere. I watched nervously, feeling the heat on my skin run to an all-time high as Drew moved in this time, confusing her opponent as she delivered another punch that couldn't be blocked.

Then her opponent kicked, Drew's strong arms catching it almost immediately as she flipped the girl onto her back, sending a wave of excitement around the ring. I felt everything in my body clench at the sudden violent sight, not being able to peel my eyes away out of horror.

Drew was on top of the girl immediately, hands pounding her consistently for about three seconds before she stood, the referee pulling her up due to the end of the first round. I watched the girl on the ground pop back up, looking as if she had kept her shit together and managed not to get knocked out. It had obviously been a sloppy move on her part but now she had a second chance to get her mind right, although I found myself actually rooting for Drew.

Drew's back was facing me, allowing me to take in all of the contours. She was built, that was obvious, but it wasn't only that, that was grabbing my attention. I could see a hint of something, was that a tattoo? I found my eyes trying to figure it out but couldn't because almost immediately the loud bell signaled the second round of the fight.

This time Drew wasted no time, ducking and weaving as her feet lightly danced towards the girl again. She seemed to know what she was doing but her opponent predicted her next move, dodging Drew's punch and sending one Drew's way.

I heard the impact of the girls hand against Drew's face, busting her lip open as Drew recoiled. Her opponent took this as an opportunity to move in but Drew was prepared, not allowing this blow to hinder her ability. Lifting up quickly, I watched as Drew sent the meanest looking upper-cut right into the girl's chin, the sound of fist hitting bone filled my ears.

I grimaced, watching Drew's anger flare up against the girl, looking as if she wasn't even in her own head now. Drew didn't hesitate any longer, moving into her opponent and dodging an oncoming punch, sending her final blow into the girls head. I heard the impact once again, watching the clean knock-out as Drew's opponent fell to the ground.

The crowd cheered manically but all I could see was the darkness in Drew's eyes, as if she had taken revenge on someone that had wronged her for years. It was a terrifying sight as Jada's hand pulled on my arm, sending me back into reality.

She spoke, "Come on, let's go. It's over."

I couldn't tear my eyes away from the ring where Drew was being shuffled off while the girl lying in the ring was revived out of her unconscious state. I didn't know Drew, but seeing a look like that in someone's eyes was gravely unnerving, and it was replaying in the back of my head over and over.

Jada led me out of the arena and down the street, back towards the car where we had parked. I shook my head, "Why the hell did you bring me there?"

"You asked to come."

I stopped, grabbing Jada's arm firmly, pulling her attention to me. I protested, "No, why did we come tonight? Why?"

She shrugged, "Because I'm fighting Drew in a few weeks and I needed to watch her fight."

I was shocked, completely caught off guard by the fact that Jada was in fact involved, and not in the way I had imagined. Why was my sister involved in something like this? For game? For money? And knowing she was going to be fighting the blonde I had just watched demolish the amateur in that ring only made me feel even more uneasy.

"Bree, say something."

I looked over at Jada who was watching me with a worried expression on her face, as if she was afraid I was about to blow my shit. I didn't know what to think of this situation but I was trying to keep calm, and lashing out on Jada out of anger wasn't my style even though I was highly upset.

I questioned, "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you doing this? The fighting?"

She seemed to relax at the fact that I wasn't freaking out on her, even though I wanted to, so she answered quite calmly. "Money, experience... it's kind of like paid practice."

I rolled my eyes at yet another vague answer, "Practice for what?"

"I wanna go pro."

I groaned, "Then you get yourself into an amateur league that isn't illegal Jada, not some underground betting shit that could get you killed."

She looked at me, "Bree, there's a lot of people down there that actually scout for incoming fighters. I know what I'm doing, and I'm good at it."

I shook my head, peering out the window out of anger. She was good at it, yea, that made it okay to be involved. I was fearing for her safety while all she was worried about was getting paid to beat up on random girls.

"Good news is, if I win the fight against Drew I might actually get a chance to go pro."

This got my attention as I looked at her, feeling some bit of relief although I knew Drew could obviously kick ass. I had never seen Jada fight, which made me nervous, but underestimating my sister wasn't something I did often.

"What happens if you don't?"

"Then I have to win three more fights... It's like a tally game almost. You lose a fight you lose prestige, causing you to have to regain it with more fights. It's a paperless contract kind of thing... so winning next week is a must for me."

After everything that had happened tonight this seemed to be the only good thing to come out of it. I was grateful that my sister was trying to do something pretty amazing like join the UFC, even though I didn't agree with her choice of entry. But she was apparently good, and knowing she only had to win one more fight put a little relief back in my heart. The illegal thing was dangerous and I didn't like it at all, but she could very well be getting out of it by the end of next week.

I was just hoping for the best and praying away the worst.

~ ~ ~ ~

Walking the streets of New York City wasn't something I enjoyed, especially because the masses of people you had to fight were extremely annoying and stepping in gum was an hourly occurrence. I continued to shove my way down the block as my earphones drowned out the car horns and the evening chatter, but unfortunately it didn't prevent people from running into me. I mean I knew I was tiny but I wasn't invisible.

As I checked my phone I realized it was already 6:30 in the afternoon and I had accomplished absolutely nothing since I had left school at 5:50. I stood at the crosswalk across the street from my next and hopefully final destination in my mission for finding an available dance studio. There stood on the corner of Bond and Lafayette Street was The Iron Summit gym, and I prayed silently they would have what I was searching for. If they didn't then I was clean out of ideas. I had gone to two other gyms and had come up short, leaving this to be my last option.

Considering the responsibility had fallen onto my shoulders for finding a replacement studio was bullshit, but if you wanted something done right you had to do it yourself. The fact that the University had decided to start renovating the dance studios during my last semester was a pain in the ass and a stupid decision, but I was hopeful that this would turn out okay in the end. It was just for four months anyway.

The crosswalk changed and I paced quickly along with what felt like a million other people, and soon I was tugging on the front door to my destination.

I stopped my music and the sound of hard rock and moving weight equipment filled my ears. I continued walking towards what looked to be the front desk but had no one waiting there, so I stood there patiently hoping an employee would spot me and offer their help.

It took all but five minutes for a familiar blonde to grab my attention, "Are you waiting for something?"

It was that Drew girl, I thought internally. My eyes immediately locked onto hers, which were the lightest shade of blue-green I had ever seen. Her curved eyebrows and long lashes only complimented them further, and I immediately was brought back into reality when I watched them squint in confusion.

I stuttered, "I uh, yea, I was wondering if I could speak to someone that worked here..."

One brow raised and a tiny smirk played on her pink lips. She set down her black bag on the counter and nodded, "I'm off the clock but I'll help you."

So beating on people wasn't her primary job...

I smiled nervously, "Thanks..." her light eyes took me in and I realized she was waiting to hear what I needed. I began again, "I was just uh, wondering if this place had any studios I could use. Possibly from 6:00 to 9:00?"

She looked behind her as if she was searching for someone else and I realized she honestly didn't want to be doing this. I felt bad for keeping her considering she was supposedly off the clock but she ordered, "Yea follow me."

So I did follow her, a few steps behind her at that because I honestly felt a bit scared associating with the girl. Then of course my eyes involuntarily traveled down her slim back and over her toned bottom, along with her thighs. Her tight jeans really complimented her body, and she had black boots laced up to her lower calf muscles. A significant part of me was intimidated by her but I couldn't run the other way. I had to follow her because I really needed to find an available studio to use and it was looking good right now.

And so was Drew...

I rolled my eyes, Don't be stupid, she's practically an enemy now that Jada was going to fight her...

Jogging behind her and up the stairs she led me to an indoor track which laced around two separate studio doors. I followed willingly up to the door that read Studio B as she pulled out a pair of keys and unlocked the door, opening it. I tried not to brush against her as I moved inside, seeing the long stretch of wooden floor and a huge mirror that resembled so many other studios I had seen in my many years of dancing.

I turned back towards her, "This is perfect."

Her gaze was locked on me, and almost out of nowhere I felt the heating of my skin. Those haunting eyes traveled back to my own as she stood up straight from leaning against the door frame. I felt something in me quiver as I watched her alluring body language, "It's available from 6:00 to 9:00 every day."

I tried not to stare too much but instead found myself mesmerized by the movement of her lips, "I would only need it Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays."

She nodded, "Well, consider it done then. I just have to bring you to talk to the boss."

I waited and watched her lock the door back, taking notice to how her hands were calloused and strong. The muscles were visible to the naked eye, which reminded me how lethal those hands really were. Then the images of her fighting popped back into my memory after a few days of suppressing them.

Oh why did she have to work here? Of all places...

She brought me back downstairs and through a narrow hallway that led to two other doors. Knocking on one door that was slightly ajar she spoke, "Hey Kev, someone's here to talk to you about renting Studio B."

I heard a male voice, "Thanks Drew."

She turned, brushing past me slightly as her hands delicately touched my elbows while moving around, causing the very breath I had been taking to get stuck in my throat. It wasn't until she had removed herself from my sight when I noticed I could breathe normal again as I turned back towards the man in the office.

I stepped inside and came face to face with a middle-aged man that swiveled to face me in his rolling chair. His hand extended in front of me and I took it, "How can I help you?"

I pressed, "Um, well your Studio B, I was wondering if it would be available to rent on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00?"

He nodded, "Of course, we just have to sort out the financial billing..."

I gave him the contact numbers for the University and smiled, "I'm a student, they're renovating the studios so they're going to be taking care of the money situation."

He took the card from me and nodded, "Well, that was easy. I'll give them a call."

I nodded, smiling gratefully, "Thank you so much."

He looked up to me, giving me a queue to leave and allow him to sort out thing with the university, "No problem. Are you planning on coming in tomorrow?"

"Would it be available for use?"

He picked up the phone and dialed, speaking one last sentence to me, "Yea, just find an employee when you come in tomorrow and tell them Kevin said to let you into Studio B, okay? What's your name just in case they ask?"

I waved, "Breanna Kelly."

He nodded, signaling me to leave.

Then I walked out of the office, finding myself searching for the gorgeous blonde and realizing she was nowhere to be found. I wasn't sure if I was disappointed or relieved that she had disappeared but I couldn't help but wonder if she was going to be here tomorrow whenever I came in.

~ ~ ~ ~

"Maria I'm telling you the studio is perfect, and it's only ten minutes from campus!"

My smartphone was pressed against my ear as I was already walking towards the gym for the second time this week. Yesterday after Drew had helped me out and the owner ironed out the financial details with the University, the studio was now all ours to rent out this entire semester. At least our tuition money was going towards something useful.

She responded from the other end, "Well, I'll see you in thirty minutes then. Don't get hit by a car crossing the street, okay?"

I rolled my eyes and smiled, "Um, gracias, I guess?"

She laughed, "Adios."

I ended the call and returned to my music, knowing the rest of the crew wouldn't be showing up for another thirty minutes and I was already letting myself into the gym. I could easily occupy myself but when I walked in I spotted Drew, which led me to believe she had to work here every day. She was actually in work attire today which consisted of a dark grey polo shirt and khaki shorts, and I felt like a creep as I noticed I had stared at ass while she was bending over a piece of equipment while wiping it down.

I remembered immediately how intimidating and intense she had been and we had barely exchanged any words. There was the fact that I knew steering clear was probably in my best interest but she seemed to be the only available employee around. Was she the only one that worked here? Jeez...

I walked up to her timidly even though her back was turned. I tapped lightly on her shoulder, praying she didn't turn around and back slap me as I came face to face with those amazing eyes.

She pulled out one earphone and gave me a workers smile, "Hey."

I returned the gesture, "Hey again."

She stood in front of me and stated, "I'm guessing you need to get into the studio?"

I nodded shyly, seeing those eyes lock onto me, causing my heart to throb inside my chest. The fact that she was so gorgeous really pissed me off considering she would be in the ring with my sister in a few weeks, and I shouldn't be thinking about her like that.

I followed her up the stairs and towards the studio door, watching her unlock it and enabling me to step inside and drop my bag. I had nothing to do for the next half hour and I honestly didn't believe Drew wanted to get back to cleaning the equipment, but once again the more logical side of my brain won.

"Let me know if I can help you with anything else," then she turned away, and I allowed her to leave me alone in the studio.

I walked to my bag and checked the time on my phone, knowing the time was going to pass slowly now that I was alone. I then suddenly remembered I hadn't brought a stereo, and rehearsal was going to be absolutely pointless without it.

I could go downstairs and ask Drew for one...

But that would require me to talk to her again.

Oh, don't act like you don't like it...

I exited the studio quickly and found Drew walking through the lobby, making me nervous to approach her again. I probably seemed so fucking needy to her, she was probably annoyed with me already.

Jesus I needed to get my shit together.

She turned from the front desk and locked eyes with me, almost running me over, "Shit, sorry."

I shook my head, "No, my bad... uh, would you happen to have a stereo? I forgot mine at my place."

I attempted to read her expression and find a hint of annoyance somewhere but there was no trace of such an emotion. She seemed relaxed and calm, which made me chill out in response as well.

"Another favor?" she responded, a tiny tease of a smirk on her lips.

My heart beat sped up under her stare, "Last one of the day, I promise."

She nodded for me to follow, "We might have one in storage."

Following behind her I tried to keep my eyes straight on her back and not allow them to travel any further down. We quickly made it to a tiny room as she opened the door with a key, and for some reason I stepped into the room with her. I knew it was a stupid decision but I had done it unconsciously, not aware that the room was smaller than it seemed.

She bent down, my hand accidentally grazing her leg in the process as I felt my breathing hitch. She stood up, facing me with a portable stereo in her hands, "This should do."

I took the stereo from her, grazing her hands and feeling a tingling run up through my own and down my back. We were close from the little space we had in the storage closet, and as I came back into reality I realized I should probably stop making myself look more stupid than I already did.

I stated, "You know, I never got your name."

She opened the door that led back to the main lobby and smiled slightly, "It's Drew."

I had obviously known her name from encountering her last Friday but I knew she didn't know mine. I responded, "Breanna, but you can call me Bree."

I watched a tiny smile creep on her face, "That's a pretty name."

I couldn't help but reveal a full on blush this time, "Thanks."

"I should probably get back to work."

I glanced up one last time before disappearing back up to the studio to set up, "Thanks Drew."

I escaped then, quickly returning to the studio where I tried to calm my heart rate and delete the redness from my cheeks. I rolled my eyes, scolding myself internally, Bree, get your shit together! Now is not the time to grow an infatuation with the cute gym worker, who also so happens to like to beat the shit out of people!

Annoyance coursed through me at my internal dialogue, even though I knew better than to obtain any distractions here I was losing my shit around Drew. It's not like it was intentional, and it's not like I was choosing to be around her, she was just there and available...

But I found myself thinking about her anyway, as if I had absolutely no control over my own thoughts anymore. She was a distraction indeed, but I realized slowly that she was becoming a distraction that I didn't mind thinking about, at all.

~ ~ ~ ~

Checking my phone I realized it was already time to go as I turned off the borrowed stereo and grabbed a sip of water. I could hear Maria's voice behind me, "I think we made a lot of progress!"

I looked over to her, nodding in agreement, "We better be, the recitals in a little over a month."

She put her hand on my shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "Bree, we have the best group of people. We'll be fine."

She walked around to gather her things as Jordi walked up to me, allowing me to prepare myself for the question I had been avoiding this entire rehearsal. I watched his light eyes wander towards mine as he pressed a curious smile onto his lips, "So, is there a reason you haven't been returning my texts?"

I took in a deep breath and shrugged, "I've been really busy with school and helping choreograph the fall recital..."

I wasn't completely lying, but in all honesty I just didn't want to give him the wrong impression. I knew he was into me more than a friend, he made that pretty obvious, but I was trying to make it more obvious that I was not.

He ran one hand through his chocolate hair, looking at the ground and then back at me. I knew he wasn't buying the excuse considering it took no time to text him back whenever I did find time, but if he was disappointed he was good at hiding it.

"I just want to hang out outside of school..."

I smiled sarcastically, "We're technically not in school right now."

He rolled his olive-colored eyes, "Let me take you on a date, Bree."

I sucked in a tight breath and glanced around, noticing everyone had pretty much ditched and left me and Jordi here alone in the studio. I glanced at my phone and noticed it was late as I responded, "Jordi... I'm not looking for anything serious right now-"

Then I heard a knock on the door, grabbing me and Jordi's attention. I looked into the light eyes of Drew, who was now dressed in jeans and still her work shirt, complimented with a leather jacket and boots. She politely asked, "Is it okay if I lock up this studio?"

Jordi took this as his queue to leave as he glanced at me, "Consider it, please."

Then he took off out the door, leaving me alone but this time with Drew, the magnificent gym worker that could literally kick your ass if you got on her bad side. I picked up my bag and moved towards the door, "Sorry for holding you up..."

I walked around her, smelling her perfume that lingered also with a slight hint of leather. It was a weird-but-nice aroma as she closed the door to the studio, "You weren't, it's just turning 9:00 now."

For some reason I found myself lingering around her, as if I wanted her attention just a little bit more before I left to go home. She turned, indicating it was time to lock up the gym and leave for the day, but conversation seized which kind of annoyed me. Even though I should be avoiding her at all costs I found myself enjoying the little conversation we did exchange, and I liked having her attention.

She walked me out of the front and asked, "You're walking dressed like that?"

She was indicating towards my dancer shorts, which weren't really shorts but more like spandex. I hadn't bothered bringing sweats to slip on over after practice and I wasn't changing back into my jeans I had worn today. I nodded, "The bus is only around the corner."

Granted now that she had pointed it out it felt like a really stupid decision, but there was nothing I could do now.

She took in a heavy breath that made even me uneasy but she nodded me off, "Goodnight Breanna."

She turned then, not even giving me a chance to tell her bye as I turned too, heading towards the bus stop. I wondered why she didn't comply to calling me Bree like everyone else, but I realized I didn't mind as I continued to hear her sexy voice speak my name inside my head. She carried herself with such ease and confidence, and I wondered silently if she was the arrogant type, which didn't really seem to be the case.

Walking to the bus stop I felt uneasy at the fact that I was walking in seriously skimpy clothing, and now my nerves were getting the best of me since Drew wasn't besides me. I should've been smarter than that, and I should've brought sweats to slip on.

Then suddenly I felt someone next to me, and as I turned I noticed it was the blonde-haired girl that had parted from me only seconds ago. She confessed, "I can't let you walk alone."

Even though the city lights lit up the dark streets of New York I hoped she couldn't see the redness of my cheeks. Even though she seemed cold and hard on the outside I knew she had some sympathy somewhere on the inside, even if it was very miniscule.

I teased, "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

I watched her eyes dart along the street but never once at me, forcing me to realize I really wanted her attention. It was flattering that she was offering to walk me to the bus stop but her lingering silence only confused me.

She shook her head, "I don't think you would even stand a chance against my dog."

I rolled my eyes at her comment, "I'm stronger than you think."

This time her eyes did catch mine as she stated, "I know that you're a dancer and all but your grace and rhythm won't win you your life if it came down to it."

I could see the familiar darkness in her eyes grow, the same darkness I had seen last Friday when I had watched her fight. It was extremely unsettling, but soon we were stopping at the bus stop. I gazed up at her, taking note to how her voice had sharpened, like she had experienced something she wasn't letting me in on. Then before I got the chance to ask her about it our moment was cut short as the bus rolled to a stop besides us.

I questioned, "Are you gonna be okay walking back?"

She would obviously be fine Breanna, I mean look at her.

A tiny smile grew on her face at my own worry, "I'll be okay."

She turned briskly and I called out, "Drew!"

She turned around.

I smiled shyly at her full attention, "Thanks... for walking me."

Giving me a slight smile and a stiff nod, she turned around and began walking down the darkened street while I took my place on the bus to go home.

~ ~ ~ ~

"Just one more semester, just one more..." I spoke to myself as I hauled ass to my next class that was gratefully upstairs and not across the street. Considering I only went to school Monday, Wednesday and Friday's I tried not to complain inside my own head too much. I was nearly finished with school, all I had to do was push through the next few months and prepare myself for my upcoming internship in January.

I was ready to get started with my life and get my damn degree already.

Taking a seat in my final class which so happened to be probably my least interesting I tried not to zone out. Since I had parted from Drew last night all I could think about was her alluring eyes and the way she had said my name, and I found myself eager to see her again. Then I remembered I wouldn't be seeing her till tomorrow whenever we had dance rehearsal again.

And for some odd reason tomorrow afternoon couldn't come fast enough.

I checked my phone in hopes to see at least some time had passed but sadly I still had about forty-five minutes left as my time read 5:05. I rolled my eyes as I checked my email and saw nothing spectacular, then felt my stomach cramp in hunger. A sudden realization hit me as I recognized Jada and I had absolutely nothing to eat tonight for dinner because I had forgotten to go grocery shopping yesterday.

This only caused me to lose more focus as the time ticked on and I retained absolutely nothing from this boring lecture. I had taken numerous amounts of management courses over the years due to the fact that I was majoring in Business Management, but this class was literal repetition. I knew all the terms she was going over and I also knew my last semester that actually contained classes was a joke.

I could pass with a 4.0 GPA this semester in my sleep.

I watched the clock on the wall tick away, praying that it would speed up and dismiss me to where I could call my older sister and ask if she wanted me to pick up take-out. Thankfully she wasn't a picky eater as long as the dinner remained healthy, which was something I had gotten used to when I moved in with her. It's not like I minded considering I needed to take care of myself as well. I was a dancer, staying fit and thin was a must, especially in college.

I was hoping she wasn't busy when I called after class, knowing she could very well be in a session with one of her clients. She was a personal trainer and actually made decent money, even though she technically didn't have to while I lived with her and went to school.

Our parents had been covering our rent and my allowance since I moved here for college, "so I wouldn't be distracted from school".

It's not like I minded. I had been able to focus on my studies and not have to worry about making ends meet all while actually having a bit of spending money. Then once I finished my internship they offered to help me open up my own dance studio in my hometown since the old one was literally falling to ruins.

I was just ready to get out of New York City.

Finally the sound of my peers packing up sent me back into reality as I began doing the same, readying myself to leave. I pulled the bag against my back as I ran out of the building, dialing up my sister.

She answered, "Bree, how was school?"

I smiled at her sisterly ways, "Great, I was wondering if you'd want take out tonight? I kind of forgot to go shopping."

I waited for her to bitch me out, "Yea that's fine, you know that I like."

I was surprised at the calmness in her voice, making me wonder if she was at work or doing something else. I agree willingly, "Okay I'll pick something up then. See you tonight."

"Be safe."

I hung up and decided on sushi, knowing that it wasn't far from me or the nearest bus stop as I pressed my earphones into my ears. The fall weather was starting to roll in and it got me excited knowing it would be cooling down soon, the only thing I didn't enjoy was the harsh winters we faced up here.

I walked quickly; watching the street of cars and seeing two bikes dart down the street, cutting through the traffic. The irresponsible act angered me slightly as I shook my head, Idiots...

I continued to walk and round the corner, finally coming to the sushi restaurant as I walked inside. The smell of this place always got my stomach growling, and as I walked up towards the counter to order I felt a pair of eyes on my back. Ignoring the weird feeling I walked up and ordered me and Jada's usual, Edamame, miso soup and salmon and avocado rolls. Simply thinking about the meal brought saliva into my closed mouth as I paid and turned around, suddenly coming face to face with Drew herself.

Looking up I gathered myself, "Drew, hey..."

Her mouth remained shut as she smirked, teasing me as I felt my brain beg to see her full smile. She nodded, "Hey Breanna."

I took notice to how her blonde hair was damp, as if she had just showered, and her natural look seemed to only make me more attracted to her. She looked relaxed but not relaxed at the same time, and during this moment I realized we had both stared a little too long for it not to be considered weird.

Then a man walked up besides Drew, "Hey cutie."

I looked into dark brown eyes that almost looked black as he smiled a gorgeously white smile, forcing me to realize he was actually talking to me. I smiled politely as I wondered where all of these painfully attractive people were coming from, "Hi."

Drew seemed to grow uncomfortable at the guys approach to me but attempted to brush it off quickly, but not before I noticed. She turned towards the tall guy, "Demarcus, this is Breanna."

He stuck out his strong hand and I took it, realizing my hand disappeared in his as we shook. He never broke eye contact as I nodded, "You can just call me Bree, it's nice to meet you."

He nodded, "Same here, you must be the dancer Drew's told me about?"

I saw an uneasy expression cross Drew's face as she stepped in front of Demarcus, attempting to block his view and cut our introduction short. It was cute the way she seemed to get slightly embarrassed at her friend's mentioning. She asked, "Coming from school?"

She indicated towards my bag that I still had on my back, allowing me to nod, "Yea, I just got off, now I'm just picking up dinner."

I could see a tiny smile hinting on her lips but it never quite broke free, but I was attempting to take advantage of this conversation. She honestly hadn't left my mind since last Friday but actually talking to her last night only made me crave her attention even more. So running into her today had been a real treat, and I wanted to prolong it as much as possible.

"You're not eating here?"

Looking back into those magnificent eyes I shook my head, "No, bringing it home for me and my sister."

I saw Demarcus nudge Drew slightly, as if he was encouraging her to do something. She rolled her eyes as she answered, "That's too bad, I would've invited you to sit with us."

Hearing her say these things made me want to smile like an idiot because she was painfully adorable and nothing like the girl I had seen in the ring. I could tell she wasn't used to doing these types of things, and the fact that I had to turn her down made me feel even worse.

I would've loved to keep her company during dinner.

"Order for Bree!"

I snapped out of my thoughts and went to the counter, grabbing my order and turning back to face Drew. I could see something in her eyes, hope maybe? Then again there was something there that she was battling beyond what I could decipher.

I smiled politely for my departure, looking at Demarcus first, "Nice meeting you."

He smiled widely and nodded, "You too."

I looked at Drew one last time and realized her eyes were already on me, studying me intently as if she wanted to ask me something but instead refused. She smiled, "Be safe going home, Bree."

I smiled wider at her finally using my nickname, "Goodbye Drew."

I parted from her, feeling the familiar shortness of breath I always had to battle when I spoke to her. I didn't understand why I felt so weird around her, and it wasn't because I was confused with what I liked because that wasn't the case at all. I knew I was attracted to girls, but for some reason it was different with Drew, like there was this weird force trying to bring me closer to her every time I was with her.

Except that "force" needed to chill the fuck out because even though Drew seemed nice I knew what she was capable of. Then at the same time I wanted to be afraid I just couldn't, and I found myself continuously looking for her over my shoulder.

I hadn't felt so... infatuated with someone like this before, but here I was crushing on my sister's next competition.

I was so screwed.