Jagger pulls me a little closer to his side. “I know it looks shady, but I own this place, and security is at a premium tonight. Any sign of Serpents or your family, we’ll know.”
Jagger’s words don’t ease the churning. The last time we left the house, I had a front-row seat to a brutal car chase I’m still having nightmares about. I don’t need a repeat.
Asher smiles at me, clutching my hand a little tighter. “This fight is important to Cruz. We can’t miss it, and we can’t leave you alone.”
We take the rickety stairs up to the top row of seats in a section roped off by security.
“You could have left me alone. A night to myself sounds like a dream, a bath and a bottle of wine maybe.” I smirk, knowing even the idea is going to piss Jagger off. But right now, his snippy attitude is getting to me, so why not get a little entertainment where I can.
Asher kisses my cheek. “You can have a bath and a bottle of wine when we’re around. That sounds like a fine night in. I might join you next time.”
My glare narrows on Asher. “Then it wouldn’t be a night alone, asshole.”
His cheeky grin has me softening. “It would be more fun, and you know it.”
I shake my head and let out a heavy sigh. I’m sure it would be all kinds of dirty fun, but right now, when this is all too much, I need my space. I have been locked up with the three of them too long. And after the call from my brother two days ago, I’m on edge even more than I would normally be. He said he would come for me in two days, and I believe him.
A couple of men in dark suits wait by a red velvet rope, guns visible in a way that sends a shiver down my spine. “Evening, boss.” The larger one of them nods in Jagger’s direction.
The other opens the rope so we can pass. His eyes linger on me in a creepy way that has goosebumps rising on my arms. What’s his problem? I mean, I know I have a leather miniskirt on and a low-cut top that shows off a little cleavage, but you think he would be less obvious about ogling me when his boss is Jagger.
By the glare Jagger gives him, I’m not the only one who notices. Jagger moves aside, allowing us to pass through, while the second guard pulls the rope closed.
Asher pulls me along to our seats.
Their hushed voices become muffled behind us. I’m sure Jagger is threatening his life.
Asher leads me to our seats, that have a full bird’s-eye view of what looks like the makeshift stage from the top row. They would be the perfect tickets if I wanted to see the show, but watching a live underground fight has never been on my bucket list, even if Cruz is one of the competitors—actually, especially when he’s one. I don’t want to witness him in full psycho mode again. Nor do I want to see him get the shit beaten out of him for a little cash. It seems so barbaric to me. But I know this is important to him, and he’s been training like crazy to be up for it.
Asher’s arm is back slung over my shoulder, and he leans in, stealing a quick kiss. When he pulls back, our eyes lock. His lips twist up at the sides. “You’re too pretty to have that look on your face.”
I roll my eyes, his charm not easing the tension in my body. “You know I hate violence, Ash.”
“I’m sorry, princess. Try think of it more like a sport. I know you have a little competitive spirit in there someplace.”
I sigh heavily. “I guess. Hopefully it will be over quickly.”
“Most girls go all kinds of silly over Cruz when he participates in these events. Being his girl, you should be front row with pompoms.”
I raise a sassy brow. “Can you see me with pompoms? Really?”
“I can imagine the cheerleader uniform.” He chuckles playfully.
I laugh back. “I’m sure.” A small slither of jealousy slips under my skin at the idea of other girls lusting after Cruz. “Do they really go nuts for him?”
Asher motions to the front corner of the warehouse where a crowd has gathered. There are girls all dolled up in trashy-as-hell miniskirts much like my own and crops that have Cruz’s face on them. And there is the man himself signing stuff for them. One girl pulls down her top and motions for him to sign her breast.
My fists curl at my sides, and I stand, ready to take off down the stairs. “Oh, you have to be kidding me.”
Asher chuckles, pulling me back to him with his arms wrapped tightly around my middle. “You don’t want a Cruz shirt? I’m sure he would sign it for you. He would happily sign your tits as well if that’s what you’re after.”
I throw him a disgusted face. “I want them to back the hell off. Skanks,” I spit.
He bites into his lip, still holding me close so I can’t escape him. “You’re so cute when you’re all jealous.”
“I’m not, it’s just weird. He’s not like famous or anything, so why are they all carrying on?”
“To this crowd he is a celebrity. These are his people, princess. They’ve followed his journey from the beginning when he was just a scrawny kid with an attitude problem.”
