Chapter 6 #2
Vince patted my shoulder and walked away, removing the golden brass knuckles from his hand as he returned to his position by the door.
The tape on my chest miraculously stayed in place.
“Now,” Antonio continued to everyone else.
“The other fighters will recognize you. I never suspected they wouldn’t.
And when they do, you tell them you’re there for the same reason they left me; I was an unfit boss, and Roxy, a new owner in the game, offered you a better job and pay when she left me too…
Those disloyal fighters won’t be around too long. ”
Meaning he would have them killed for betraying him.
I rubbed at my stomach, nursing the tender area in the center of my abs, but also checking that the microphone wasn’t broken.
“None of you are expected to bring me back any information about whatever they have going on. You’re there to fight.”
And earn him money while his fight club is out of business.
“Roxy will work to get as close to my son to uncover as much as she can.” Antonio gave Roxy a soft smile. “So, none of you are to do anything that could sabotage this. Just fight when you’re told and keep your head down; play the part.”
I waited until I had Roxy’s attention again before I raised my eyebrows as if to ask, And you’re okay with that?
She only shrugged nonchalantly.
“When do we start?” one of the other fighters asked.
“Tonight. That's why I asked you all to dress nicely,” Antonio said.
“But, we’re fighters. We usually don’t meet with the club owners.” Seb used a better tone than me.
“I’ve learned from my sources that my son likes to inspect each of his rivals, including any new fighters.” Antonio looked around the room. “When you leave this meeting, make sure you remove anything on your body that they may see as a threat. Any guns or knives…”
Or wires…
“For now, that is all you need to know.” Antonio stood. “Roxy will be doing all the talking for you; she knows what to say, so try to remain silent.”
That last part was a warning to me after my performance tonight.
Taking it as our cue to leave, we all started for the door.
“A moment, Dean,” Antonio said.
I paused by the door as everyone passed me. Seb was the last to leave and shared a concerned look my way before he closed the doors.
I didn’t move from where I stopped.
“I hate that I have to ask this,” Antonio said, leaning back in his chair. “You wouldn’t be talking to Lily’s father, would you? He’s working on the investigation into me, and he could very easily use you for intel.”
Hit the nail right on the fucking head, boss.
“No. We don’t exactly get along enough for him to pay me any attention.” I decided to play into his obsession with loyalty and family, and flipped the conversation. “Did you want me to do somethin’? I could get information on where he is with the investigation.”
Please, say no.
“It won’t be necessary. As you said, he doesn’t pay you much attention. He would think it’s out of character for you to suddenly get close.”
“Right,” I nodded.
“Just focus on the fights for now and keep your head down. You’re there as a facade for Roxy. We don’t need things getting messy.”
I fought the urge to scoff.
Things were already messy.
Seb was waiting for me in the hallway when Vince walked me out.
“What happened?” Seb asked.
“More warnings.”
He inhaled through his teeth. “You did bring an attitude tonight.”
I clenched my jaw. “I’m tired.”
“Well, can you be more careful? You’re the only friend I have here.”
Vince chuckled from behind us.
“Why not hit me harder next time, Vince? I barely felt that one,” I said sarcastically.
“Just wanted to remind you how it felt to be punched. You boys haven’t been in the ring for some time.”
I huffed in agreement as we crossed the foyer and exited the house, leaving Vince inside.
When we stepped through the front door into the night air, I pulled out my phone. Just as a hand with painted black nails curved around my arm and clung to my bicep.
Roxy’s sultry voice floated up to my ears as she fell into step beside me and walked down the porch steps. “You’re looking good.”
I didn’t look at her as I lifted my arm from her hand and focused on my phone and the recent texts I shared with Lily. But it was Seb who spoke up instead.
“He’s in a healthy relationship, that’s why.” He threw her a sarcastic grin.
Roxy hummed. “I wasn’t aware I was talking to you too. Are you third-wheeling so much it’s become a throuple?”
I glanced up from my phone, slowing my steps as I watched the interaction.
Seb walked to his bike, scoffing, while Roxy gave him a once-over. Tilting her head before she added, “I guess I could accommodate you if you're feeling lonely, Sebastian.”
“I’m not that desperate, Roxanne.” Seb faked a smile before he pulled on his helmet.
Roxy flipped him off.
I tuned them out as I walked to my car, lifting the phone to my ear as it rang on the other end.
“Hi.” Lily’s voice soothed the frustration beating through my head.
“Hi.” I climbed into my car and locked the doors, relaxing into the seat as I eyed the others through the side window.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just—I’m gonna be home a little later.” I thumbed the steering wheel, frowning at the lie about to spill from my mouth. “This meeting is going on longer than I thought.”
“That’s okay… I’m going to read before bed, so maybe I'll be up when you get home?”
I half smiled tiredly, wishing I could sink through the phone to her. “What are you reading?”
Her laugh was soft and scratched something in my brain. “Is that the equivalent of asking about what I’m wearing?”
“I mean, we could talk about that too if you like.” The words had left my mouth before I remembered I was still wearing a microphone. Hopefully, they could only hear my end of the conversation. The last thing I needed was Mark overhearing that.
“I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable in your meeting, but if you really want to know…” There was movement on her end. The rustling of sheets as she climbed into bed. “I’m wearing sweats.”
I smiled wider. “Sexy.”
“Very.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but the other fighters, Seb and Roxy, were ready to leave, all starting their engines before Roxy drove out first. The rest simply followed until it was only me sitting outside Antonio’s house.
“I’ve gotta go… I’ll see you soon.”
There was a smile in her voice when she told me to stay safe and that she loved me. Her words were sweet and simple, but fed the guilt growing inside me, leaving a bad taste in my mouth as I told her I loved her too.
Hiding shit from her was going to kill me.