Alex was slightly alarmed when Charon grabbed his arm with more force than he expected and spun him round to talk to him privately. She was whispering so quietly he had to lean in to hear her clearly.

"Tell him yes."

Alex's eyes widened.

"Are you nuts? Look at the state of you, you can barely move let alone compete!"

Charon gave him a sly grin.

"Do you really think I'd come out here with such severe injuries as to not be able to defend myself? Let them think I'm badly injured, it gives us a huge advantage and a chance to get the belt back."

Alex could visualise them holding the gold belt and his mind drifted off for a few seconds and Charon knew right there and then he'd agree. Alex finally bought his mind back to the present, he nodded thoughtfully and then made it look to the outsider looking in as though he was trying to disuade Charon and she played along admirably as he spoke quietly out the side of his mouth.

"You knew he'd try something didn't you?"

Charon nodded.

"He's obsessed and like any obsessive you merely play up to the thing they really want."

Alex nodded sagely, not realising she was also talking about him. He spun round and put on his best I'm really not happy about this face but...

"After trying to persuade Charon to turn this opportunity down, it seems she's very determined to take on your challenge tonight. However, she will be attending a doctors appointment and if I think it's far too dangerous for her to compete she will not be in that ring."

Charon dramatically grabbed Alex's arm as though trying to remain upright, he put his arm under hers, wincing slightly at the incredibly tight grip she had on his bicep......