Free Taurus (Galactic Cage Fighters (Book Three)) by KD Jones

split.”
    *****
    Taurus wanted to go straight to Maya’s suite after leaving the healing facility. But he knew that he needed to shower and change. Zen reminded him the ring girls were required to put in an appearance at the after-party and that Maya would be there. He rushed to take his shower and change. He practically tore the door off the hinges on his way out.
    “Whoa, why are you in such a hurry?” Hammer was standing out in the hallway waiting on the elevator.
    Taurus blushed. “I’m not. Just want to get this whole after-party appearance over with.”
    “Hm…hm. You wouldn’t be in a hurry to get to a certain flexible ring girl would you?”
    Taurus glared at Hammer and tapped the elevator call button impatiently. “Why are you giving me shit about possibly being interested in a female?”
    They both walked inside the elevator and waited for the doors to close. It was quiet halfway down. Then Hammer turned to look into Taurus’s eyes.
    “I think of you and the other GCFA fighters as part of my family. When I needed you, you all were there for me. I understand a little about what was done to you while growing up, and though I grew up differently, I would not wish what you had to deal with on anyone.  This is the first female you have shown a real interest in since I’ve known you.  I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
    The doors opened. Taurus stopped Hammer by touching his arm. “Thanks.” Hammer just nodded and continued out of the elevator.
    He felt lucky to have friends looking out for him. Other than June, he never had that before. “Where’s Zen?”
    Hammer smirked, “He said he was going on ahead to keep an eye on Maya for you.”
    “What?” Taurus pushed his way past Hammer speeding up his walking to almost a jog. He was breathing hard by the time he got to the banquet room. He took a moment to get himself under control. He would probably scare the female if he walked in at that moment. Scared is not what he wanted her to be feeling about him.
    *****
    Maya was ready to go. The whole after-party turned into a nightmare. There were television screens all around the room that replayed that evening’s best moments and her little impromptu split was on constant replay. Sure, she laughed the first four times it played, especially when they did it in slow motion. But now, she was wanting to rip off all the televisions. Quite a few of the partygoers even asked her to demonstrate it for them all, like she was a show dog performing tricks.
    She not only had to relive her most embarrassing televised moment, she had to put up with handsy VIPs. She wasn’t experienced with males, and this was getting to be too much for her. Surprisingly, Zen the Sin was her savior.
    “Dance with me,” Zen said as he pulled her onto the dance floor.
    “Thanks, I didn’t think I could take another male’s hands on me,” she leaned up to whisper into his ear. Though he had exceptional hearing, she didn’t want the VIPs to overhear her.
    “They can’t help themselves, you are a beautiful woman. That dress is amazing on you.”
    She blushed. “This is not what I would have picked to wear. Trust me. I am totally out of my comfort zone.”
    Zen took the time to look at her from head to toe. Her curly light brown hair was piled on top of her head emphasizing her widow’s peak. The makeup artist had used a light foundation that blended well with her pale complexion.  The black mascara brought out her light green eyes.  The wardrobe people put her in a gold, tight fitting, sleeveless sheath dress that reached just above her knees. The gold heels she wore were not nearly as high as the ones she wore earlier in the cage, but they did make her legs look longer.
    “You look beautiful,” he told her sincerely, still checking out her legs.
    A growling sound from behind them had both Maya and Zen turning around. Taurus was approaching and he did not look happy. She turned back to look at Zen who gave Taurus a