by L. P. Dover
He stared down at me, anguish in his clear blue gaze, but I could tell it wasn’t going to work. He wasn’t going to rest until he made his brother pay. A part of me understood, but I wanted to be selfish and hold onto him.
“Why do you have to go?” Tyler asked. “What do you have to prove?”
Ryley looked at me and brushed his thumb over my cheek and down my lips, keeping his heated stare on mine. “He needs to know that he can’t touch what’s mine and get away with it. I’m sure you know how that feels.”
Over Ryley’s shoulder, I peered up at Tyler and he bristled, jaw clenched. He recently went through a whole ordeal with Kacey, where she’d almost been raped. I couldn’t imagine how scared she must’ve been. Luckily, he was there to save her. But who would save Ryley if he needed help? Before another word was spoken, a knock sounded on the door. We all looked at it, but no one moved except Ryley.
I lowered my head in anguish once I saw who was on the other side. It wasn’t Camden, but by the look in the dark eyes gleaming at Ryley, I feared it was time. The man was tall and bulky, probably in his early thirties, with jagged scars on both arms—almost like damage from a knife fight. The stench of malevolence poured off of him, and when he noticed me staring, he winked. Disgusting pig.
Ryley noticed the exchange and stepped in his line of sight. “What the fuck do you want?”
“I’m here for you,” he barked with a sneer. “Unless you’re too much of a pussy.”
The tension soared and I half expected Ryley to punch the shit out of him, but instead, he walked over to the table and grabbed his bag. With his back to everyone else, he quickly glanced over at me and mouthed the words ‘I love you’ before turning around and heading through the door, disappearing down the hall. The guy smirked at us and slammed the door.
“Ryley,” I shouted, rushing toward the door. Before I could get there and chase after him, Tyler blocked my path and put his arms around me, holding me in place. I pushed against him and fought, punching his chest. I had to get to Ryley.
“Ashleigh, stop,” he ordered as I continued to thrash. “You can’t go after him. It’s too dangerous.”
After pummeling him for God knows how long, I got tired and just let him hold me, my tears soaking the front of his shirt. “I don’t know what to do,” I cried. “I feel so helpless. What if something happens to him?”
Gabriella came up behind me and Tyler let me go so I could hold onto her. “Ryley’s strong, Ash. You have to look at this from his point of view. His own brother deceived you. He was going to have the fucking baby results changed for Christ’s sake. I hope Ryley beats the shit out of him.”
“Wait, what?” Tyler interrupted. “What did Camden do?”
I laid my head on Gabriella’s shoulder while she explained what’d happened over the past few weeks.
Kacey gasped and Tyler grunted. “No wonder he wants to kill his fucking brother.”
“If you don’t mind me butting in,” Kacey began, “I actually know who that guy was.”
Lifting my head, I turned around quickly, wiping away my tears. “How?”
She bit her lip and sighed. “As Kyle’s sister, I’ve heard and seen a lot of things. That guy goes by the name of Scar, and he runs an underground fighting ring. I saw my brother and Pax with him a few times. There were nights when Kyle would come back cut up and bruised, but he was always happy, like he enjoyed what he did. I was never allowed to go though. Kyle wouldn’t let me.”
“Paxton went too?” Gabriella asked incredulously.
Kacey nodded and then her eyes narrowed. “Yeah, but I don’t think he was involved with it as much as my brother. If you haven’t noticed, Pax is different. He’s a good guy.”
Gabriella stiffened for a brief moment and then put her arm around my shoulders. “All right, I think I’m going to get Ashleigh back to the hotel. She needs to get some rest.”
Tyler moved forward, pursing his lips. “You take her back and stay with her, that’s it—no detours. If anyone gives you trouble, I want you to call me, okay?”
“I will. I have experience with kicking ass, so I think we’ll be all right. Besides, no one’s going to mess with me.”
He stood staring at us, like he was trying to figure something out. When all Gabriella did was smile, he rolled his eyes and took Kacey’s hand. “Just be careful and go straight back to the hotel. The last thing Ryley needs is for something to happen to you two, not to mention your brother would have all our asses.”
“I agree,” Danny cut in. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
Gabriella snorted. “Who, me? Never.”
Smirking, Tyler opened the door. “Tell that shit to someone who believes it. Now let’s go. I’ll walk you guys to the car and make sure you get to the hotel safely.”
With her arm around me, she led me out the door and we started on our way to the car. “What are we going to do, Gabby?” I asked quietly. “I don’t think I can sit at the hotel, not knowing what’s happening to Ryley.”
“Just be quiet,” she warned. “I have a plan, but I’ll tell you in the car. I hope it works.”
ASHLEIGH’S SCREAMS ECHOED in my head as I walked away. Not once did I look back, I kept on walking, even when Mr. Fuckhead behind me chuckled. “It looks like your bitch is scared for you. Maybe it’s because she knows you’re going to get your ass handed to you tonight.”
Gritting my teeth, I kept my mouth shut. I had to save every ounce of energy and loathing for my brother. The more he taunted, the angrier I got. And the angrier I got, the worse it would be for my brother. When we got outside, I was led to a black SUV with dark tinted windows and black rims.
“Get in,” he barked.
“Where are we going?”
The guy laughed and shook his head. “You don’t get to ask questions. By coming with me, you agree to what I say. If not, you’ll pay the consequences. Get in.”
Throwing my bag in the back seat, I huffed and slid in. Once the other guy got in the driver’s seat we were on our way.
“All right, let’s see,” he said, fumbling around for something in the seat. “Oh yeah, here we go.” He threw something over his shoulder and it landed in my lap. “Put that on. Also, you can call me Scar.”
That didn’t surprise me. His whole body was riddled with them. I held up the long scrap of black cloth. “A blindfold?”
Scar glared at me through the rearview mirror. “Yes, jackass. You’re an outsider. We don’t disclose our secrets to those who don’t belong.”
He stopped on the side of the road and waited for me to put it on before he went any further. Once I had it secure, he started back on the way. “Good boy,” he taunted. “Before we get there, I will go over some things with you. Your brother has challenged you to a fight and now that you’ve accepted, there’s no turning back. When we arrive, I’m going to put you in a room, so our bidders can come and take a look at you. You won’t be able to see them, but they’ll be able to see you.”
“They’re gambling on us?” I asked dryly.
“Didn’t I say no questions?” he snapped. “If they bid on the right fighter, they get rewards.” The way he said it made it sound like it wasn’t just money these people were gambling with. Unfortunately, I was about to find out.
“After the bidders make their rounds, we tally up the bids and then we bring you out. Both fighters agree to the terms once in the ring. Some make up their own rules and some just go balls out. The bloodier they make it, the more money they make. If you make it good enough, you could go home with half a million dollars tonight.”
“I don’t want your fucking blood money,” I growled. “I’m only going to fight my brother and be done with it, nothing else. After that, I’m getting the fuck out.”
Scar chuckled and the car came to a stop. “If you can walk. Sometimes people don’t get up. But as far as the money, it’s your choice. If you don’t want it, it leaves more for me.”
He got out of the car and the door to
my right opened. “Let’s go, Jameson. Everyone’s waiting for you.”
Grabbing my bag, I jumped out of the car and was led toward the unknown. I didn’t know where I was or what was about to happen, but I knew one thing . . . I was ready.
AS SOON AS we got into the car, Gabriella called Paxton, and to our advantage, he was in Las Vegas. He agreed to see us and it just so happened he was staying at the same hotel. Their conversation was awkward, almost like there was something she wasn’t telling me.
“Are you sure this is going to work?” I asked. “The last time you two were together, I sensed some tension. I don’t think he’ll want to help out after you were such a bitch to him.”
Her mouth flew open as she slammed the brakes on the rental car. “I was not a bitch,” she exclaimed. “Paxton and I just have some disagreements, that’s all.”
“Yeah, disagreeing over who likes the other one more . . .” I mumbled.
She shot me a death stare.
“Are you sure nothing’s going on between you two? I mean, there’s like some serious sexual intensity there. If I can feel it, then there’s definitely something going on.”
Gabriella got out of the car and I followed. Tyler and Kacey stopped behind us and rolled down the window. “You guys okay?” he asked.
Forcing a smile, I nodded while Gabriella waved. “Yeah, we’re fine,” I shouted. “Thank you for everything.”
“No problem. Make sure to call if you need me.”
I waved and kept the smile on my face until he and Kacey disappeared out of the parking lot. Gabriella started to walk off, but I caught up to her and grabbed her arm. “Hey, don’t walk away from me. What’s going on with you and Pax? Best friends tell each other things.”
“Oh, really?” she countered with a smug smile. “I seem to remember you flying off to Aspen and keeping me in the dark.”
Side by side, we walked into the hotel and got into the elevator. “I know and I’m sorry about that. I should have told you, but I thought maybe it wouldn’t be real if I didn’t believe it.” Her face paled as if I struck a chord. “What is it?” I asked.
The elevator doors opened and she pulled me to the side. “Okay, fine. I’ll tell you what’s going on. I kissed him a couple weeks ago and it was a mistake. That’s it.”
“Why was it a mistake?”
“Because,” she snapped. “It just was. How would it look to be with someone who helped fuck over my brother? I’d be a traitor.”
So that was the hold up. “People change, Gabby. He honestly seems like a good person. Maybe a little rough around the edges, but still a good guy.”
“It’s not going to happen, Ash. I can’t allow it. Now, can we go and get this over with? If Kacey says he used to go to these fights, then he has access. He’s the only one who can help us at this point.”
I waved my hand toward the hall. “Lead the way.”
Taking a deep breath, she blew it out and marched down the hall to Paxton’s room. My thoughts strayed to Ryley and what he was doing. Was he already there? Was he fighting? Each second I spent away from him made me sicker, but most of all, it made me angry. This was the last time Camden was going to take our happiness away from us. If I knew I was able, I’d volunteer to get up into the ring with him.
Once we stopped at Paxton’s door, Gabriella stared at it and froze. I waited for her to knock and when she didn’t, I did it myself—pounding on it. She turned to me, snarling.
“What?” I grumbled. “You were taking too long. I don’t exactly have all the time in the world.”
About ten seconds later, the door opened and Paxton answered, his hair disheveled wearing only a pair of jeans. I snuck a side glance at Gabriella who’s eyes went wide, but then turned to stone when he looked at her.
“Did we interrupt something?” Gabriella asked snidely. “I’m sorry if we made your whore leave for the night.”
Paxton smirked and opened the door wide. “You’re too kind. But, no worries. She’ll be back later. By all means, come on in.”
She crossed her arms and shoved past him, leaving me uncomfortable, standing by myself at the door. “Hey, Paxton,” I greeted warmly. “Thank you for seeing us tonight.”
He motioned for me to enter so I walked in and he shut the door behind me. “So what can I do for you ladies?”
“First off,” Gabriella advised, “you can call your cum dumpster for the night and tell her you won’t be needing her services. You’re going to be busy with me.”
Oh hell, here we go.
Paxton lounged across his bed and lifted his hands behind his head. “What if I don’t want to be busy with you tonight? You’ve already made it perfectly clear that I don’t do it for you.”
“Guys, stop. This isn’t getting us anywhere,” I stormed, glaring at them both. When I turned to Paxton his smirk faded and his expression grew serious. “I’m the one who needs help, Paxton. As I’m sure you know, Ryley and Camden didn’t exactly get to fight tonight.”
“Yeah, I saw that. Never thought Camden would pussy out.”
“He didn’t,” I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “In fact, Ryley’s gone to fight him now and I don’t know where they’ve gone. I was hoping you could help me.”
Paxton sat up. “And how do you expect me to do that?”
Gabriella stepped in this time. “Because Kacey told us that you and Kyle used to be involved with that underground fighting bullshit. She recognized the behemoth who came and took Ryley away. We need your help to find him.”
“You can’t be serious. I’m not going to take you there, it’s too dangerous.”
“Please,” I begged. “I have to know he’s okay. What if something really bad happens to him? Do you think those savages will make sure he gets medical care?”
Frustrated, Paxton jumped to his feet and ran his hands through his black hair. “You don’t seem to get it. It’s too fucking dangerous, especially for women like you. Do you know what happens if I break the oath?” I shook my head and Gabriella did the same when he peered over at her. “Well, let me tell you. If either one you so much as talks about the Dark Side to the wrong people, you’ll find me in an alley with a bullet through my fucking skull. How does that sound? You still want to go?”
My mouth flew open and I shuddered. “Is it really called the Dark Side?”
He nodded and hung his head. “If you saw the place, you’d figure out why pretty quick. It’s not for the faint of heart.”
I knew I wouldn’t tell anyone about it, but it was still a lot to put on Paxton’s shoulders. Sighing, Gabriella got to her feet and approached him, her tension ebbing. “Pax . . . I mean Paxton,” she murmured. “I know this is a lot to ask, but we wouldn’t put you in this position if it wasn’t important. I’m sorry for the way I’ve been toward you, but I’m asking for your help. I think we can both promise we won’t say a word about it to anyone. I’ll do whatever you want, just please help us.”
His stare bore into her, and in that moment nothing else existed. Why did they fight it? For a moment I could see myself and Ryley in them. “Okay, fine,” he gave in. “I’ll help you, but you have to agree to my terms.” And this was where things would either go my way or go to hell.
“Just name them,” Gabriella agreed. “I’ll do anything.”
Paxton bit his lip and tapped her on the nose. “I’ll get to that in a minute, sunshine. Right now we have other things to discuss.”
Gabriella groaned and came back to sit beside me. “I have a strange feeling I know what his terms are going to be,” she whispered. For some reason, deep down I didn’t think she’d mind.
Pulling up a chair, Paxton sat down right in front of us. “To get into the Dark Side, you have to be willing to show proof of bids. You can gamble with money, women, cars, et cetera. Our only problem right now is that the banks are closed and I can’t pull out the amount I need to get in. The only other option is . . .”
“Us,” I whispered as the realization s
et in. “You would have to gamble with us.”
Regretfully, he nodded. “Yes, and whoever the winner is, you would go to them. The deal is that they get a night with you.”
“And you were a part of this?” Gabriella asked.
“A long time ago, but not anymore. I would only need one of you to gamble away. The other can stay with me as my guest.”
Before I could volunteer, Gabriella beat me to it. “You can gamble me.”
Paxton stiffened and clenched his jaw. He didn’t like it any more than I did.
“No,” I demanded. “I’m the one making us go. He can gamble with me.”
Gabriella’s eyes went wide and she flung her arms in the air. “Oh, yeah. That’s smart. You’re a genius! Why don’t we let Ryley see you auctioned off in his fight? If he loses and you go to Camden, what do you think that’ll do to him? He’ll kill his brother for sure.”
“He isn’t going to lose.”
“It doesn’t matter, Ash. I can deal with Camden in my own way. You can’t. Besides, you have a little bit more to worry about than I do. You’re fucking pregnant for crying out loud.”
“Oh fuck,” Paxton growled. “You are?”
When I nodded, he ran his hands over his face. “Then there’s no choice. All I can say is, if Camden wins, he better turn you down. If not, then he’s going to deal with me. I’ll fight him myself.”
“You’d do that?” she asked.
“Let’s hope we don’t have to find out.” Moving his seat back, he got to his feet and opened his bag, pulling out a shirt. “I suggest you run to your rooms and change clothes. You’re not going to get in wearing those. Something short, tight, and sexy will do the trick.”
“Oh hell,” I grumbled. “I didn’t bring anything like that.”
Gabriella pulled me to my feet and winked. “Don’t worry, I did. Now let’s go, so we can get out of here. I’m just dying to be auctioned off.”
“Maybe you should hear the terms first,” I insisted. “It might be something you don’t want to do.”
