Chapter 2 The Phantom

“I'm so sorry Amara”they whispered and I nodded my head, while packing my files.None of them cared to stand up to this wrongdoing, none of them, so their apology meant nothing to me.

I stood there picking up the files, trying to wipe the tears so fast from my eyes, my hands shaking.

It was already late in the afternoon. I looked at the time, and knew I had to get myself to the arena where ‘The Phantom’ will be wrestling today. The sooner I got myself there the better.

Seeing as I got only an hour, I hurried out of the room, which was now emptied. As I rushed out of the office, it took me twenty minutes to get to the arena, where the phantom is currently wrestling.

As I reached the check point the security guard stepped into my path as he glared at me, his muscles bulging under his black shirt,as he eyed me with suspicion.

“Your ticket?”he asked and I froze as I realized I hadn't bought a ticket, not that I knew I was coming here.

“I’m with The Phantom, I'm his PR manager”I answered, as I flashed my ID, the guard gave me one long look before stepping aside, signaling for his colleagues to let me through.

As I walked into the Arena, memories hit, the last time i was here i was brought here, by my father, i was only fifteen as i watch men beat the hell out of each other for the fame and the money as well as pride, I remember the crowd screaming blood, it sickened me then , as it still now.

It was the first and last time I had watched ‘The Phantom fight'. It was brutal as a child and I couldn't get the image out of my head for weeks.

Spotlights flared across the underground ring, a massive figure stood under the light, his olive skin gleaming with sweat as he delivered a brutal uppercut that sent his opponent crashing to the ground, the crowd lost it, people screaming and men pounding their fist in the air.

I knew that was him, the phantom.

Six-foot five, a beast of a man wrapped in muscles, and mystery, his head covered by his signature Balaclava, tight, black headgear with no visible opening except for the eyes, no one knew what he looked like , as no one as seen his face in five years , and to add to that he lived in complete anonymity, silent and lethal.

But I knew his bloodline, well everyone did.

He was Victor Wolfe son

The last champion, a legend, of his time. 

Just then a bell rang, a loud commanding clang that announced the winner of the night, I stood there,and I knew he had won again.

“Told you!” some guy yelled to his friend , “he never loses”

“No shit, that man is a monster, look at those arms”

The crowds cheered after him , as he screamed, making the arena shake ,as everyone watched him hailing him for his victory, as I stood there glaring at him, disgust, curdling in my stomach.

I watched him exit the ring, as he headed back stage, 

“Excuse me,"I muttered , pushing past a sweaty man, I elbowed my way through the chaos,ignoring the curses and shouts until I reached the guarded hallway leading to the back stage.

“I’m with the phantom’s PR team” I told the tow guards flashing my ID again at them as they nodded at me.

“This way”one of them said as he led me past the locker room, the smell of antiseptic and sweat intensifying as I moved until we stopped at a black door labeled with a golden number 01.

The guard knocked twice , opened it and nodded at me.

I stepped into the phantom space, the room was dimly lit, in the center the phantom sat shirtless, on a steel chair, arms resting on his thighs, his skin bruised , glistening with sweat, a female masseuse working on his shoulder.

His face was still covered , his gloves, thick wrestler grade still on, he hadn't bothered to undress.

“Excuse me"I whispered as both heads turned.

The phantom tilted his head, and for the first time, those steel grey eyes, landed on me.

“What is this, , didn't I say I would love to be left alone!! I'm not meeting with fans today ”he growled at me, his voice low and hoarse.

“I'm not a fan , I'm with your PR company, a replacement for Mr Gordon Brown"I answered, at the mention of my father’s name , he raised his hand and signaled for the masseuse to stop, she stepped back obediently.

He rose from his chair, as he turned to me fully.

“They sent a girl with a soft hands and a PR degree to handle me?” he said his voice lanced with mockery “how cute.”

I narrowed my eyes at him and  could hear the mockery in his words, i knew i had to keep it professional, my life and family depended in this job, and i wouldnt let my pride and anger ruin it because of  him, even though more than anything i wanted to give him a piece of my mind.

“I’m here to handle your public activity schedule and communications moving forward,"I responded pulling out a crisp folder from my bag and holding it out “Mr brown is no longer able to handle your account due to…unforeseen circumstances"i added as i held out the file

He didn't take the file but instead just stared at me.

“That old man, lazy bastard finally got what he wanted, retired on his ass.”he said, laughing bitterly,i flinched at his words.

“You will watch how your address Mr brown”i snapped at him and he stood there staring at me, as  I looked at the ground maybe because I didn't want him to see my eyes, that were lanced with hate and fury.

“I want Mr Brown back, tell your boss it's either him or no one else” he growled, he turned , clearly dismissing me, i knew i couldn't let him walk over me, he literally didn't care about anyone but himself, I knew that.

“Mr Brown is unavailable ,I'm here to take over from him, so you will have to answer to me” I repeated the words slowly this time, and with a slight authority, my words stopped  him and he turned slowly.

“No one tells me what to do…and certainly not a little girl, " he said quietly, and dangerously, his words were meant to send me running. I could hear the warning in his tone, but I stood my ground, glaring at him, this time allowing him to look into my eyes.

“Well lucky for both of us, I'm not here to cuddle you, i’m here to clean your image, i’m here to do my job, you have an image to maintain so you need my help, i’m the only shot you have,”i snapped at him, at my words a chill ran down my spine, as he glared at me.