I raise my fist and he laughs. "Surely, even you are not stupid enough to take on the wrath of the Bratva?"
I hesitate.
Nikolai stares down to where I still have my hands on his collar. I release him and he straightens his shirt.
"Find Adam Rhodes, and you'll find the mastermind behind your abduction. Now, excuse me. I need to go greet my new champ."
He walks around and into the ring. I watch as he holds out his hand.
Arpad glances up at me. I jerk my chin, and Arpad turns his attention to Nikolai. The two shake hands, then Niko releases Arpad, only to grab his left hand and raise it.
The crowd goes wild again. I step back, pivot, and make my way through the crowd. Saint joins me.
"How’s Baron?" I ask.
"He’s more pissed off than anything. Weston’s taking care of his wounds the best he can. While Edward... Well, you know Ed… He and Baron are constantly at logger heads. If I didn’t know better, I’d say…"
"What?" I frown.
Saint hesitates, then shakes his head. "Nothing." He glances around. "Where’s Arpad?"
I nod to where he's talking with Nikolai.
Damian draws abreast, "I owe you guys."
Saint snorts, "You owe more to Baron and Arpad. They saved your arse." He looks at me. "You got the info?"
I nod, "He mentioned a name: Adam Rhodes."
Saint scowl, "Who the hell is that?"
"Beats me. But according to him, if we find the bastard, we'll find those behind our kidnapping."
"Baron, you fucker. Where the hell do you think you’re going?" Edward’s voice reaches me above the noise of the crowd.
I turn to find Baron brushing past. He half hobbles, yet manages to stay upright. Reaching the door, he pauses, thenturns. He seems to take in the scene, glances at each of us in turn. Then he pivots and slips out of the door.
I glance sideways to find Edward staring at the doorway. His features are stricken.
"You look like you lost your best friend," I joke.
Edward’s lips tighten, "That man is going to get himself killed someday."
"Aren’t we all?" I head for the door, push it open and walk out into the cool night air.
Saint and Weston walk past me, engaged in conversation.
I hear a sound from behind a dumpster pushed up against the wall. My footsteps slow down.What was that?
Damian and Edward catch up with me. "What’s up, Sinner?"
Nothing." I shake my head.
"You sure?" Edward scowls at me.
"Yeah," I turn to him. "You guys go on."
Edward nods. He and Damian move on.
