Max killed every opponent that she faced off against after that, if only out of mercy. She'd steadily worked her way through all of the opponents that Mad Jackson had for her, much to his glee. For his part, he'd been doggedly trying to win her over to his side, with expensive dinners and clothes. Somehow, Max didn't really think that it made up for the threat of being turned to stone. Apparently he agreed, as one night as she was climbing into bed he spoke up from where she'd assumed he'd been sleeping.
"You know Maxie, it is my decision who the test subject for our new serum is, and I am rather fond of you…I'd hate to see you harmed if the experiment failed. We do have other candidates, of course, but what would I do with you if you weren't used for that? I couldn't let you go, of course, but staying here as my partner, with all the luxuries and privileges that that entails, wouldn't be so bad, would it?" He placed his finger over her lips as she opened her mouth to respond.
"Ah ah ah, I don't expect a decision now. Your last fight is tomorrow night; assuming you win, you may decide afterwards. I know that the choice between being a rock and lasting happiness is a hard one." With that, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against his body, nuzzling his face into her neck despite her shiver of disgust.
Author's note: Huge thank you to LammasRCool for your review and Theflamingwarrior for your PM! Hope this chapter lives up to your expectations :)
Much love, Miss Luxe