Chained To The Devil novel Chapter 38

Inara

I return to my locker room under the insults of the spectators.

I walk over to the sink, my nose is bleeding. I spit out blood.

I look at myself in the mirror and my reflection makes me want to vomit: a bluish eye that will surely turn purple, a big scratch on my forehead, wounds on my arms and legs, and a cut on my neck.

I let out a nervous laugh at my unrecognizable face and body.

You’re such a dumb bitch, Inara!

I punch the mirror hard, shattering it into a thousand pieces. At this point, one more injury won’t make a difference.

“You’re even crazier than I thought!”

I turn my head and meet Alexander’s gaze. I’m not surprised he’s here, since I recognized his silhouette while I was on the ground.

A public humiliation in front of him, just great.

“What are you doing here? This is a private locker room.”

“I go everywhere.”

“Enjoy the show? Since you’ve been wanting to see me get destroyed, I hope you captured the moment with some pictures!”

He doesn’t seem to be mocking me.

“I didn’t know you did stuff like this. That explains the bruises on your body and also the black eye you had when we were in prison.”

I shrug and grab water-soaked cotton to treat my wounds, even though my hand is bleeding.

“You’re a real idiot.”

I turn toward him and glare.

“What now?”

“You’re injured, and you think smashing your hand on a mirror is the best idea?”

I clench my jaw.

“Mind your own business.”

He walks over to me and gently pushes me aside, grabbing my first aid kit. I widen my eyes.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m treating you.”

I suppress a surprised look and stare at him in confusion.

“I don’t need anyone. I’ve always managed on my own.”

“I’m just returning the favor. You treated me yesterday.”

I don’t want his pity.

“I don’t want your help.”

“Shut your mouth and sit down.”

“I’m not at your service.”

“Either you sit, or I make a phone call and your weapons end up in a well.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“You gave me your word.”

“I said I’d give them back, never said in what condition you’d find them.”

I sigh in frustration and sit in the chair next to me. He grabs my hand and disinfects it.

“Underground fights? I’m disappointed, you could’ve done better.”

He smirks, and I let out a small laugh.

“What did you think? That I was the kind to take topless photos, is that it?”

“I would’ve loved to see that.”

I sigh.

“Men love watching women beat the shit out of each other so they can fantasize.”

“You don’t need to fight for me to fantasize about you.”

I say nothing. He wraps my hand in a bandage.

“What did you come here for?”

“I’m asking myself the same question.”

“I got publicly humiliated in front of you, but you’re not mocking me.”

“I know you lost on purpose.”

I pretend not to understand.

“I lost because she was stronger than me.”

“I’ve seen you fight. I know what you’re capable of. The other spectators didn’t notice your little rigged match, but don’t insult my intelligence.”

I knew he’d figure it out.

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