I didn't realize how big of a space Zeth filled in my daily life. With how much it hurt to be away from him, it was almost as bad as being with him while not being able to have him.
So, it seemed I was fucked either way.
What made it worse was that Geof Groskey was supposed to fight tonight, but he’d missed his flight in Germany and wouldn't be stateside until tomorrow. I had to scramble to see who was available and could get here on time. I finally got some fighter from Brazil, Deslen Tacnon, that was already stateside and ready to go as the underdog against Copland Banner. His manager promised me that he would make this fight worth it, claiming this would put Deslen on the map. I was in no position to argue, so I gave him the slot. One massive problem fixed.
Shoving another mouthful of that perfectly seared meat in my mouth, I chewed lazily. The flavors slid across my tongue without meaning, just texture and warmth filling a body that felt too cold inside.
There was no shortage of work for either Zeth or me since the fight was tonight. Everything needed to go perfectly. The venuewas getting set up for the media, and the celebrities were piling in. My most trusted men were already holding down security, so all I needed to do was show up and smile.
Ezra had called me first thing this morning, asking if I needed anything or wanted her to fly out, even if it was just for support. I told her I was fine and not to waste the jet fuel. I wanted to show her that I could handle this all on my own. I could pull my weight, helping the Syndicate become more, just like she wanted.
Calix texted me in the sibling chat.
Cal:Sending you a surprise.
Cal:You're welcome.
Cal:I’m the best brother ever.
My brows pinched, but before I could respond, Aniyah’s texts flew in.
Niyah:You’re our only brother
Niyah:It’s not hard
Niyah:It's much harder to be the best sister
Niyah:Which you know…
Niyah:
Riot chimed in, sending well wishes. Short, clean, and to the point.
Riot:Don’t worry. You got this.
Sometimes she made me laugh by just how little she said.
Nova:Thanks, guys.
Nova:Make sure to watch!
As soon as I hit send, a message from Ezra followed.
Ezra:All the casinos nationwide will be showing it, utilizing all the prime TV spots. We also have a few promo videos running, advertising the new fighter as a dark horse pick. I’ll tell you what the take is by the end of the night.
I puffed out a chuckle after reading that. Good old Ezra, already thinking about how much money the fight was going to make and how to maximize its visibility. It was her way of supporting me as best she could… and I appreciated it.
Feeling a little more myself, I went up to take a long, hot shower—the kind where it was so hot your skin almost burned off—which felt good. Somehow, all my problems melted away beneath that water.
After the shower, I got a text from Conrad.
Conrad:Excited to see you tonight.
Rolling my lips into my mouth, I tried to keep myself from smiling too wide.
With Conrad, it was easy. I could feel his eyes on me, wanting me, not assessing me, and I liked it. Furthering his own business ventures felt like it was second to enjoying me, and I liked that. I knew where I stood with him. I wasn’t trapped in this will-they,-won’t-they situation like with Zeth.
Despite initially thinking of Conrad, my mind drifted to Nick. Had he gotten the present I sent him? I couldn't have him representing the Rossey clan in anything less than a suit, so I’dmade sure he had one. I sent off a quick text, asking if he got it and if it fit all right.
