A black sweater and ripped jeans with fish-net stockings underneath because Sawyer practically begged me to wear them. Ido notlook like a slut!
Cross advances on me. I step backward until I collide with the wall, and his hand finds its way to my throat. His thumb grips me below my jaw while his pinky rests against my collarbone. He doesn’t squeeze hard, but he could if he wanted to.
“Go home,” he hisses.
I should be afraid, all alone with him in this musty, empty room, but gazing up into his warm, brown eyes has me feeling strangely calm.
“Or what? You’ll show my daddy the dirt you have on me?”
His eyes narrow. “I could.”
My mouth curves into a smile, pulling Cross’s eyes right to it.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” I taunt. “Because now I know your dirty little secret too.”
He scoffs, his hot seedy breath brushing against my face. “You have no proof.”
I open my mouth to argue, but our attention is pulled to a door opposite of the one Cross pushed me through.
It’s Tyler.
“Bro, you gotta get in the ring. They’re about to flick the lights back on.”
Cross squeezes my neck briefly then drops his hand and steps away. I gasp slightly and stumble forward on shaky legs. I regain my balance quickly while Cross stomps toward his friend. He grips Tyler’s arm tightly, whispers something in a low voice, and then disappears.
Tyler and I make eye contact across the empty space, his lips flat with annoyance.
I send him a dirty look and flip my hair over my shoulder. I open the door I was forcefully shoved through and am met with the backs of everyone in the crowd. All their attention is on the illuminated cage.
I thankfully find my way back to Sawyer before they really start to get amped up.
“Where were you?” she shouts, eyes filled with concern.
As soon as I open my mouth to answer her, I’m saved by a wave of cheers.
Cross’s name is announced, and it’s as clear as glass that my stepbrother is well known around here.
My attention is immediately drawn to Cross’s flickering muscles and the tattoos that cover them. He hops up and down a few times on agile feet and pops his neck, seemingly laser-focused on the guy opposite of him.
I immediately pull my gaze away, annoyed that I find him so attractive, and land on his opponent.
Maybe he’s hotter.
I gasp.
The blood drains from my face, and my vision tunnels, the outer area darkening. The ringing in my ears is the only thing that keeps me grounded as I stare into the cage at the one person who makes my skin crawl with fear.
Nicholas Thomson, the sole reason I left Yale, is standing opposite of my stepbrother, and suddenly, I can’t breathe.
[ 13 ]
CROSS
What.The. Fuck?
My attention skitters across the crowd surrounding the cage, automatically seeking out Scarlett. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I caught a glimpse of her before the lights plunged out. I was expecting the blackout after the first fight—the idiots in charge think it creates more excitement and focuses the audience after a lull.
I wasn’t expecting the rush of adrenaline to hit when Scarlett’s body pressed to mine. She immediately started trembling. Her breath on my hand came fast and shallow. Another minute and she might’ve passed out.
