Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
RICH
T his is the last place I want to be right now, but it is nice getting to check out around the warehouse myself. This is my first fight since I found Fallon. I can’t help but wonder if any of the people in attendance are here because they are looking for her.
I’m taking everyone in. It’s something I’ve never bothered to do before. Honestly, I didn’t give a shit who came and went from here. If I didn’t think you were a threat to me, I wouldn’t have paid you any attention.
“You look like you’re casing the joint.” King comes to stand beside me.
“I am.” He’s doing the same thing.
“I had files pulled on one of the high rollers here from the last fight and ones showing tonight. I’m flagging any that might fit the bill for the limited information your girl has given us.”
“I’m not pushing her.” I make myself clear about that in case that’s what King was insinuating.
“Not asking that. Only letting you know why it might take longer to get those files together.”
“I want you to look at the ones that could have a daughter. One that could have been tucked away. I get the impression Fallon was hidden away from outsiders,” I tell him. With the stories she has let out to me here and there over the last week, it’s clear she had been tucked away from the world.
“We can do that. I’ll send over what my guy Zero pulls together.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime. All you ever have to do is ask, Rich. We’re family.” I grunt in response. “I didn’t think you’d be here tonight.”
“I’m surprised you are here with your wife at home.” At the word wife, King’s lips tilt up into a half smile.
I think it’s the first time I have called Willa his wife without a touch of anger added. I guess I didn’t understand how quickly you could fall in love. That once you meet the right person, you know immediately. That it consumes you and makes you do things that don’t make sense to anyone around you. I now can relate to all of those things since Fallon appeared.
“She wanted girl time, and I am a man that loves giving my wife what she wants.”
"These women change us." There is no denying that. I can see that in King and West. Now me. I don't even feel like I think the same way I did a week ago. My whole world has now shifted.
“They do. The world is completely different when you meet a person you know you can never live without. They become your everything.” Fuck me, if that isn’t true. Fallon is the center of my everything now.
“It’s driving me insane not knowing where the threat is,” I admit. When I’m in a caged fight, it’s an easy target to direct my rage. Now I’m not sure who the threat is, so I’m assuming it’s everyone. That’s how it has to be.
“Don’t worry. It will reveal itself in due time. People don’t take kindly when they think they own something and then it’s taken from them.”
“She isn’t owned by anyone.” I grit out my anger, it getting the best of me. If anything, it’s Fallon who owns me.
“Is that so? You don’t own her now?” Is he trying to piss me off before I go into my fight? King cocks his head my way, lifting one brow. "No response?"
"Shut the fuck up." I hate the idea of anyone owning her, but fuck me if I don’t want to. It’s selfish, but it doesn’t stop the thought from forming in my head.
King throws back his head and laughs. It takes all my willpower not to turn and slug him with a kidney shot. That should shut him the fuck up for a good ten minutes.
“I’m only giving you a hard time.” King’s hand comes down on my shoulder.
“Not sure we’re there yet,” I mutter, but it only makes his smug ass smile. “I’m going to do a round and then go get ready.”
“Do a round?”
“Circle the place. Really see the faces of the people here.” Normally they all blend together, and I don’t pay attention to them.
“There are cameras in the office.”
“No, I want to see them in person.”
King nods. “Good luck with that.”
I want to ask what that means, but he’s already strolling off, I’m sure to check around him. He always lingers in the background during the fights.
It’s not until I start really moving around the room that I understand what he means. I can’t make it far without someone trying to talk to me. Even with my leave me the fuck alone expression. A couple of drinks and people don’t notice it, I suppose. I catch a few people trying to sneak pictures of me.
“Richie!” A girl cries my name out like we’re old friends. I inwardly cringe, knowing I’m going to have to interact with her.
I think I recognize her from school. She untangles herself from a man dressed in a suit. I don’t recall the last time I saw her. I thought she left the island years ago after graduation, but who the hell knows? I don't keep track of random-ass people.
I take a step back as she draws closer. "Do I know you?" It's a dick thing to say, but whatever gets her to leave me alone faster is what I’m going for. Irritation flashes across her face before she quickly hides it behind a giggle. I’m sure she’s not used to rejection.
“Was only going to wish you luck.” She bats her long eyelashes that remind me of spider legs.
Fallon’s are thick and long but appear soft, unlike this girl's. Fallon’s are always brushing against her delicate cheek or resting there while she sleeps.
When I don’t respond, she keeps going. “You know—” My hand comes out, gripping her wrist before she can try and rest her hand on my chest. Her eyes widen.
“We don’t touch.”
“You’re a dick, you know that?”
“I do, but you seem to have forgotten.” I release my grip on her wrist, and she swiftly retreats a few steps. I should probably feel bad, but I can't bring myself to. I didn’t get my reputation at school by being a nice guy. I earned the nickname they gave me.
I continue on my way, taking in as many faces as I can without making direct eye contact with anyone else. I’ve had enough interaction for one night. I need to focus, get this fight over so I can head home to Fallon. The quicker I get the KO, the sooner I’ll be on my way.