Harley:I can work on that with him.
My first thought is: I’d like to see that. My second is a flash of brilliance that I’m amazed I didn’t think of earlier. She turned down a date with me, but what if it wasn’t a date? What if it was a reconnaissance mission for her upcoming elimination tournament? We could watch the other girls fight and dissect them like we’re doing now. Meanwhile, we’d be spending time together. Growing closer. And I could prove to her that I can be more than a good-time guy.
It’s genius.
“What’s that massive grin about?” Seth asks as he comes up beside me.
Crap. Immediately, I wipe it off my face. I hate being sneaky around him, but I don’t want to fess up until there’s actually something to confess to—except for having a few fantasies, which is hardly anything he wants to know anyway.
“Just a girl I’m texting,” I answer, which isn’t technically a lie. Still, it isn’t the way I like to operate. I’m an open book, and that’s how I prefer it. There have been enough untruths in my life without me adding to them.
“Right.” He’s not interested in knowing more. If he had any idea what’s going on in my mind, he wouldn’t be so relaxed. “I’m gonna stay to watch the last couple, then head off. You?”
“Same here.”
He cocks his head, giving me a hard stare. “You’re not hanging around to pick up a woman?”
“Nope.”
As if on cue, one of the ring girls—a petite brunette with disproportionately big tits—emerges from the door behind us and sidles over. I recognize her from the rotating collection of people to grace my bed, but I’m coming up blank on a name. Something a little wild-child, I think. Serenity, Breeze, Willow maybe.
“Hey, Dev.” She slides a hand over my chest, and I step back so it falls away. Going up on tiptoes, she whispers in my ear, “I’m free all night, and I miss your cock.”
Said cock is limp as a cooked noodle, despite her breathy offer. Apparently, it’s only interested in feisty fighters these days.
“Thanks, but not tonight.” I take another step toward Seth, and jerk my thumb at him. “Me and the big guy have work to do.”
“Aw.” She pouts. “Come find me if you change your mind.”
“Will do.”
As soon as she goes, Seth snorts. “Not interested in round two?”
“Nah. Got other things to do.”
He gives me a strange look, and I can’t say I blame him. It’s rare for me to prioritize anything over training or having a good time. Unfortunately, I can’t explain that I don’t want to touch any woman who isn’t his sister. Jesus, imagine how that would go down.
We watch the last two fights in companionable silence and then part ways. I drive back to my apartment, eager to be alone so I can put my plan into action. I jog up the stairs, unlock my door, and head for the bedroom. Stripping off my shirt, I look in the mirror and evaluate what I see there. Short black hair. Dark skin. Awesome-as-hell abs. I give myself a thumbs up.
“You got this, man.”
I flop back on the bed, select Harley’s number, and hit the call button. It rings and rings and she doesn’t pick up. For the first time, it occurs to me that she might not answer. And then what? I suppose there’s a chance I’ll see her at the gym tomorrow, but Sundays are a rest day for most people. Finally, just as I’m about to give up, the call connects.
“Hey.” Her voice is husky, as if she’s trying to whisper. “Had to get into my bedroom before I could answer, so Seth can’t eavesdrop. What’s up?”
“There’s an event on next weekend. Steel Angels. Some of the girls competing in your tournament are fighting in it. Want to come along and watch?” I suck in a breath and cross my fingers.
She’s quiet for a moment. “With you?”
“Yeah.” I roll my eyes, inwardly berating myself for not making it obvious. “I have some tickets and need company, so I thought of you.” I don’t have tickets. It’s a total lie. But I forgive myself for it because I’ll get my hands on some first thing tomorrow and she’ll never know the difference.
She hums in thought. I can tell she’s tempted, and I let the offer hang in the air. I’m not stupid enough to say something else and risk blowing it. I’ve put it out there, and it’s up to her to take the next step.
“Okay,” she says on a sigh. “That would actually be good preparation, but I have a condition.”
“Anything.”
Yep, that’s me, playing it cool like a boss.
