Chapter 10
MARTINA
Two weeks later, I receive a text from Eduardo telling me the meeting is all set for tonight, and afterward we’ll meet up, and he’ll give me my passport.
Once I have the passport, I’ll feed him some fake information about the gym and the fight club, and make it sound believable.
I never had any intentions of spying on or betraying the Bastards or the Harlots for him or Benito.
Eduardo has been deceiving me our whole adult life, so payback would be a bitch. I’m tired of being his doormat. Normally, I’d worry about his safety, but past experience proved that, somehow, some way, he always manages to land on his feet.
On the upside, I treasure my time in the gym with Maxie and the other female fighters.
I’ve learned so many new moves and how to cultivate the attitude of a cage fighter.
Much, much different than the competing I’d done.
It has given me a feeling of empowerment, and after the last six months, my heart and soul craved some much-needed nourishment.
Plus, I genuinely like the other women, and, for the first time, I feel like I’ve found my tribe: women who are unashamedly proud of their strength and capability.
I’m in the locker room after another grueling workout when Maxie slings her arm over my shoulder. “You’ve really been working hard, and it shows.”
I wipe the sweat off my chest with a towel. “I can see my improvement too.”
“You’re a quick learner.”
I busy myself opening up my locker because I have no idea what she has in mind. Usually, I go up to my room, shower, heat something in the microwave and fall into bed from exhaustion.
“Thanks.” Maxie isn’t quick with compliments, which makes her words even more meaningful.
“You’ve been working so hard, I think you need a night to kick back. Get out of here and have some fun.”
I rarely venture outside the gym or my apartment for fear Benito will find out where I am, then barge into my apartment in the middle of the night. I’d learned the cartel boss is short on patience and used to getting his way, no matter what the cost or damage to others.
The fear caused nightmares where I’d wake up in a cold sweat. My heartbeat would accelerate, and I would have to use my breathing exercises to calm my demons.
“Maybe even pursue some of those hotter-than-hot looks you and Diesel exchange.”
I’ve also managed to stay far away from Diesel. Although he is a constant presence in the gym, Maxie keeps me so busy, I barely have time to think. I reasoned it’s safer for him and me, since once I get my passport, I’ll be gone.
“What?” Obviously, I haven’t been as discreet as I thought, and apparently neither has Diesel.
“You can’t think I wouldn’t notice the way you check each other out when you don’t think the other one is looking.”
“Well, I—”
“Hon, it’s fine, and I don’t blame you.” Maxie glances at Blood across the gym. “I have the sexiest man alive, but if I didn’t, I’d definitely go after Diesel. Shit, his pecs alone would make me—”
I throw up my palms. “Please, stop.”
“Okay, okay.” She laughs around her words. “Anyway, on Friday nights when there’s no fights, we like to let loose a little. You know, have fun.”
“That’s nice.”
“And I’d like you to join us.”
“Us?” After witnessing the open relationships and variety of couples at The Tropics the first night, I’m not sure exactly what she has in mind.
“Me, Marisol, Tanya and Francesca.”
“Oh, okay.” Tanya and Francesca also fight for the Harlots, winning most of their bouts.
Not a surprise since Tanya’s biceps are bigger than most men’s, and Francesca has a drive and determination compelling her to be a winner.
Although I admire their fighting skills, they keep to themselves, and I really don’t know them very well.
“Are you sure they’d want me to come along?”
“Of course.” Maxie leans against her locker. “You’re one of us now, hon.” She grins. “Whether you like it or not, we already consider you a Harlot, and after your first fight, you’ll get your official colors.”
“If I win?”
“No, sweetie, you get your colors just for stepping in the cage. Winning is a bonus.”
I bite my lower lip, and Maxie teases, “You’re not gonna get all mushy again, are you?”
I draw in a deep breath. “It’s been a while since I’ve had friends.”
I’d kept my secrets to myself, but Maxie is savvy enough to know I have a past. Apparently, most of the women in the Harlots have a backstory. Some share theirs, others don’t, but either way, it makes me feel closer to them. It’s much easier to be around people with faults.
“Get showered and cleaned up, and we’ll head over to The Tropics at around ten.”
This will work with my plan to meet up with Eduardo later, but there is another problem. “I really don’t have anything to wear except the clothes you gave me.”
“You’re not getting out of this that easy.” She sizes me up. “Marisol and you are about the same size, and that woman has way more clothes than she needs.”
“But . . .”
“She and I will bring you some things later, and you can pick out what you like.”
“But . . . don’t you think you should ask her first? Maybe Marisol won’t want to share her clothes.”
I clearly remember the beautiful bar manager from the first night who served me those delicious and very dangerous margaritas.
From her hair down to her gorgeous figure, the woman is a classic beauty with a natural elegance.
Plus, I found out she was also married to Smoke, the president of the Royal Bastards, which makes her royalty of sorts.
Maxie rolls her eyes and laughs. “You have so much to learn.” She slams her locker shut.
“We’ll come by at eight. Plenty of time for you to get ready while we all enjoy a glass of wine, or three.
Then, between Marisol’s designer clothes and my mad skills with makeup and hair, Diesel won’t be able to keep his hands or eyes off you. ”
“Wait, what? I really don’t think he—” Shit, and here I thought my secret was safe.
Maxie throws me a knowing look. “That man is hot for you, girl, and the sooner you admit it, the more fun you’re gonna have, so quit fighting it.”
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re a mix between a hurricane and a tornado?”
“Honey, I grew up an outcast in a bumfuck town in Oklahoma with the parents from hell, and when I finally broke away, I got myself tangled up with some dangerous dudes, so it was either fight or fail—and I chose to fight. It made me stronger than I ever thought possible, so just remember that the next time you’re doubting yourself. ”
Maxie zips up her duffel bag. “If you wanna act like you’re not into Diesel, I’ll play along, but do you really think I’m the only one who sees the way he looks at you? Or the way your eyes follow him when he’s headed toward the office?”
“We’re just—”
“Friends, right, whatever you say, but tonight when he sees you in whatever sexy outfit you pick from Marisol’s collection, he is gonna lose his shit.” Maxie slings her duffel over her shoulder with a knowing smile. “See you later, and get ready to make that man do a double take.”
I press my forehead against the cool metal of the locker, and my brain spins.
Maybe I could claim I’m too tired, but it would never work because Maxie is a force of nature—one of the traits that makes her an excellent fighter and trainer.
She never backs down in the cage or in the gym, and she expects and gets the best out of the fighters.
Plus, she is hooked up with Blood, a man who is intimidating even when he smiles, which is rare. If she could keep that brute of a man in line, what chance did I have? She could easily just pin me down and dress me herself.
I chuckle at the visual and am just about to head for the shower when my phone buzzes against the metal of my locker. I have two numbers in my phone, Maxie and Eduardo, and since she just left, I know it’s Eduardo.
“Hello.”
“I’ll be at The Tropics tonight for another meeting with the Bastards.”
How convenient I’ll be there too.
“What time?”
“Around nine.”
“Don’t forget my passport. And don’t mess up.”
“Shit, is that what you think of me?”
“Yes. Just be there on time. Text me before you meet with them and then when you’re done, so I can be ready.”
I’ll easily make a bathroom excuse. How long can it take to run next door, meet up with Eduardo, and get my passport?
“Geez, you really are getting to be a pain in the ass,” Eduardo grumbles.
“Just be there.” I swipe away the call.
Hopefully, by tonight, I’ll have my passport, but first I have to go to The Tropics in some revealing, sexy outfit with the intention of attracting a man who can never be mine—not too screwed up.
Three hours later, my room over the gym looks like every designer on Rodeo Drive threw up on the bed. Valentino, Versace, Gucci, Dior—there isn’t an Italian or French designer not represented.
I’d only heard bits and pieces about Marisol, Smoke’s old lady, but gossip says she’s the daughter of a now dead cartel boss. She and her brother, Manuel, the treasurer for the Royal Bastards, inherited his millions, but choose to live lowkey amongst the club—except when it comes to shopping.
“These are amazing.” Maxie shifts through the mountain of dresses, skirts and tops. “I can see your last trip to the States was a huge success.”
“You should’ve come with me.”
“Shopping’s not really my thing, but—” Maxie holds up a hot pink body-con dress. “This is outrageous.”
“Wear it tonight.” Marisol waves her hand at the dress. “I say we go all out since this will be Martina’s first Friday night club party.”
“Not exactly.” I lock eyes with Marisol. “Two weeks ago, I was mistaken for Diesel’s birthday gift.”
“Well, there’ll be no mistakes tonight. When that man gets a look at you in one of these outfits, he won’t be looking at anyone else.”
“Anyway,” Maxie adds, “Diesel’s birthday party was on a Saturday—totally different vibe. Fridays, everyone really lets loose and gets wild.”