Before I can do anything, the SUV jolts forward, and I realize Nyx and Gage are in the front seat, murmuring about logistics for the night.
With a sigh, I turn to face the window, my mind a total mess.
Anything could happen tonight.
Gage’s debut fight could tank when he inevitably panics.
Then, I’d be distracted and worried, making me lose my own fight. I intentionally scoff.Right. Like I’d ever let that shit happen.
Someone could touch Ella.
Be mean to Ella.
Harass Ella.
Hurt Ella.
My fingers dig little indents into my palms as every concern morphs until all I see isherbleeding and screaming.Hermissing.Herdying.
I choke on my next breath when it gets stuck in my lungs and spear my fingers through my hair, fucking it up again.
Christ, so many things could go wrong.
It would devastate me if any of my brothers got hurt, but the idea of Ella even remotelybotheredmakes me want to blow shit up. Add that in with the pre-fight jitters I always get, the lethality that eventually settles in, the anger I let consume me, replacing my humanity just before I step into the octagon, and I’m a ticking time bomb.
I steal another peek at her over my shoulder. She’s murmuring softly with Stone, a bright smile on her rosy cheeks, as he brushes her curls from her eyes. And just like that, everything in me quiets.
But it’s the man on her other side that makes me stiffen.
Hunter is staring at his hand wrapped around her knee. The way her fingers blanket his, keeping him in place with her tiny,soft grip. It’s not what he’s looking at that gives me pause, though. It’showhe’s looking at it.
Like he’s about to lose everything he’s ever loved.
There’s a bleakness in his gaze. A deep sadness in his blue-grey eyes that guts me. My mouth drops open. To say what? I have no idea. But before I can ultimately make a fool of myself, Gage interrupts me.
“So, we all know the plan?” he asks, his stern gaze flicking toward us as though he truly is the pseudo-father he’s had to be so many times over the years.
I turn toward the front and bob my head. We’ve been over this shit a million times.
“Yes, Daddy.” Ignoring his responding snarl, I tap my fingers on my thigh and recite his rules in a mocking voice. “Stay together. If something feels off, it is off, so get somewhere safe. Keep your eye on the exits and your drinks. Don’t go anywhere alone. Use your weapons. Keep your phones on you. Remember your trackers.” I smirk and glance at my girl. “Anddefinitelyfuck Ella in the bathroom the second I’m done with my fight.”
Her eyes go wide, her blush deepening. “But–” she starts, swallowing thickly. “But…you…you’ll…” Her hands flail. “You’ll be bloody!” She finally blurts.
I chuckle and shove my arm over the seat, running my finger across her burning face and down,down,downher body. “Do you remember what I said about this pretty blush the first time I met you?” I murmur, tracing her clavicle, her chest, the curve of her breast.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Hunter trail the path of my finger. I can’t help myself from diving beneath her dress and circling her taut nipple. I groan at the heat in his eyes and the way she shivers.
That’ll make him forget to be sad.
Fuck, I’m seriously playing with fire tonight.
Ella swallows roughly, her eyes darting between mine as she leans forward. “You wondered how red the rest of my body gets when I blush,” she says, her voice husky.
I nod, barely resisting the urge to climb over the seat and see where else she’s red. I could peel that decadent dress from her sinful body. Lick every inch of her until she’s nothing but a begging, whimpering mess. And then—
“Maddox!”Gage barks, making me jump.
With a disgruntled sound, I flip him off over my shoulder and wink at Ella, mouthinglater.
