Page 18 of Ruthless Deliverance

All my problems were still clearly evident when I woke up this morning, the lingering headache a strong indication of how much I overdid it last night. But what I truly enjoyed indulging in was Dani. And I plan to do it more tonight. Shoving off the bed, I head out of my bedroom. “I am. I was just leaving.”

“Where to?” Beau is a step behind me as we descend the staircase.

“The Den.”

“Oh, shit. We haven’t been there in months. Who’s fighting? It must be a good one.”

“Don’t know who’s fighting.” But I’ve been told the someone who fought me last night will be there, and I’m looking forward to another round. So, the Lion’s Den is where I’ll be tonight.

“All right. Well, I’ll meet you there after I ditch Armani. She’s been clingy as fuck lately because she thinks I’m cheating on her.”

“You are.”

“She doesn’t know that, not for sure.”

She’s not as clueless as he thinks but I’ll let him worry about that. He’s the one who dives into every pussy available.

When we step into the foyer, Mom greets Beau with a brief hug. She, on the other hand, believes the good-guy front he puts up for my parents, particularly my dad. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he hangs around me just to get the opportunity to speak with Dad.

“Where are you two off to tonight?” Mom steps around Beau to give me a warm embrace. Lately, it’s a move she does at any given chance. Whether I’m leaving the house, arriving, or walking from one room to the other, she feels the need to wrap her arms around me. Though it makes her feel better, to me it’s just another reminder of everything I want to forget. Even Dad noticed, explaining how she’s having a hard time losing Ethan and thinking how close she was to losing me too.

“Just having a boring night out, Mrs. K. But I’d rather spend the evening with you if you’d kick Mr. K to the curb and have me instead.”

“Get the fuck out of here, dude.” Shoving Beau towards the door does nothing but make his obnoxious laughter grow.

Then he waves and keeps walking. “Let’s go, son.” He’s teasing Mom, but sometimes I question if the stupid fucker would actually go there. My mom would never, and my dad would kill him—that is, if I didn’t get to Beau first.

“I’ll be back later,” I say as my mom wraps me in another snug embrace.

“Okay. Be careful, sweetie.”

“Yep.” I stand rigid for the world’s longest hug until she releases me a few seconds later and backs away, looking up to me with a heartfelt smile. “You can call me if you ever need anything.”

“I know. You’ve mentioned that a few times.”

“That’s because I mean it, Creed. If you need anything, just call me. Even if it’s a ride home. A driver is always available, and I’m always willing to come get you if need be. No questions asked.”

All I can manage is a nod in response. She’s basically telling me she knows I’m not staying clean even if I told her I would after the accident.

“Love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too.” I wrap my arms around her, giving her a quick hug before moving past and heading to my car. My intention is not to drink or take anything tonight. But one of Dad’s favorite quotes runs through my head. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I have to agree because I’m barreling down that road with no end in sight.

* * *

The Den is packed by the time I finally make my way inside. The old, decaying structure is perfect for the dirty fights that take place here. But it’s not the fight that has me here. At least not the one taking center stage right now as two dumbasses beat the shit out of each other. There’s been a few invites to participate in a matchup more than once. But none of the opponents appealed to me enough to bother. Unlike on the field, I don’t have anything to prove to this crowd, and I’m sure as fuck not interested in the payout. I prefer to place a few bets and see how it plays out from the sidelines since I don’t get the opportunity to be a spectator often. And the other spectators are the ones who have my attention as I scan the crowd. She’s not anywhere in sight, so I move along the far side of the factory floor. It allows the best view over the mostly dark space.

My patience is about to run out when I finally spot her. Even in the darkened room, I find her, and when she turns in my direction, I know she’s found me too. Although, she doesn’t seem even a little bit excited about the discovery. Instead, she keeps moving farther away from me. Luna’s behind her and they find a spot to watch the preliminary match. It’s over quick with one of the chumps on the ground and not getting up.

Dani has her back to me, glancing to the side but I see her taking assessment of where I’m at. Luna makes no secret of her feeling about my approaching them as she glares at me. But it’s Dani who I step behind, looping my arm around her waist. As her back presses against me, her body tenses but she doesn’t pull away. Thank fuck because I need her against me.

The crowd around us is shouting and cheering as the next matchup is announced. Leaning forward, my mouth is next to her ear. “Tell me … what is it about fighting that gets you excited? Is it the brutality, the power, the blood? Or do you enjoy the moment the weak, pathetic opponent is on the ground and the other towers above and is declared the winner?”

Shifting slightly to the side, she looks over her shoulder at me. “You are fucking deranged. Legit.”

I close my eyes, dropping my mouth to her neck, my lips on her skin. “Yes. I am.” When my tongue strokes over her neck, she twists out of my hold. “Stop. We”—she motions between her and Luna—“are going to watch the fight together. You are going to fuck off. Or better, find someone else to fuck with.”

There’s no one here, or anywhere else on this goddamn planet, that I want. “Is that what you want? Want me to find someone to fuck right here while you watch?”