Chapter 26
KNIGHT
The next week went by quickly. The clock ran down to the fight like it was ticking off minutes of my life.
There wasn’t enough time to train effectively. I’d have to rely on my instincts from years of fighting and my determination to come out the other side.
So, I went to work and took comfort in Aiden and tried not to let myself think too hard about the future. Not until I knew I’d really have one.
Aiden had become warmer and softer somehow. Like he also knew we might be on borrowed time and didn’t want to waste it.
I could handle the fight. I wasn’t worried about surviving my time in the cage. But I had to win or the Serpents would take me out for good. If they lost money on me, they’d be even more brutal in their punishment.
It was a devil’s bargain. I’d either end the night a free man or a dead one. Maybe enduring the jump-out would have been the safer course, in the end. But at least this way, I could go down fighting.
When I drove up to the house Friday night, several cars lined the curb out front.
Joyride’s yellow Hummer stuck out like a sore thumb, as always, Ghost’s and Hollywood’s cars alongside it. Flynn’s old Buick was in the drive next to Aiden’s car. Hell, even Tex’s beat-up pickup was here.
We didn’t have any plans to meet up. It wasn’t a Monday, when we usually grilled and kicked back with beers.
That meant they were here for only one reason.
I parked my bike and pulled off my helmet. Flynn was working the grill. Aiden stood beside him, a plate covered in raw meat in one hand.
Hollywood and Joyride sat in lawn chairs beside them, kicked back with beers.
Ghost was leaning against the railing a few feet from everyone else, as usual, and Tex was at the opposite end of the porch from Hollywood. Those two still had to work out their crap.
“You all throwing me a going-away party?” I called as I climbed off my bike.
Waffles raced down the steps, barking a happy greeting. I scooped him up as I headed up the sidewalk, smiling as he licked my face enthusiastically.
“Nah, we’re joining the party,” Tex said.
I carried Waffles back to the porch. “You don’t need to do that.”
“Of course we do,” Flynn said. “If you’re going to risk your life, we’re going to have your back.”
I went up the steps, insides already vibrating with the thought of what was to come. “You’re all on parole. I can’t ask any of you to risk getting busted for me.”
“You’d do it for us,” Joyride said.
“The kid is right,” Tex added. “You already have done it for me.”
Ghost nodded his agreement without a word.
Flynn flipped the burgers on the grill. “If things go sideways, you might need us.”
“I made a deal with them,” I said. “You can’t get in the middle of that. It’s too dangerous.”
“So, we’ll be there to make sure they stick to the terms of your agreement. If they see you’ve got backup, they’ll be less likely to screw you over.”
I looked at Aiden for backup. “You can’t want your brother to take that risk. Not for me.”
Aiden handed the plate to Flynn and came over to me. “It’s his decision. You’re his friend.”
I shook my head. “I’m not worth it.”
Aiden wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. “I never thought I was worth it, either. But we don’t get to choose who loves us.”
He held my gaze as he pulled back, and I could see he was including himself among those who loved me. I wasn’t sure I was worthy of that, either. But I was so damn thankful we’d come into each other’s lives for a second time.
I just hoped I didn’t break his heart tonight—or mine.
“I don’t regret it for a second, Aiden,” Flynn said. “I’d trade any amount of time to keep you safe.”
Aiden turned, his smile tinged with sadness. “I know.”
“He’s your brother,” I said. “Of course he wants to protect you. But I can’t ask anyone to do that for me. I brought this down on myself. This is my bullshit past coming to haunt me.”
“You’re not asking,” Flynn said.
“We’re here because we want to be,” Hollywood added.
I looked around at all the men that had my back. My chest tightened. “Thanks, guys. I’d hoped I could do this without dragging any of you down with me, but it means a lot that you’re here.”
“I’m just here for the food,” Joyride said, rubbing his stomach. “I’m fucking starving.”
His words broke the tension, and everyone laughed.
Flynn returned to the grill. “These are almost done.”
“I’ll go inside and grab plates and napkins,” Aiden said.
“I’ll help.”
I dumped Waffles into Hollywood’s lap, watching him grimace as Waffle launched into a full tongue offensive, and followed Aiden through the door.
I needed a moment to catch my breath. When I joined the Serpents, one of the biggest lies they told me was that the motorcycle club was like a family.
Sure, we’d partied together, fought together, forged bonds together. But there was always the understanding that one wrong move could get me a knife in the back. If I pissed off Hector, I’d fall down the ranks and be treated like shit until I was in his good graces again.
It wasn’t a real family—and not because we weren’t blood-related.
That family hadn’t done much for me either.
My mom was deep into the church, and she’d been horrified to learn I was gay.
She hadn’t wanted anyone to find out and had ordered me to bury it.
My dad had done her one better and suggested I wasn’t fit to live under their roof anymore.
I left home with a duffel bag of clothes and one hundred bucks. I’d crashed with a few friends until I wore out my welcome with their parents, and then I’d ended up on the streets.
I picked up odd jobs where I could, got a cheap motel room once a week to clean up, and spent time at the youth center.
That was where Puck found me. And everything he offered had seemed like a dream. But the truth was, it was just another toxic family all too willing to let me drown.
But Aiden and the Redemption Road guys? They were real family. Showing up tonight, nothing but unconditional love for me? I didn’t even know how to process it.
“Are you okay?” Aiden asked.
I blinked, realizing I’d zoned out. He held a stack of plates and napkins, forehead creased with concern.
“Yeah. Sorry.”
“Is it too much, having everyone here for this? We all want to help, but if—”
I grabbed his face and kissed him. “I love you.”
He looked stunned, lips parted and shiny. “Will—”
“You don’t need to say anything,” I interrupted. “I just needed to tell you before…”
His eyes narrowed. “Yeah? Well, tell me again after. Because you’re winning that fight.”
“I am?”
“You fucking better.” He leaned in, kissing me fiercely. “I’ve got plans for you.”
My lips quirked. “I can’t wait to hear those.”
“Get through tonight, and I’ll share everything with you.”
There was an underlying meaning to his words that made my heart jump. I’d wanted to tell Aiden how I felt for a long time. This casual arrangement had never really been casual for me.
His career was important, and it might take him from Riverton. If it did, I’d find a way to follow. Because I knew what I was fighting for tonight—and it wasn’t for me.
It was for him. For love. For everything we could have together in the future.
“Are you all getting it on in there?” Joyride called.
Laughter and hoots followed.
Aiden smiled. “You ready to go back out and face the hecklers?”
“I guess feeding them is the least I can do.” I held the door for Aiden, and he carried out the plates.
I ran back inside to grab the forgotten packs of buns and silverware.
By the time everyone settled in with plates of food and fresh beers from the cooler—Waffles snarfing up bits of burger we all dropped to him because we couldn’t resist his begging—it almost felt like a normal night.
I had until nine to get to the fight. I needed the fuel, even if my stomach was still tight with nerves.
The guys were shooting the shit, and I tried to relax into the familiar cadence as I ate.
“My ex still won’t let me see Ruby…”
“It’s fucking bullshit,” Tex said. “You’re her father.”
“A shitty one. Maybe Carrie is right to push me away.”
“Not a chance,” Tex said. “Anyone who does that is a fucking idiot.”
Hollywood scoffed. “Whatever you say, Tex.”
“That’s right,” Tex said with a cocky grin. “Whatever I say.”
Joyride snorted. “Gotta love the swagger.”
“Or not,” Hollywood muttered.
Flynn grinned and lifted this beer. “I’ve missed you guys.”
“Yeah, right, you’ve got that hottie at home,” Tex said. “You don’t miss shit.”
Everyone laughed, even Hollywood.
Flynn ducked his head, almost bashful. “I love him. And his brothers are great. They’ve been a real family to me. But you guys are family, too.”
“Aw, Flynn, you softy!” Tex crowed.
“Shut up. I’m serious,” Flynn said.
“Yeah,” I agreed. “I feel the same. I’m glad I’m not doing this alone.”
Aiden laced his fingers with mine, squeezing gently. “What time do we leave?”
I checked the time. “It’s a drive. We should head out.”
Everyone gathered their trash and helped Aiden clear up, a heavy cloud descending over us. The moment of truth was fast approaching.
I put Waffles inside, placing a kiss on his furry head, just above two big sad eyes. “I’ll be home soon,” I told him before locking the door.
I sure as hell hoped it was true.
Four of the guys piled into Joyride’s big Hummer.
Flynn waved Aiden and me toward his car. “I’ll drive too. Ride with me.”
Aiden got into the back seat, leaving me to sit up front with Flynn.
“How are you feeling?” Flynn asked as he started the engine. “If you change your mind, maybe it’s not too late to take Winslow’s suggestion and get out of town.”
Aiden leaned up between the seats, and I braced myself for another argument. I didn’t know if my heart could take watching him pale with fear again.
“Knight’s not leaving everything and everyone he loves.” His eyes met mine in solidarity. “We stick to the plan.”
My heart swelled. I didn’t know how much I needed that support until he gave it to me. “Yeah,” I rasped. “Let’s get it done.”
“Okay.” Flynn nodded. “Whatever you need to do, man. We’re here for you.”
With each mile closer to the fight, I was more sure. My nerves settled. A calm descended on me.
I knew how to do this. I’d fought in dozens of these fights.
When we reached the highway exit, I directed Flynn to the abandoned warehouse where the fight was taking place. Puck had dropped me a pin earlier today. Joyride’s Hummer followed behind us.
We drove down an alley, circled into a parking lot broken and chipped by years of disuse, and parked near a back exit.
The building was a blocky, hulking shadow in the darkness. There were no streetlights. The place looked like it had been vacant for years. That made it the perfect spot for a fight like this.
We got out, using our phone flashlights to see where we were going.
A row of Serpent motorcycles gleamed to our left, a sure sign we were in the right place. This fight wasn’t only for the Serpents, though. It brought out the whole ugly underbelly of this region, drawing gamblers, drug dealers, even rival motorcycle clubs.
We were stopped at the door by a huge guy. He topped seven feet and looked like he could probably kill in the ring. My guess? He was big but slow. Brute strength could only get you so far.
“I’m fighting tonight. Name’s Knight,” I told him. “These guys are with me.”
He ran his gaze over all of us, then turned and called out. “Get the Serpents prez for me!”
We waited a few uncomfortable minutes, exchanging looks, wondering if they’d stop the guys from even coming in.
Puck showed up at the door. “What’s up? Hector gave you our fighter.”
“He brought a whole crew I don’t know.”
Puck leaned out the door to take in the guys. Shot me a skeptical look. “What’s this bullshit, Knight?”
“We’re his cheering section,” Aiden said, stepping up beside me.
Puck’s gaze narrowed. “Are you now?”
“Yeah,” Flynn said, putting a big hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “We’re just here to watch the fight and make sure everyone keeps their word about how this goes.”
Puck sized up Flynn, glanced at Tex—who wasn’t small at six-three—then at Ghost, who had the best case of resting I’ll-fuck-you-up face that I’d ever seen.
“No wonder you didn’t want to come back to the Serpents, huh? You got your own crew.”
“Something like that.”
Puck stood back and waved us inside. “Well, come on in. Just don’t interfere. You know the arrangement. Win and walk free. Lose and take your punishment.”
“They know the deal.”
We stepped inside, the smell of beer and sweat so thick I wrinkled my nose. Memories hit me full force. The sounds of the crowd getting their bets in before the fight. The thrum of anticipation that thickened the air. A combination of bloodthirst and violence.
Puck led us toward the makeshift ring. It was just floor space closed off by wire fencing so the crowd couldn’t interfere. Wood pallets were stacked into bleachers so the guys in the back could have a clear view of the action.
“You’re going on in about ten minutes,” Puck said.
“You’ve got time to change and get yourself psyched up.
” He pointed toward a doorway. “Go over there when you’re ready.
The rest of you enjoy the front-row seats.
Watching Knight fight is a thing of beauty.
” He winked at Aiden. “Try not to come all over yourself, sweetheart.”
“Real nice,” Flynn said.
“Sorry,” I said. “Puck is my ex, so he’s just trying to get under Aiden’s skin. I guess he could tell there was something between us.”
“Aliens in outer space could tell,” Joyride joked, making Ghost snort with amusement.
“Your taste has majorly improved,” Hollywood added.
“That’s an understatement,” I said, leaning closer to Aiden, craving just another few seconds of his warmth. “I should go. I know this might be hard to watch. If you need to leave, I won’t blame you. And if I lose—”
“You won’t,” Aiden said.
“I know.” I wet my lips. “But if something doesn’t go my way, please leave and don’t watch what has to happen, okay?”
Aiden shook his head, eyes shiny. “I won’t make that promise.”
“Angel—”
“I’m your doctor.” He patted the bulging bag hanging over his shoulder. “If the worst happens, you need me. But you won’t because you’re going to win that fight. I believe in you.”
“I do too,” Flynn said.
“Me too,” Joyride added.
One by one the guys sounded off, each of them adding to my confidence.
Pumping me up.
Getting me in the right mind for what lay ahead.
The most important fight of my life.
One that I was going to win.