Chapter 20
“Why do you have to do this?” I ask, anxiety causing me to pace the small room the two of us are stuck in while Geovani prepares for his fight. I have tried desperately to talk him out of it all week, but he won’t hear it. He’s as stubborn as an ox.
His hands come to my shoulders, stopping me from moving. His eyes meet mine. “I have a reputation to uphold. I can hardly go around saying my gyms are the elite experience if I can’t prove it, now can I?”
I shrug him off me. “That’s not why you sign up for these underground fights. If it was, you would go legit and fight MMA or something. How stupid do you think I am. I know there is more to this, just like there was last time.”
He chuckles darkly. He’s on a high tonight already, all pumped up for this fight with an erratic energy buzzing through him. “You’re right. I do it because it makes me feel alive.” He throws a few air punches, checking the tape is wrapped over his knuckles correctly.
“Please stay that way.” I sigh. Things aren’t great between us, but that doesn’t mean I want anything bad to happen to him. I need him.
“Oh, she does care.” His lips twitch up at the sides into a cheeky grin.
Looking him up and down, I casually rest my hand on my hip. He looks hot as sin, bare chest with all the ink on display. He walks back toward me. On instinct, my hand trails up his chiseled chest. I can’t deny the chemistry between us, it’s hotter than ever. “Nah. If you get killed in there I’m screwed,” I mutter, trying to sound uninterested.
He laughs again, pulling me into him before kissing my lips. I let him because the fear running through my veins won’t let me pull away. Not tonight. I’m so on edge being out of the apartment, I just have an awful feeling something terrible is about to happen. And with his pa still out there, we both know it could. He assures me this place is secure and the guards have this situation under control. But I have heard that nonsense before, and with the number of patrons who lined the front entrance as we drove in, I know security can’t be as tight as he says. This event is a massive moneymaker, with five fights for the evening, Geovani’s being the first.
A knock sounds at the door, and he pulls back from me, answering it in a rush. Standing in the doorway are the two guards who seem to follow us around when we’re out of the house, and by their side is Dani.
“Hey, girl, I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?” She smirks, pushing her way into the room. I’m surprised she came out alone. I would have thought Marco would come with her, but I guess they all figured it would be too dangerous for him.
“Nope,” I mutter, even though I know my face is glowing red from that kiss.
“See you after you win.” She winks in Geovani’s direction, taking my hand.
I glance one last time at him, an icy shiver slithering down my spine. Please let him be okay. I couldn’t stand something terrible happening to him. As much as I won’t admit it, my feelings for him have grown stronger every day we’ve spent locked up in that apartment together. I can’t put my finger on it but there is just something about him.
“I got this, Red, stop your stressing. Go have some fun with your friend.” He shoos us out the door with another quick peck on my cheek.
The guard closes his door, leaving him alone, and we’re shown down a back hallway and up some stairs. They creak under our feet, and I pray to whoever will listen that we’re not about to fall through. Geovani has had the place cleaned up from the first time I was here, but it’s still a crumbling mess and a hazard if you ask me.
We continue through to a mezzanine level, and they open a curtain for us to walk through to a balcony box. “Best seats in the house,” Dani shrieks with way too much excitement. I hadn’t picked her for a fan, but I guess she’s been hanging round with Geovani so long that some of his enthusiasm had to rub off.
The guards don’t follow us through, their large frames standing pressed arm to arm at the entrance. Tentatively, I glance out over the crowd below. The old theatre is quickly filling with people, the seated section already full. Apprehensively I take a seat, my ass still tender from the spanking. The worn and weathered velvet has seen better days, but you can picture how beautiful this balcony would have been in its heyday.
“I’m so frickin’ excited,” Dani squeals, moving in to sit beside me.
But I can’t get swept up in her excitement. There’s a shift in the air that nearly takes my breath away, and I just know the boys have arrived. Leaning over the balcony, I scan the room, looking for their familiar faces, and I’m surprised when I spot two of them faster than I imagined. Alessandro and Maddox are walking through the gathering, looking directly up at me. It’s no coincidence they’re here. I figured they would be. All week I have heard how important this fight is, and I know Alessandro. Any opportunity to see me where Geovani is preoccupied, he’s going to take it.
“Why didn’t Marco come out? There is enough security here; it would be safe.”
She considers me, and I know she’s hiding something from me. “That little project you have me working on.”
“Yeah?” I ask, a nervous flutter running through me.
“I found some stuff that he wants to investigate further, and his contact could only talk to him tonight.”
“What did you find?”
She looks over her shoulder. “I reckon you’re on to something. The original police reports from the first responders documented suspicious findings, bruises on her arms and neck. But the later reports concluded no further investigation would be necessary. The coroner’s notes were consistent with the initial report. He stated that there was a struggle, that her physical injuries didn’t align with that of an overdose. He believed that someone had beaten her first then drugged her. There were also traces of DNA found under her nails. She fought him off or tried to.”
My horrified eyes meet hers as my heart breaks all over again. My poor ma. A silent sob catches in my chest. “You think it was him as well, don’t you,” I whisper.
“I’m certain of it. It was his DNA they found on her.”
My sadness is replaced with a surge of anger. “Why the fuck didn’t her death get reported as murder?”
Her eyes go wide, and she looks over her shoulder again. “My guess is he paid someone to hide the records and have her death ruled as a drug overdose.”
“Baby doll,” comes Ricky’s voice from behind me. I glance over my shoulder in a rush to find Ricky wearing a cheeky grin and a black button-up and dark jeans. The guards let him by, and he barrels toward me, taking the seat directly beside.
What on earth? My eyes narrow in on him, confused that the guards are letting just anyone come in here. “How did you get in here?” My heart is all of a sudden racing in panic. They were the only thing making me feel remotely safe.
His eyes glisten with a wicked thrill of excitement. “Geovani invited us. Gave us these fancy seats and all so we can watch with you girls.”
“He did?” I glance at Dani, brow raised in confusion.
She shrugs in response, giving nothing away.
“Something about putting our egos aside to keep you safe.” He moves one of my long braids over my shoulder then kisses my cheek, sending a tingle running right through me. I’ve missed his fun energy. There is never a dull moment when Ricky’s around, and I for one am grateful for the distraction he’s going to provide tonight.
But I’m still shocked Geovani would let them get close to me while he wasn’t around. Did he actually take on board what I was saying the other day? “He’s happy for you to be this close to me?” I ask again, still confused. After our fight the other day, I thought I wasn’t going to see them anytime soon.
“He doesn’t trust anyone else with your life,” Dani says, backing up Ricky’s story.
I give her a look like if you knew they would be here, why didn’t you fill me in ? But she just smiles back at me, and I know she was told not to. Fucking Geovani and his mind games.
Ricky snakes an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into him, his eyes locked on mine. On the outside he’s all fun and games, but I can see the depths of his anguish hiding behind this facade. My adorable Labrador is hurting. “Looks like I’m back to being your personal bodyguard again, baby.”
I lace my hand with his, needing the comfort he provides. Staring up at him, I’m unable to believe he’s the product of Enzo Moretti, the man I’m now certain killed my mother. “Ricky, I’m so sorry about the other night. We didn’t get to talk properly. Are you okay?”
He pulls me in for a proper kiss. “I’m fine now,” he mutters, like just being with me can make everything okay, but I know he’s not. That secret would have been life-altering.
There is a commotion behind us as Alessandro and Maddox push through the curtain at the back, their eyes landing on me with a possessiveness that makes my panties instantly wet. Oh God, I might not survive tonight. For more reasons than that my life is in danger.
Dani leans in to whisper in my ear. “Shit, girl, the testosterone just got real thick in here.”
I laugh nervously, not quite sure how to handle this, but I don’t have time to think on it because the audience cheers and hollers, and I know Geovani and his opponent, the man they call The Beast , have taken the stage already.
I feel the other two take seats. Maddox nods his head in greeting as he slides in beside Ricky. “Temptress,” he purrs in my direction, and I know he’s wishing it was his arm slung over my shoulder.
I offer him a lopsided smile.
Alessandro moves in beside Dani, his dark eyes eating up every inch of me. He’s gorgeous like this, all broody and unshaven. He’s ditched his expensive suit for a pair of dark jeans and a T-shirt, and it’s a good look on him. Not so much the mob boss anymore but more just your regular bad boy, and I’m here for it.
I suck in a shaky breath, sitting on my hands to stop my legs from bouncing. I’m stuck on a balcony with three broken bad boys, wishing I was anywhere but at an underground fight. Geovani’s eyes find mine across the cheering crowd, and he blows me a cheeky kiss. A blush rises over my cheeks under his attention so publicly, but maybe there is more to all this. He’s putting on a show. The tension intensifies with the guys beside me, and I know there’s more to this.
This would have to be one of the strangest situations I have ever been in, and I’m not quite sure how to handle it. So, I just smile back, but he’s already moved on, listening to the rules. No weapons. Fight until knockout or submission. No rounds, no time limits. The fight ends only when one fighter is unconscious or taps out. No eye-gouging or biting. Stay on the stage. No outside interference. Winner takes the pot. So, there are some rules, but they don’t make me feel any less anxious.
“Whoop, whoop,” Dani hollers. “I can see why they call him The Beast . This dude is massive.” Her eyes twinkle with enthusiasm as she claps her hands together.
“Dani, what are they fighting for?” I ask with a gulp, nausea swirling through my stomach, wondering what the pot is.
She glances at me with a sick smirk. “Revenge. That man is Dante DeLuca, he’s fighting for his life tonight.”
Ricky chuckles darkly beside me.
Goosebumps wash over my skin. I knew there was more to this fight. “I can’t watch.” I cover my eyes. This is too much. I’m not sure if I’m going to puke or pass out from fear.
“You have nothing to worry about, he’s no match for Geovani’s speed and agility. Watch the fight, temptress, he won’t lose,” Maddox grumbles. I glance down the line of seats at him, wondering why he cares if I see this or not.
I don’t want to watch him kill some man with his bare hands. Knowing what he is capable of and seeing it are two completely different things, no matter what this man did to him. I keep my hands over my face, just peeping through my fingers as they size each other up.
Ricky’s other hand comes to my thigh, and he gives a reassuring squeeze. His breath brushes the exposed skin on my neck as he places a small kiss just below my ear. “I can distract you if you want, baby doll?” he offers, his tone way too flirty for the current situation we find ourselves in.
I glance up to him, a small smile painting my lips.
“Ricky, let her watch, this is important.” Alessandro’s voice cuts through the tension like a knife. Bossy asshole.
I roll my eyes so only Ricky can see. “Typical, fun police is here to ruin whatever enjoyment I was actually going to get out of tonight,” I mutter in a low voice.
He kisses my lips quickly, and I know he agrees.
As the lights dim, the audience fades into the background, leaving only the illuminated stage and the two opponents in view. A quiet comes over the room as everyone waits to see who will make the first move.
“What are you waiting for Beast,” Geovani’s taunting words echo through the air, provoking Dante to charge at him. In a split second, Geovani sidesteps, narrowly avoiding the collision. He acts like a matador provoking a bull, trying to get him all riled up before he makes his first move. He’s a performer, drawing energy from the supportive cheers of the crowd with every new move he makes. I almost feel sorry for the other guy; it’s like this group of onlookers are here to support Geovani only.
Dante swiftly readjusts himself, releasing a frustrated grunt while throwing a punch that connects solidly with Geovani’s jaw. But it’s like Geovani let him, as if he knew what was coming and he stood there and waited for it. The old theatre fills with the sound of his mocking laughter, proving my thoughts correct. What the hell is he doing? Geovani thinks this is some big joke.
Blood drips from Geovani’s mouth as he spits in Dante’s direction, splatters flying across the man’s bare chest and onto the stage. The people in the front row would have also gotten a good spattering. Dante roars with anger and goes at him again, but this time Geovani blocks his move. Without missing a beat, he follows it up with a punch, connecting hard with Dante’s nose. Blood pisses out of it, making my stomach roll, and I cover my eyes again.
Ricky’s lips come to my neck once more, placing a tender kiss. “Watch it, baby doll, this is how Geovani gets his revenge.”
Goosebumps scatter up my arms. The fight intensifies as they exchange brutal blows, neither willing to back down. Geovani enjoys every second of it, the cruel smile never vanishing from his lips. He’s not the man I know, but I see now why he’s so feared. He’s psychotic like this, and it’s not as if I didn’t know it before tonight. But it’s confronting, and I’m not sure how much more watching I can take. I want to think of him as the man who’s trying to keep me safe, the one I was with the other night who brought me undone in the best way possible. But this is like every damaging blow he makes brings my protective walls up higher. If he can be so brutal with him, what happens if I tip him over the edge?
I watch on in horror as Geovani seizes his moment, executing a powerful grappling move that brings Dante crashing to the ground below.
After training with Geovani for so long, I can almost predict his every move. He’s harsh and ruthless, but Dante fights back just as fiercely. He’s not giving up, but I already know it’s too late for him. This is the moment Geovani waits for—he’s at his best when the fight moves to the ground. He has all the power over this giant of a man. He swiftly exploits his advantage, pulling Dante into a chokehold.
Geovani’s forearm snakes around Dante’s throat, compressing his airway with relentless force. Leaning in, he whispers something into Dante’s ear, and I see the panic flash in Dante’s eyes as they bulge in fear.
“What did he say?” I ask out loud, not really expecting anyone to know the answer, but I have to know.
“He’s explaining why he’s about to die,” Dani tells me as if it’s all no big deal.
My eyes go wide. “What?” When she said he was fighting for his life earlier, I kind of thought it was an expression, like he’s going to mess him up for revenge but still leave him breathing at the end of it.
“You don’t fuck Geovani over and get away with it. And this dude fucked with his girl,” she says, matter-of-factly. Like this is a normal Tuesday. They all know the rules to this game, one Geovani obviously made up.
For a split second I glance at Dani, my heart racing in fear. Who the hell is this guy and what did he do to me? I don’t recognize him.
The crowd roars with excitement, and I flick my attention back to the stage. The man’s face is turning red as he struggles against Geovani’s strong hold, trying desperately to tap out, but he knows as well as the rest of the room, that’s not an option tonight.
I scream as Geovani continues to apply pressure around his neck. I can’t believe he’s going to kill a man in front of all these people. My eyes fill with tears. I can’t watch any more. Standing abruptly, I pull out of Ricky’s hold on me. I push past him and Maddox, making a run for the curtain behind us. I need to get out of here.
But Alessandro beats me to it and gets in my way. “Where do you think you’re going, princess?”