07

Royce's P.O.V

I rolled my eyes once I heard the brat's mom smothering him with questions when she saw his busted lip.

"Are you okay? Does it hurt? Want me to take you to the doctor?"

I sighed and made my way towards my room. I really didn't want to be around that mama bear and her annoying child at the moment.

Pablo is probably still in school and my dad is working so maybe I can go out and come back before they notice I'm gone.

With that thought in mind, I walked into my room and quickly changed into a pair of black gym shorts and a tank top.

I walked downstairs and entered the kitchen to get some water but was surprised to see the brat getting lectured now.

"When did he come over, Chris? Do you not know how dangerous the car ride is?" mother bear scolded as she pointed at the brat's little friend from the night before.

I looked at the kid and something about him was just interesting. Maybe the way he had freckles scattered all over his rosy cheeks? or the way his hair was a weird orange color?

I don't know but he was weird and I liked it.

"I swear I was going to tell you in the morning mom! I needed some friends and he was the only one willing to drive here." the whiny brat replied with glossy eyes.

When wasn't he crying?

Even when I cleaned his busted lip he had tears ready to fall from his eyes. Just the thought of me kissing him made me angry but I'm just going to pretend it was all a nightmare.

That I wasn't so stupid nor gay to kiss the brat.

"Okay, but next time please tell me." mama bear spoke once more and embraced her young cub in a tight hug.

Just squeeze him to death already. Do us all a favor.

As they happily hugged I took the opportunity to get my water bottle and leave without being noticed.

I approached the fridge and quickly snatched the first unopened bottle then turned around to leave but was stopped when mama bear suddenly embraced me in a hug.

"Royce defended me from the guy and even cleaned my injury." Chris told his mom proudly as they stared at me with appreciation.

I felt so disgusting with the hug and their loving stares that I quickly shoved the lady off of me.

"Tell the whole freaking world while your at it brat!" I yelled at the frowning boy and left without another word.

I was so upset I threw my waterbottle at a neighbor's car causing it shatter but I didn't care at the moment.

I kept walking and tugged at my hair. Last time I do something nice for anybody.

The sickening feeling of love and appreciation was never my thing and I hated it with all my strength.

I walked to the familiar bar and met Frankie right outside.

"Another bad day, Royce?" he questioned and locked the door.

I nodded and looked around for another place I can let my anger out in since Frankie was closing the bar. A gym was right next to the bar and I knew they sometimes had illegal fights in the back.

Maybe there I could release some steam. I was fit enough and I knew how to fight so it was a win-win situation.

"Don't even think about it, Royce. You know they always play dirty and cheat with every match. Don't be so stupid. " Frankie warned beside me but I ignored him and left.

Frankie followed and gave me a disappointed look but didn't say a word. Frankie and I have been friends since we were kids and he knew everything about me.

When my dad couldn't find me he always knew to come looking for Frankie first, since I always drowned my frustration with free alcohol.

Frankie was the only one who knew what was wrong with me which was why I was so close to him..

He didn't judge me nor feared me.

"If you get yourself killed I'm telling your dad on you." Frankie kept threatening like a small child.

I smiled and placed my hand over his shoulder. "Quit worrying already. You know I'll be fine. Plus, I can really use some money at the moment." I replied.

Frankie sighed in frustration but agreed.

We walked into the old gym and passed by all the exercising machines. Some overweight men ran in treadmills while others lifted weights with determination.

Frankie and I made our way to the back of the building and confronted the familiar security guard.

"Hey big Joe." I greeted and stood in front of him with crossed arms.

Joe looked over at Frankie then back at me to make sure we were alone. "What's good my boy. We just got some rookies today so it's going to be a hell of a fight." he said and fist bumped me.

"That's what I like to hear." I replied with a mischievous smile and patted his strong back before I entered the exclusive room along with Frankie.

"Alright man, see you later." he stated then closed the door right after Frankie stepped inside.

I looked around and walked towards the boxing ring that was surrounded by people. I found a spot close to the fight and sat next to a worried Frankie.

"We shouldn't be here, Royce." he warned me but I shrugged him off and watched as a boy maybe a bit younger than me was getting beat to a bloody mess.

The perks of hanging around with the wrong crowd was being informed about these type of places that nobody knew about unless they trusted you.

I glanced at all the people in the room and as always saw old men bidding money on the strongest fighter.

I looked for the main guy and quickly saw Raul not too far away watching the fight with a proud smile. I got up from my seat and told Frankie to stay in his.

He was upset like always but continued to stay quiet. I passed by a guy selling alcohol and gave him instructions to hand one to Frankie.

I went up to Raul and noticed his surprised expression when he layed eyes on me.

"I'm guessing your low on money?" he teased and took a sip from his glass cup filled with whiskey and ice.

I stood beside him and was given the same drink by his personal bartender. I gladly accepted it and drank the alcohol in one gulp.

"So do I get a round or what?" I questioned and stared at the two boys fighting in the bloody boxing ring.

Raul laughed and took another sip of his drink. "I had a feeling you were going to come by today so the next match is all yours. If you win you get $950." he replied.

"$1,000." I corrected and received another laugh from Raul.