Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 151765 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 759(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 506(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151765 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 759(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 506(@300wpm)
“That was it?”
“Yeah.” I looked down at her hand still holding my arm.
She released me, stepping back. “Sorry. I—that’s weird. It was tense when I got in. I thought something else had happened.”
“Like what?”
She shook her head. “It’s nothing.” She started forward.
“Hey.” I grabbed her this time, holding her still. “You don’t actually know me. Going to something like this is something I’d do, but I’m not reckless. If something’s going on—something with your boyfriend and me or something with him and Scout—I need to know.”
She pressed her mouth into a tight line. “It’s fine. It’s nothing.”
She stepped forward again, but this time, I got in her way. “I mean it. Kunz might have tender moments with you, but he’s dangerous. I felt it as soon as I got in the car. I need to know what I’m stepping into here.”
“It’s nothing. I mean it.”
“Is there bad blood between him and Scout?”
She frowned, shaking her head. “What’s your fascination with Raiden? He was just a fighter he bet against. That’s it. You’re making this a bigger deal than it is.”
“Then why’d the car get so tense that you’re asking me about it twenty minutes later?”
“It’s nothing. For real. Yes, Kunz has a dangerous side to him, but he’s not as bad as you’re making him sound. He doesn’t know you, and you’re connected to the Maroney triplets. That makes you connected to Raiden. He’s probably just unsure how to proceed with you at the fight because Kunz has some enemies here. That’s all. Nothing really to do with you or Scout. Just Kunz getting the lay of the land.”
“Is this a fight Scout would come to?”
She shrugged, looking behind me to where the ring was set up. “I don’t know. Sometimes he comes, sometimes he doesn’t. If Scout’s here, he’s got a whole other group he hangs with. We don’t mix with them.”
“Why not?”
She bit down on her lip. “I can’t get into that. It’s not my business, but I didn’t invite you out for any of this. I swear. Kunz mentioned checking out this new fighter. Malik came without his brother, so that means it’s just meant to be an easygoing match to watch—nothing serious, or trust me, Malik’s twin would be here. Then I wouldn’t have come myself, let alone invite you.”
“Good to know about the twin.”
She shook her head. “You’ll never meet him, so don’t worry. If you do, it’ll be at one of Kunz’s parties, and if that’s the case, Gem and Alred will be with us. Totally different vibe.”
Right.
She went around me and caught up with the guys who were waiting just ahead. I heaved a big breath.
Had I made a mistake coming tonight?
33
RAMSAY
Maybe it was against my better judgment or maybe it was just me being stupidly stubborn, but I didn’t text my cousins or Scout to say where I was. I didn’t want them driving here and worrying, only to find me just fine and ream me out, and I didn’t want to push the thing with Scout. If he was here tonight, it was easy to miss him. The place was packed with probably three hundred people.
There didn’t seem to be any lingering tension coming from Kunz once I joined them. We went in and found some breathing room on some bleachers that were pulled out. Kunz jumped up, and there was room enough for one more, so Theresa went too. She stood, offering me the seat and indicated she could sit on Kunz’s lap. I shook my head, feeling the need to stay in the back. She frowned but sat beside Kunz. Malik leaned against the wall by me, but fortunately, he loosened up on the flirting.
Once the fight started, Theresa was in Kunz’s lap by the second round, and Malik was straining to see better.
I nudged him and gestured with my chin. “Sit up there.”
He shook his head. “I’m good.”
I shook mine back. “Climb up. You can see better.”
He gave me a lingering look.
“I’m not that invested, and I’m restless. There’s room up there to see. Jump up. Watch. I’m good. Really.”
“You sure?” He didn’t seem to believe me.
“I am. I mean it.” I nudged him with my hip. “Go.”
There was another cheer from the crowd, followed by boos right after, and he finally nodded. “Okay. Stand close, though. Okay?”
I nodded, moving in as he jumped up.
Kunz gave him a small grin before focusing back on the fight. Then he was standing. Everyone was standing. Theresa stood on the seat in front of them, and Kunz held her by the waist.
I had no clue what was going on. Three tall guys were in front of me, so I couldn’t see much. Slinking back against the wall, I did what I always did when I was in a situation where I didn’t feel totally safe and secure.