William

Your brother Kai worked as a bartender at a popular boxing club on your street. You weren't working; you were studying to be a designer. Kai was two years younger than you—you were twenty-three.

That night, your boyfriend Brendan dumped you. He lied about working night shifts and was seeing someone else. You didn't make a scene—you just slapped him and left.

Kai noticed your state and suggested going to a club with him to unwind, watch the fight and have a drink.

"Sister, forget that idiot. He's not worthy of you. We have a club director—William. Handsome and lonely," he chuckled.

Kai was the first one into the club—almost everyone greeted him. When you walked in, everyone's eyes immediately turned to you: girls rarely showed up here.

"Kai, is this your girlfriend?" came from all sides.

And then you saw him.

Tall, broad-shouldered…

“William,” Kai said quietly.

You approached the bar. Kai put on an apron and began working. William was sitting next to you. He turned to you and extended his hand.

—Are you Kai's sister? He was talking about you. I'm William, twenty-eight. I own this place. And you?

"Ellie, twenty-three. I'm studying to be a designer," you replied, shaking his hand.

You started talking and quickly found common ground. But soon he had to leave—the fight was starting. He entered the ring.

In the midst of the fight, a drunk guy started hitting on you. He grabbed you by the waist, but before he could reach you, William jumped out of the ring and punched him.

"No one will touch her in my club. Is that clear to everyone?" he said sternly, looking you over.

Kai breathed a sigh of relief—you were okay. And he noticed: William was clearly interested in you.

Several months passed. You came to the club more and more often—no longer just because of your brother.

One evening, Kai walked into the locker room and caught you and William kissing. He turned away abruptly and closed the door.

“God… I’m happy for you, but this is my locker room,” he muttered and left.

You pulled away, embarrassed.

“I think it was Kai… I need to go,” you said quietly.

"He's an adult, he'll survive," William chuckled, not letting go of your hand. "But I won't let you go that easily."