“It’s not what you’re thinking. He’s gay.”
“Oh,” she says, her face crestfallen.
I stroll over and give them both a kiss on the cheek.
“Be safe and have a good time,” Michael says.
“Sure thing.” I dart downstairs and out the door.
“Damn, you slaying.” Jamal snaps his fingers. “I see you.”
“I know,” I say cheekily, settling in the car.
“You conceited bitch.”
“Well, duh. Have you seen this hot bod?” I waggle my eyebrows.
He rolls his eyes heavenward.
“So, what’s the move?”
“Wanna go to a fight?”
“I thought we were going to hit up a nightclub or bar. I’m so not interested in watching a fight.”
Jamal clutches my hand. “Please. Kate and Lucy’s extra asses refused to go. I heard it’s badass, and I’ll pay your cover charge. This is some underground, no-rules type shit.”
Well, the no-holds-barred element does intrigue me.
“Okay, but if I’m not feeling the vibe, we’re out. No ifs, ands, or buts.”
“Deal.”
Jamal turns onto a small, dark, winding road. A huge ominous-looking warehouse appears in the distance. The parking lot is packed. Obviously, underground fighting is a staple in Montgomery.
“Well, this place is hella creepy,” I say.
“Relax, it’s going to be jumping.” Jamal pulls into a parking spot. “And if it isn’t, we’ll go somewhere else.”
We leave the car and traipse to the entrance. Jamal pays the fee of twenty apiece and we enter the dilapidated structure. My goodness, it’s crowded.
“This is exciting. Come on, let’s go to the front.” Jamal grasps my hand and tugs me through the throng of bodies.
My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets at the sight before me.
You’ve got to be shitting me.
“Holy fuck,” Jamal whispers.
Maverick is in the center of the circle, beating the bejesus out of some poor man. Sweat trickles down his bare chest. I’m completely awestruck. His sleek muscles bunch and flex with each punch he delivers to his opponent’s body. There are no words in the English language sufficient enough to describe his beautiful physique. It’s simply phenomenal. I assumed the bruises on his face were from football practice.
“What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?” Nix asks.
I glance left to see him and Dee standing next to me.
“Why is he fighting?” I ask, curious.
Maverick’s rival has the breadth to best him, but not the speed. Where his moves are clumsy and uncoordinated, Maverick’s are smoothly executed.
