28 COREY
Sunlight filters through the gaps in my curtains, casting shadows across my bed. My side throbs, a reminder of last night's encounter, but the pain fades when I open my eyes to find Rhea curled up next to me. Her wild hair spills across my pillow, those colored streaks catching the morning light.
My t-shirt swallows her frame, riding up to reveal a strip of skin above her sleep shorts. The urge to trace that exposed flesh with my fingertips is almost overwhelming. I spent the entire night hyper- aware of her presence, her subtle movements, the soft sounds of her breathing.
She shifts in her sleep, turning toward me. Her nose ring catches the light, and I notice the way her lips part slightly. The sight stirs something primal in me, and I have to force myself to look away.
I ease myself out of bed, wincing as the movement pulls at my stitches. The floor creaks under my feet as I make my way downstairs, following the smell of coffee and bacon.
Julian and Tobias sit at the kitchen island, plates of half-eaten breakfast in front of them. They both look up as I enter.
"Look who's vertical," Julian says, sliding a mug of coffee my way. "How's the war wound?"
"Our girl does good work." I take a careful sip. "Those two from last night—what'd you find out?"
Tobias sets down his fork. "Vasquez crew after all. Seems they didn't appreciate us declining their generous offer to partner up."
"Fuck." I rub my temple. "That's gonna bring heat."
"Already handled the cleanup," Julian says. "But their boss is gonna notice they're missing."
"You sure it was them?" I lean against the counter, my side protesting. "They usually send more than two guys for a job."
"Found their tattoos," Tobias says. "That signature scorpion on the neck. Plus Julian recognized one of them from the underground circuit in Vegas."
"They've been trying to muscle in on fight clubs up and down the coast," Julian adds. "Guess we were next on their list."
"And now we've got a target on our backs." I drain my coffee.
"Plus they know about Rhea."
"We could always—" Tobias starts.
"No." The word comes out sharper than I intend. "She stays. We protect her. End of discussion."
“What do you have in mind then Corey?” Tobias questions. .
"We need to postpone Friday's fight," I say, turning to Julian.
"Call our regulars, tell them we're setting up something special next week. Double the usual pot."
Julian raises an eyebrow. "They won't like that."
"Better than them walking into a potential war zone." I retrieve my phone from my pocket.
"What about the fighters?" Tobias asks.
"Pay them anyway. Half now, half when we reschedule." I tap out a message to our loyals. "Can't risk losing our talent pool over this."
Footsteps on the stairs announce Rhea's arrival. She's wearing my shirt like a dress, and my breath catches at the sight. I force myself to focus on the matter at hand.
"I woke up and you weren't—" She stops, taking in the scene before her. “I thought you were dead in the hallway or something.” "Sorry." I gesture to her with my coffee mug. "Didn't want to wake you. These two showed offered breakfast and intel."
.Rhea slides onto a stool, stealing Julian's coffee. "So what's the plan?"
"The plan is keeping you safe while we handle this," I say.
She sets the mug down hard. "Like hell. I'm already involved."
"This isn't up for discussion."
"Everything's up for discussion when someone's trying to kill us."
Her green eyes flash. "I deserve to know what's happening."
Julian shoots me a look. "She's got a point, boss."
I lean forward, bracing my hands on the counter. "Fine. We're going to smoke out Vasquez's operation. Find their weak spots. But first, we need to get word out that the fight's postponed. Make it look like we're running scared."
"Let them think they've got us on the ropes," Tobias nods. "Draw them out."
"Exactly." I pull up my contact list. "Julian, start making those calls. Tobias, I need you to reach out to your street contacts. See what they know about Vasquez's recent movements."
"What about me?" Rhea asks.
"You’ll stay here and help Julian with intel.” The look she cuts is lethal. “That’s the shittiest fucking excuse I’ve ever heard for “just stay at home and stay the hell out of the way.” Julian clears his throat. "Speaking of intel, Tobi and I are heading to The Cherry Pit tonight."
"The what now?" Rhea asks, stealing a piece of bacon from Julian's plate.
"Underground ring across the way," Tobias explains. "Run by some Russians. Word is Vasquez's crew likes to throw money around there."
"We'll blend in, see what we can dig up," Julian adds. "Maybe catch some whispers about what they're planning."
I nod. "Take the weekend. Don't rush it. Better to play it casual."
"What, you two aren't going?" Rhea perches on a stool, her knee brushing against my thigh.
"Someone's gotta keep an eye on you," I say, trying to ignore the warmth of her skin through my sweatpants. "Plus, I'm not exactly fighting fit at the moment."
"Thanks to your handiwork," Julian winks at Rhea. "Those stitches are cleaner than half the docs I've seen."
Tobias stands, stretching his massive frame. "We should head out.
Got a few stops to make before tonight."
"Keep your phones on," I tell them. "And watch your backs.
Vasquez might have eyes at The Cherry Pit."
“Be careful, please” Rhea speaks behind a coffee mug.
“Awh, do you care for us after all Bella?” Tobias says with a wink.
They grab their jackets and head out, leaving me alone with Rhea in the suddenly quiet kitchen.