I look at my watch again before I scan the entrance one more time. I need to find Boris to see what we can do if she doesn’t show up. I’m about to pick up my phone to call Lisa one more time when Boris and Victor approach me.
“What are you doing here?” I say, not bothering with pleasantries.
He tilts his head, his mouth twisting. “Aren’t you excited to see me? I guess Gabriel’s attitude is rubbing off on you.” His voice drips with condescension.
“Answer the question,” I snap.
He chuckles, low and mocking. “Interesting that you're asking that. Aren’t you supposed to be the new owner and manager of this little establishment?”
My eyes narrow, my pulse steadying into something lethal.
“Naomi is fighting tonight." He smirks. “N.C. Rings any bells?”
“Oh, so that’s who it is. Why not just say her name?”
He leans in slightly, voice dropping to something oily and amused. “Where's the fun in that?” His lips spread into an evil grin. “Anyway, I will leave you now. We’re going to get settled.”
The moment he disappears around the corner, I turn to Boris. “Tell me he can’t pull this stunt.”
He shrugs. “I guess he can.” His gaze locks on mine in a way that twists my gut. “Be careful. I think that, tonight, expect anything from him. He doesn’t play by the rules, never has and never will. He is up to something. I can smell it.”
“Like what?” My voice edges into a growl.
“I don’t know yet,” he admits, frustration bleeding through. “But it won’t be good.”
“Dammit.” The realization hits like a punch. “Lisa isn’t here yet.”
“What?” His head snaps up. “Why the hell didn’t you say anything?”
“I’ve been calling her nonstop, but nothing.”
He curses under his breath, dials her number, and waits. It goes dead. He lowers the phone, his face darkening. “If she doesn’t show, we forfeit.”
“And hand them the win?” I bite out.
“We don’t have another fighter in her class,” he snaps. “And even if we did, they wouldn’t be prepared. But let’s worry about that in a sec. I’m going to check with her boyfriend.”
It was one useless hour of waiting and calling, not getting anywhere. With the gym packed, I don’t know how to handle the situation. I’m too tense, and I feel defeated. I don’t want to look like I failed at my first tournament hosting. My chest tightens at the thought of what will happen when it's time for the match.
I stand at the office window, watching the crowd pulse with energy below. A few minutes ago, hiding up here felt like the safer move; now, it feels like weakness. My fingers itch to call Gabriel, to ask for his thoughts on this mess, but he’s dealing with his own problems: system breaches, attacks on Cosa Nostra fronts, enemies circling.
And this? This is mine to handle.
I straighten, letting the weight of the situation settle on my shoulders, not as a burden, but as an opportunity. This is my moment to step up, to prove I’m more than a bystander in Gabriel’s world. My chance to find my place in Cosa Nostra.
I need to handle this alone; Gabriel can’t come near those two. He can’t be reminded of old wounds.
I square my shoulders, step out of my office, and cut through the corridor like a blade. Victor is leaning against the wall, arms crossed and lips pulled into a vicious smirk. “To what do I owe this pleasure…” he looks at his watch, “fifteen minutes before the match?”
“There will be no fight tonight,” I say flatly. “Lisa didn’t show up.”
“Didn’t show up?” He chuckles sarcastically. “Or maybe she realized she’s out of her league.”
I shrug. “We can’t reach her. Under the circumstances, we’re cancelling.”
“Bullshit.” He steps closer. “Don’t you have anyone else to throw in the ring?”
“No, and even if we did, it’s too late. No fighter is entering unprepared.”
