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’vefound 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.”
