by L. P. Dover
She sat down in one of the chairs and stared right at me as if she could see right through me. “I already know,” she said, holding up a hand.
Brows furrowed, I stared curiously at her. “Already know what?”
Her lips pursed. “That you’re going to be the one to fight. I had a feeling you were going to do it yourself. I just didn’t say anything.”
With a heavy sigh, I walked over to her and knelt down in front of her chair. She wasn’t happy by the frown on her face, but there was understanding in her eyes. “There’s no other option. Micah offered, but I can’t use him like that.”
She nodded. “I get it. Am I ecstatic about you fighting? No, but I know it’s what you have to do. Right now, I’m just ready for it to be over.”
I brushed a hand down her cheek. “It’s about to be. And when it is, we’ll leave this place and everything behind. I have so much making up to do from bringing you into this.”
She shook her head. “It was my decision. You’re doing everything you can to make things right. That’s all I can ask for.”
The things I was about to do might not be right, but it was what I had to do. Hopefully, she’d understand it one day.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Faith
Yesterday was a complete and utter mess. This morning we visited Darius in the hospital. Taylor was estranged from his family so we had no clue if they even knew he was gone. The moment we left the hotel, I could feel eyes on me. It made me feel naked and exposed. I hated it more than anything, but I kept a strong face.
Even though Darius’ face looked like hammered dog shit, he swore up and down he could fight. Dominic told him the fighting was over and that he’d compensate him for all the damages and then some. Needless to say, he would be set for life if he didn’t blow the money. Once we were done visiting with him, Dominic and I headed back to the hotel. Paxton and Gabriella were set to arrive shortly. I didn’t realize Dominic had such famous friends. Both Paxton and Gabriella were well known UFC champions. I spent the entire morning looking them up on the internet.
We pulled into the parking garage just as Dominic’s phone rang. Marco’s name appeared on the radio screen so Dominic pressed the accept button. “Have they arrived?” he asked.
“Yep,” Marco replied. “They’re waiting for you in your suite. I’m headed home to pick Marjory up. With tension being high this week, we feel it’s best to stay at the hotel. Isaiah’s in the lobby keeping an eye out for the Cartwrights. They’ve been sniffing around a little too much.”
If Cadoc wanted to fuck with me again, going after my family members or worst of all, Faith, would be the way to do it. “Sounds good, uncle. Thanks for everything.”
“No problem, son.”
He hung up and I shut off my car. Faith huffed as she opened her door. “Why can’t they stalk someone else?” She shivered and ran her hands over her arms. “I can feel them watching me when we leave the hotel. It’s like spiders crawling all over my body.”
I slammed my car door. “Because they know it pisses me off. They want me to know they’re watching you.”
We got in the elevator and rode it up to the lobby, then took the main elevators up to the top floor. When we got to Dominic’s suite, Paxton and Gabriella were inside, sitting on the couch. They stood when they heard us come in. Paxton was tall with dark brown hair and bright green eyes, his muscles perfectly toned underneath his gray T-shirt. Gabriella’s body was the same way underneath her pink T-shirt and snug black shorts. She was gorgeous with her long dark hair and tanned skin.
Smiling, Paxton held out his arms as he approached. “It’s been too damn long, Corsino.”
Dominic hugged him and slapped his back. “That it has, my friend. Thank you for coming.”
Paxton let him go and focused on me. “You must be Faith.” He held out his hand and I shook it. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” I replied.
Gabriella stepped up and instead of shaking my hand, she hugged me. “I know you don’t know me,” she said, “but I know what you’re going through. Trust me, I can relate.” She let me go and smiled sadly at me. “I was forced to fight men just to keep people from trying to kill Paxton. It was an underground arena ran by a sadistic piece of shit who got off on killing people.”
Dominic had told me about that place. “The Dark Side, right?”
Her eyes widened in shock. “You know about it?”
Dominic sighed. “I told her some things, but not all of it.” Brows furrowed, I turned to him, wondering what all he could’ve left out. He tilted his head toward Gabriella. “I was there during one of her fights. She really kicked ass.”
Paxton slung an arm over Gabriella’s shoulders and snorted. “What my wife failed to realize was that those bastards weren’t going to kill me. I had it all under control.”
Gabriella rolled her eyes and elbowed him in the side. “Keep telling yourself that, babe.”
Chuckling, Paxton stepped away from her and patted Dominic’s back. “All right, enough of that. It’s time to get to work. We only have six days to train. You need to get the hell out of that fancy suit.”
Dominic shook his head and smiled as he disappeared down the hall to the bedroom. Gabriella grabbed a gym bag that was on the floor and slung it over her shoulders. “And you,” she said to me, “are going to work with me.”
My mouth gaped. “Doing what?”
Gabriella burst out laughing. “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I know the kind of men you’re dealing with. I’ll have you ready to kick ass in no time.”
Thoughts of breaking Cadoc’s nose or better yet, his entire face absolutely intrigued me. I’d never been in a fight or hit anyone for that matter, but I wanted to learn. It was time I learned how to take care of myself.
“Sounds good to me,” I told her. “Teach me how to make someone hurt.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Happy to.”
Chapter Thirty
Faith
(6 Days Later)
Time had moved quickly the past few days. It was the day before the big fight and our time had run out. I kept hoping for a miracle, but nothing ever came. All we got from the police and the FBI were that they were close. Close wasn’t good enough. Tomorrow, Dominic would be in the ring. The Cartwrights were keeping their fighter a secret. I didn’t like that at all. Dominic was an excellent fighter and even more so with Paxton’s help, but he could be getting in the ring completely outmatched. According to the UFC weight class, Dominic would be considered a Middleweight or even a Super Middleweight with his weight being around 190 pounds. If the Cartwrights had a Heavyweight fighter they’d outweigh Dominic by seventy-five pounds or more. With the Cartwrights loving to play dirty, I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be a fair fight, not with so much at stake.
“Dinner was amazing, Francis,” Gabriella gushed. “I hate we have to leave. I’ve enjoyed your cooking.”
Francis came over to the table and picked up all of our plates. “Thank you, Mrs. Emerson. It’s been a joy cooking for a famous athlete.”
Paxton finished his piece of steak and waved a hand in the air. “Maybe you could come out to California and teach Gabby a few things.” Francis laughed and carried our plates into the kitchen. With us leaving town soon, he’d decided to stay in New York for a while since his partner’s fashion line was based here. Still, I kept my fingers crossed that he’d make his way to Wyoming one day.
Gabriella pursed her lips at Paxton. “Keep it up, asswipe. When we get home I’ll force my spaghetti down your throat if you don’t watch it.”
Paxton shuddered and held up his hands. “I give up.” He winked at her and she smiled triumphantly. I’d spent the entire week with them and I hated to see them go. Gabriella had turned into a good friend. She’d taught me a lot and I felt more confident because of it. Not that I could get in the ring and beat a trained fighter, but I at least had the ability to hurt someone.”
“What’s wrong wit
h your spaghetti?” I asked her.
She snickered. “I like green peppers in my sauce and Pax hates them. He refuses to even try it. When you come out to visit me, I’ll make it for you. It’s seriously the best.”
Paxton grumbled and it only made Gabriella smile more. “Dom and I will have a guy’s night if you do that shit.”
Gabriella shrugged. “We’re fine with that.” She winked at me and then frowned when she noticed the time. “We have to go. Our plane leaves in a couple of hours.” She stood and nodded toward the living room. “Before we leave, I want to give you my phone number. I saw your phone on the coffee table.”
She followed me into the living room and I picked up my phone off the table. “Here you go.”
Her fingers flew over the keys and she handed it back to me. “Tomorrow night, I want you to text me everything. Pax and I won’t be able to rest until you do.” She threw her arms around me and squeezed. “You’re a good fighter, Faith. Whatever happens, don’t let those fuckers get to you.”
“I won’t. I wish you two could stay for the fight.” She and Paxton had to get back to California for one of his fights.
Gabriella let me go. “I do too.”
Dominic and Paxton walked out of the dining room, laughing as if there wasn’t a care in the world. It was good to see Dominic being able to let go and have some fun. It was the first time I’d noticed that he didn’t really have any friends. All he had was his family. He was raised to believe that was all he could trust.
Paxton came over to me and scooped me up into his arms. “Take it easy, Faith. I’m expecting you to visit soon. Gabby and I will show you around Cali.”
He swung me around and I giggled. “Can’t wait.”
Once he set me down, he said his goodbyes to Dominic and that was it. The second they disappeared out the door, reality set in. Dominic’s smile slowly faded as he made his way down to me. “I forgot how much I missed being around that guy.”
That made me smile. “I can tell. You need more friends in your life. Maybe you can actually have some when we leave this place.”
He pulled me into his arms. “I have you.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Yes, you do. You’ll also have your mother, sister, Bryce, Reed, and all the other Chandlers when we move.” Taking a deep breath, he glanced around the living room as if something was on his mind. “Thinking about the fight?” I asked.
“Yes and no,” he answered. “I want to get a last workout in before tomorrow.”
“Let’s go right now,” I said. We were already dressed in our workout clothes. “I can show you some of the moves Gabriella taught me.”
His lips pulled back. “I saw. You looked sexy as hell doing it too.” He pressed his lips to mine and I opened up to him. My whole body tingled with anticipation. I rubbed my body against his and felt him respond. “I’m thinking we should go to the bedroom,” he groaned, nipping my bottom lip.
Before I could answer, a knock sounded on the door. This time, it was me who groaned. “Expecting someone?” I asked him.
Dominic situated himself in his shorts before walking toward the door. When he opened it, Reed and Micah were there. He stepped out of the way and waved for them to come in. “What’s going on?” he asked them.
Reed winked at me with the biggest smile on his face. “It’s over, Faith. We got everything we need to take Cadoc down.”
“Allison?” I gasped.
Micah nodded and followed Reed down to me. “Yep. The FBI got her. We’re taking over the case. She confessed to knowing everything and that she was the one who gave Cadoc all the information about you. The gun Cartwright used to kill Philip was in her car. Turns out he made her watch as his nephew cut out Philip’s tongue. Cadoc is the one who shot him.”
It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Dominic didn’t have to fight. “Did she say why she helped him?” I asked.
Micah glanced over at Reed and Reed answered. “Cadoc had threatened to kill her sister and her sister’s kids.”
I felt sorry for her. With everything Allison did to break up my marriage, I really needed to thank her for it. After seeing what Cadoc and William did to Philip, she knew they followed through on their threats.
I looked over at Dominic, expecting to see relief on his face, but that wasn’t what I saw. Instead, it was disappointment. “This is good news,” I said to him.
He shook his head. “You don’t understand. I have to go through with this fight tomorrow.”
Reed huffed and threw his arms in the air. “Are you out of your damn mind? What about Faith? What happens to her if you lose, or worse, die in that fucking ring? Isn’t she more important than your fucking pride?”
Tears filled my eyes. I’d prayed all week for a miracle and it finally came. Micah stood between Dominic and Reed, his hands outstretched to keep them apart. “That’s enough!” he shouted. He glared at both guys and then settled on Reed. “Dude, back off. I can see why he wants to fight.”
Reed threw his hands in the air and backed up toward me. “So help me God, do I need to beat some sense into both of them.”
Dominic glared at Reed, but then his eyes softened when he turned them over to me. He came toward me and gently wiped my tears away. “You are more important than my pride, Faith. That’s not why I want to fight. You know I can do this.” He grabbed my hands and squeezed. “I need to do this.”
I couldn’t begin to understand his reasoning, but I did know that I trusted him. If he felt he needed to fight, I wasn’t going to stand in his way even if I was strongly against it.
The consensus was split down the middle with Micah being on his side. “Is there any way the FBI can grab the Cartwrights after the fight?” I asked Micah. “We already know they’re going to be here at the hotel.”
Micah’s eyes narrowed in concentration. “We can, but we’re not going to want to do it here at the hotel. Too many people around.” That was true. There was no telling what would happen if the FBI stormed in and tried to take Cadoc or his nephew. Innocent people could be killed. Micah paced the floor, but then his eyes lit up when he looked at Dominic. “You want revenge, right?”
Dominic stared at him, clearly intrigued. “Yeah.”
I didn’t know if I liked the way everything was headed, but I had to admit, I was intrigued as well. Micah turned his attention to Reed. “You can’t tell me you don’t want to put a bullet in Cartwright’s head. What makes Cadoc different from the rest of your targets?”
Reed blew out a sigh and met my gaze. “He has a point. From what I know of Cartwright he’s not going to stop, even if we put him behind bars. There will always be a threat.”
Dominic growled. “He’s right. He needs to die. So does his nephew.” He walked over to Reed. “And I want to be the one to do it.”
Micah held out his hand to Reed. “We on the same page, brother? We can’t do it without you.”
Reed shook his hand and nodded. “I’m with you. Now all we have to do is figure out how to get Cadoc and William alone.”
I raised my hand. “I have an idea?” I suggested. “Don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but Cadoc threatened to kill my parents if I didn’t leave with him after the fight.”
Dominic took one look at me and his eyes darkened in understanding. “Fuck that,” he growled. “You’re not going. Your parents are safe now. I’ll forfeit the fight before I let you leave with Cadoc alone.”
I lifted my chin. “You don’t have a choice. It’s the only way your plan will work.”
Micah smirked. “She has a point.”
Reed huffed. “Unfortunately. I don’t see any other way.”
Tension filled the air and I could barely breathe. Dominic fumed, and paced the floor, but I was determined to help them. “If I leave with Cadoc, he’ll take me to a private place. You guys can follow us and do what you gotta do.”
Reed agreed with a nod. “As much as I hate this plan, it could work. I can put a tracker on
Faith just in case. Once we get the bastards alone, we take them out.”
All three men looked at each other and I shivered. I never expected I’d be in the middle of a murder plot, but there I was. The thought terrified me, but what choice was there. It was simple, there was none.
Chapter Thirty-One
Faith
It was time for the fight. The energy in the pit was so electric the hairs on my arms stood on end. Everywhere I looked there were stacks of cash. The women all wore expensive dresses and jewelry that was probably worth more than all the money I had combined. There was a time when I thought living the luxurious life would be the best in the world, but now that I was in it, I didn’t want it, the costs were way too high.
Isaiah had stayed with me all day while Dominic, Micah, and Reed plotted out their plans and helped him work out. I had no clue how they were going to do it. They said the less I knew, the better. All I had to do was make Cadoc think that Dominic didn’t know anything about the meeting. It seemed easy enough, but I had to be convincing. It was a good thing I took drama in high school.
Isaiah kept a vigilant eye about the room as he walked with me over to the Corsino private table. Marco was there with Luca and when they saw me, Marco waved me over. They both looked serious which had me nervous.
“Hey,” I said, taking the seat beside Marco. Isaiah leaned against the wall and kept his eyes on the crowd.
Marco leaned in close. “The bids are up to ten million. We’ve never had anything of this caliber.”
“Who are they saying is going to win it?” I asked. My stomach dropped when I noticed him frown.
He glanced over at Luca and then back to me. “Most are saying Cartwright’s fighter will win, but that’s because he probably paid a lot of the people here to cheer for him. They aren’t even part of the other families. The Kazakovs, Rossis, Salvatores, and most of the O’Briens however, are betting in our favor. Then again, not many here know Dominic has a past with fighting. It’s one of his best kept secrets.”
