He offers me one of his panty-dropping grins. “I sure will, wifey.”
I nod and grasp his hand. We step inside, and the smell immediately strikes me in the face. Twitch was right. Blood, sweat, smoke, and BO make my face morph in disgust. I swallow back the vomit and try to just breathe through my mouth.
I stand on my toes and look around. The ring is in the center of the warehouse, and a large crowd of men surrounds it on all sides. Two men leave the ring, blood running down their faces.
“Where do you want to watch it from? Do you want to go up to the front?” Viper asks.
Having to stand shoulder to shoulder with a rowdy crowd gives me the ick. “Here is just fine.” Since the ring is raised, I’ll still be able to see the fight, just not as clearly.
Viper tugs on my hand until we are at the outside perimeter of the crowd. He grabs my hips and pulls me in front of him. He’s behind me, protecting me.
The lights dim, apart from one bright light aimed at the ring. Axle comes into view. “Gentlemen,” he says into the microphone and the crowd quietens. “I hope you have placed your bets.” I can taste the anticipation that’s thick in the air.
“Now for the main event…” The crowd’s volume intensifies, and the men huddle and push closer to the stage. “Here is Rage… the reigning champion.”
I flinch at the roar of the crowd. Viper tightens his grip on me.
A heavy beat blares through the speakers, as the singer screams the lyrics in a heavy metal song. The light darts to the left-hand side, where I can see movement. The crowd parts. My pulse speeds up.
I stand on my toes to get a look at him, but the music stops. Lights flood the warehouse. I blink a few times, feeling dazed. Everyone is looking around as well, seeming as confused as I am.
Reaper jumps up and into the ring, eyes wide with concern. “Everyone out,” he barks. “The police are on their way.”
Nervousness digs its nails into my chest while panic spreads like wildfire through the crowd. Immediately, Viper grabs my arm, pulling me along as everyone rushes toward the exits. I take one last look at the stage as icy-cold dread fills my stomach. I hope this isn’t my father’s doing.
FIFTEEN
LOVE-HATE
Sophie
I got little sleep.Worry grips me tightly. The men had a club meeting when we got home, and this morning, they were quieter. No one ended up in jail last night, which I’m thankful for, but the police were there to cause a scene. I guess the MC was lucky because the club’s police contact tipped them off.
A horrible feeling crawls under my skin at the thought of jeopardizing the club and my relationship with Viper. Viper wouldn’t confirm whether it was my father, so I hope to approach Dad this afternoon, after my day with the girls. This time I have the contract.
I shake my head and try not to let my thoughts put a negative vibe on today’s excitement.
“They’re so tiny,” Zara says in a high-pitched voice, pulling out a small onesie with frogs on it.
“Are babies really that small?” I ask no one in particular.
“They sure are,” Ava replies.
“So, what colors… white, yellow, and green is it?” Elena asks. “Since you’re not finding out the sex.”
“That’s right,” Ava answers.
Elena pulls out two sets of baby clothes and puts both in her hand before moving on to another row of clothes.
“You can only buy one piece of clothing,” Ava warns.
Elena lets out a long groan. “One piece?”
Ava bobs her head. “Onepiece!”
“That’s not fair! I’m the auntie—I should be allowed more.”
Ava shakes her head, though she knows she can’t stop us.
