I never thought I’d see the day Roman Riviera has friends. I’m actually… proud of him. Now that I’m thinking about it, I don’t think he’s threatened Damien about anything,andMickey clearly trusts him enough to be my part-time babysitter.
“And, Bella?” I chew the inside of my cheek and make a strained sound as Roman tips my chin up to him. “Eyes on me the whole time. I’m going to win the match for you.”
I can’t focus on his promise with how close his lips are to mine. I don’t want him to leave, and I don’t want him to fight. Even if it is for me.
“Alright,hermano. Get a room.” Rico claps Mickey on the shoulder. “Time to get you suited.”
Roman grunts and kisses my forehead. “Remember our promise.”
I nod and watch as the two of them walk down the hall to one of the doors. Their chests are both puffed, as if trying to out-posture one another. It’s kind of cute to see.
Mickey looks at me one last time and winks. Then Rico does the exact same thing and says, “Chica,you and me are gonna be thebestestfriends.”
Front-row seats are meant to make you feel like the top of the food chain, but I feel anythingbutgood about this. The beer Damien brought me is making me feelworse, but that could also be because it tastes like crap.
The ring is more daunting up close. With the arena-style seats, everyone here has a clear view of what’s going down on the platform.
Men pass money to other men, who then give them a ticket of some sort. I can’t hear who everyone is bidding on. I’ve heardAresa couple of times, and the nameCopperthrown around even more. I know for a fact Roman wouldn’t be caught dead with havingCopperas a stage name.
It’s the calm before the storm. The atmosphere is buzzing with booze, nicotine, and anticipation. Everyone is high off the last match because one of the fighters had to be dragged out of the ring unconscious.
“Your boy’s good. He’ll be fine,” Damien says from beside me.
I glance over at him to find him staring at the hands I’ve been wringing since the second I sat down.
“Is Copper any good?”
He nods once. “The best.”
How the fuck was that meant to make me feel better?
His eyes narrow slightly. I would have missed it if I weren’t paying attention. He seems to communicate in micro-movements. Even though he doesn’t speak much, he misses nothing.
“So is Riviera,” he explains. “They’re both fast and agile. Same height and weight group. Both arrogant, with just as many wins.”
Again, I do not see how this is supposed to bring me peace.
“This is Copper’s crowd. Over there.” He nods toward the group of men in suits on the other side of the room, all with half-naked girls on their laps.
I don’t need to move closer to know they have money spilling out of their wallets. Golden chains hang around their necks beneath Armani suits that match their bulky golden watches and diamond rings.
“The Bratva,” Damien explains. “Copper’s on their payroll. To the Bratva and every other person in this room, Ares is a nobody. Copper will think he has the upper hand because this is his territory.”
“I don’t understand.” Is Roman being set up to lose? Is that how he makes money?
“They’re both cocky, but Riviera is smarter. No one in this room knows he’s already won. We’ve got the key that willmakehim win.”
“What is it?”
“You.”
My brow line flattens at his answer.
“People fight for all sorts of things: money, power, glory,” he continues. “Copper will fight for money and to add another win to his belt. Riviera will be fighting foryou. Andthatis why you, me, and Rico are going to be rich tonight.”
I down the rest of my drink, willing the night to move faster. Or better yet, come to an end.
I’m not sure what to make of what Damien said. Like any person who’s told they’re a lucky charm, I feel special. But at what cost? I want Roman to win, but I don’t want to watch him get beaten to a pulp just to get there.
