The dinner with the Knight family was hectic for the lack of better words.

Karmin had learned a lot about Maddox's three sisters when she could actually hear what they were saying. Amalia gave her loads of financial advice, instructing her to invest her money in stocks. Logan told her stories about the kids she taught, and Sabina, who was an art major, focused on embarrassing Maddox with his childhood stories.

Occasionally, the grandmothers would but in, trying to save him, but Amy only made it worse. The entire dinner, his face was red, or he was throwing balled napkins at his older sisters. Other times, he would whisper in Karmin's ear, telling her that they were out to get him and everything they were saying was a lie.

Ms. Miller just sat there, sipping her wine, and enjoying the show. Karmin was a little more disgruntled, almost getting whiplash from the number of times she swiveled her head to each storyteller.

But she enjoyed every second of it. Usually, it was just her Mom and Aaliyah with her Dad already fast asleep. They would sit in the living room, watching television, and quietly eating their food. They would try to talk, but it wasn't the same. She couldn't remember the last lively dinner she had at home. Actually, there was that one time when Maddox showed up unannounced.

I guess he was the common variable.

She just wished she could've ignored the anxious feeling that took root in her stomach. In the past three days, it had only intensified, and as she stood in Viola's apartment, wearing her old prom dress, she felt like her heart was going to explode.

"Maddox said he's going to be here any second," Karmin said as she put on her nude heels. "Do I look fine?"

Viola glanced up from her laptop, surrounded by piles of textbooks. "You look absolutely stunning. Or should I say, ethereal, divine, exquisite, bewitching?" she listed off dramatically.

Karmin laughed, patting down the brown tulle fabric. It was scattered with golden specks, ending just above her ankles. The top fit her almost like a corset with a necklace dangling above the sweetheart neckline. She had pulled hair back into a slick lower bun, using so much hairspray, it felt stiff. Her makeup was enough to cover her bruises, and she finally felt like herself again.

I look... pretty.

"Do you think Ares is going to be super scary?" she asked as she twisted her golden rings. "I don't want to stereotype him and assume he's this big, evil dude. Maybe he's an emotionally stunted guy, who kills, so he feels something?"

"Just don't ramble and be charismatic," Viola offered as she walked to Karmin and held her hands. "You're a likeable person. Just get whatever you need and come back safely."

"Karen in junior year didn't like me," she scoffed. "She had the nerve to tell me I dressed up as if high school was a fashion show. She was so mean."

"Her name is Karen for a reason," soothed Viola, passing Karmin her phone to see a text from Maddox. "He's parked outside. Go!"

Karmin nodded frantically as she was pushed out of the door. Her heels clicked loudly in the silence of the hallway, and she low-key felt like a runway model. She incessantly pressed the button of the elevator, and when it finally opened, she climbed inside.

Her mind was a turmoil of questions and thoughts, she was unable to grasp on one long enough to distinguish it. Her nails tapped against the metal walls, waiting for them to slide open.

Is it just me, or is this elevator really hot?

When she heard the ding, Karmin exited it, stumbling outside into the cool evening air. She sighed in content and walked down the stairs to see Maddox waiting outside of his parked car. As she got closer, she saw him fumbling with his bowtie as he swore under his breath.

"You alright there?" she joked.

He jolted in surprise, turning around to face her and she felt as if her breath got caught in her throat. He wore a black tuxedo with a white button-up tucked into his pants. His hair was still the disheveled mess, but she liked it that way. However, he did look slightly uncomfortable and stiff.

"Mads," Karmin gasped, smacking him in the shoulder. "You look so good!"

He gawked at her, his eyes traveling her face and the length of her dress. "You look really... pretty, too," he stuttered, scratching the side of his head. "But we should... uh get going," Maddox mumbled, quickly moving around the car to get into the driver's seat.

Karmin grinned widely at his compliment and hopped into the car.

This was going to be an interesting night.

***

"Woah, this place looks amazing," awed Karmin as she spun around slowly, almost knocking over a server.

The room was large and wide with stairs leading up to an enchanting balcony that overlooked the Watkin's Manor backyard. An orchestra played gently in the back as servers dressed in black sauntering about with trays filled with delicacies and bubbly champagne. Rich people wearing designer clothes and diamond jewelry that looked more expensive than her house, chatted and laughed elegantly.

"Okay..." muttered Maddox, hesitantly reaching out his hands to grab her waist and lead her forward, so she was walking in front of him. "We have to keep a low profile. I know it'll be hard but I need you to draw less attention to yourself."

"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded, placing her hands on her hips as she glanced back at him. "Are you saying I'm an attention seeker?"

"What? No, that's not what I meant," he exclaimed, shaking his head, causing a few hair strands to fall on to his forehead. "It's just that... it's hard not to look at you when you walk into a room," Maddox said, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

"Oh," she said, dumbfounded. Her heart fluttered when she understood what he meant. For the first time, she was at a loss for words, busying herself at the buffet table that was assorted with all different types of fancy snacks.

She stacked her napkin filled with toasted bread spread avocado or miniature pies with lemon fillings. "Do you see Ares anywhere?" she asked, clearing her throat.

"Um, yeah, he's walking in with Judas," Maddox replied quietly, unable to look her in the eyes.

Karmin followed his line of sight to see a man dressed in all black sauntering down the stairs. There was no sign of a smile on his face as he continued to talk to Judas. He was bald, and a five-o'clock shadow was visible in the light. Whether it was his beady eyes, or the fact rushed past him when they saw him, his aura dripped power and intimidation. What caught her attention was the large ruby ring adorning his finger. Although he was several feet away, she could see how big the crystal was.

"Are you ready to talk to him?" Maddox asked.

Karmin gulped nervously, but nodded, shoving the napkin filled with food into the pockets of her dress. "Let's do this."

She moved forward, weaving through people embellished in silk dresses and fancy suits. Maddox walked closely behind her, his hands tucked in his pockets.

Smile and be kind but demanding. Don't let him intimidate you.

Karmin exhaled sharply, her gaze never leaving Ares's. He was sipping his champagne, his ruby ring clacking against the glass. His character gave off dark and ruthless vibes, and she felt her self-assurance dissipated as she got closer.

"Excuse me," she called confidently, getting his attention.

He turned his head towards her, his brows rising in surprise but recognition. Judas glanced over at her as well, confused as to what she was doing here.

Karmin's heart thumped against her ribcage erratically under his stare. "Hi, there, Mr. Ares Reign. I'm –"

"I know who you are," Ares interjected, smirking at her smugly, "Karmin Desai. And you must be Maddox Knight," he said, glancing over her shoulder.

"We're already acquainted then," she cheered, smiling shakily. "I would like to talk to you about something."

Ares analyzed her carefully but turned to Judas, muttering a few things to him. Judas nodded, and they shook hands, but she noticed he slipped something into his hands. He smiled at Karmin and walked away.

"I'm assuming you want to talk to me about our fight," Ares remarked.

"Yes, that's exactly it. I was hoping we could cancel the fight," she explained.

"Why? You don't want to fight me?" he drawled, his hand to his heart as if he was offended.

"Absolutely not," she said, shaking her head. "It's just that you're this large..." she wondered off, trying to find the right word.

"Criminal?" Ares offered. "Gangster? Drug dealer?"

"Entrepreneur," she completed with a stiff smile. "I joined the fight club for some much-needed money. Right now, I'm all set, so I'm hoping we can just put this entire thing behind us."

"And why would I do that?"

"You seem like a compassionate and empathetic human being. I mean, you are at this charity event for..." Karmin faltered and whispered to Maddox quickly. "What's the charity for?"

"Kids," he said, leaning down to her ear to whisper.

"Kids," she exclaimed. "It just goes to show how big and kind your heart is.

Ares laughed deeply. "You're funny, but I'm here for potential customers. I couldn't care less about kids. Now, if this was a charity for dogs, it would be different," he mused thoughtfully.

"But I don't understand why you want to fight me. I'm just your normal college student. You must have better things to do," she continued. "If it's about me beating your men, you have to understand it was a fight. I apologize if it offended or embarrassed you, but I didn't mean anything by it."

Ares's light-hearted demeanor flipped at those words. He threateningly took a few steps towards her. "Embarrassed me?" he asked deeply. "You know what, I am embarrassed that you of all people took down some of my best men. Do you realize how that makes me look?"

"Weak and pathetic?" she offered meekly.

"That was a rhetorical question," hissed Maddox, poking her in the back.

Oh, whoops. She snaked her hand behind her back, wiggling her fingers. Maddox understood and slipped her hand into his, squeezing it tightly.

"But, she's right," Ares seethed. "I can't have the public thinking I'm weak and pathetic. I need to fix that, so, no, I will not be cancelling our fight. I'll see you soon." With one last intimidating smile, he sauntered off.

"Have a good night," she called out. Karmin breathed, not realizing she was holding her breath the entire time. "I don't think it worked," she sighed, sulking.

Maddox pulled at her hand, spinning her around, so she was facing him. "Do you want me to go jump him?" he asked, jokingly with a hint of seriousness.

She shook her head, swinging their intertwined hands. "I just want to go home so I can wallow in my pity in peace," pouted Karmin.

He opened his mouth to say something, but nevertheless, agreed. Maddox led her through the crowd as classical music flooded the air. They had almost made it to the exit when someone called their names.

"You two came, after all," they said, and immediately, Karmin's mouth turned into a frown.

"What do you want, Ezra?" she demanded tiredly.

"Look at you, two," he drawled. "Maddox, you clean up nice."

Maddox just glared at him in response. His eyes looked bored as she shifted to his feet, wanting nothing more to leave.

"You look nice, too, Karmin," complimented Ezra, "for an Indian girl."

You have got to be kidding.

"I'm seriously not in the mood for you and your racist shit," Karmin deadpanned.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" he said innocently.

Karmin rolled at eyes, pulling at Maddox's arm, turning to leave. They made it a couple of steps until he spoke again.

"Learn how to control your girl, Knight," he fired back.

"Screw this," Maddox muttered. He slipped his hand out of hers and swiftly turned around.

Ezra's eyes widened when Maddox swung his fist, punching him in the jaw. He stumbled back, holding his face in shock and pain.

"You say shit like that again," Maddox said in a low voice, "and it's on sight."

"I can't believe you did that," she exclaimed, her expression mirroring Ezra. Maddox turned to her, an apologetic look on his face. "I wanted to be the one to punch him."

His lips quirked into a small smirk, stepping aside. "Be my guest."

Karmin eyed Ezra, a mocking grin on her face. "I am wearing rings," she droned, showcasing her adorned jewelry. "Just a warning, it'll hurt worse," and then she swung. She struck him in the nose, blood rushing.

Ezra screamed in pain, clutching his face. "Security!" he yelled.

Men in suits heard the commotion and began to run towards the two of them. Karmin seized Maddox's hand and whispered, "Run."

Both of them pushed open the door, running through the manor quickly. Running in heels was a secret talent of hers as they echoed in the hallways. Maddox's hand was tight around hers as he led her past the theater.

Karmin swiveled her head behind them to see three guards not too far behind. They were gaining on them once they made it outside. The night was illuminated by the garden lights while they made their way down the path.

"Murry, open the gate!" shouted Maddox.

They opened with a screeching sound, allowing the two of them to leave the estate. "Thanks, Murry!" smiled Karmin.

He gave them a thumbs up, shutting the gates to block the guards behind them. "The buttons are jammed," she heard him say to the security. "Now, is the red button open or close? Hm, I can't seem to remember."

Karmin and Maddox slowed down, their chests heaving up and down. She laughed heartily as they stumbled down the empty road to his parked car. "That was close but so worth it."

"I've been wanting to do that for months," Maddox smiled.

"At least one good thing came out of this," she grinned, pulling out the napkin filled with food.

"What are you even eating?" he asked, eyeing her napkin.

Karmin munched on the snacks she had hidden in her pockets. She held it up to him, offering him some.

"Smoked salmon crisp?"

***

Author's Note:

Hi everyone!!

I hope you all liked this chapter!! I have a feeling you're all going to love the next one!

Also, I picture Ares Reign as Jason Statham! I think he looks like the perfect villain!

Until next time – m.k.t