***
The Pit was already crowded when they arrived. Excited chatter about the rematch rose in volume when Vee’s appearance was noted. Bets were called out and recorded, credits exchanging as fast as the odds fluctuated.
Vee nodded and waved as he escorted her through a throng of customers and fighters. He’d changed. This laid back man with the arrogant twist to his lips was nothing like the man she’d spent the day and a half with.
As she studied him, she noted the subtle difference in his posture. The casual slouch nothing like the readied alert demeanor of earlier. He smirked at familiar faces, his voice light and sneering, but his eyes never lost the glittering edge. Eva was so distracted trying to figure out the what and why of it, she never noticed when Bane drifted away. It was only the two of them by the time they strolled onto the entertainment floor.
Lowering her voice, she leaned toward Vee. “Where’d your friend go?”
Vee looped an arm about her shoulders and stopped near an empty round table. His lips pressed to her ear and a cascade of delicious tremors stirred low in her belly. Every breath sent a soft wisp of air against the sensitive skin behind the lobe. “Don’t worry. His eyes will be on you. For now, pretend he doesn’t exist.”
“What if—”
His hold tightened and his voice deepened. “Not here. Not now. Say nothing of him, Eva. His life depends on it.”
The gold in his eyes was overshadowed by the green as he issued the warning. There was a more dangerous game going on than she was aware of. Wetting her lips, she gave a sharp nod. “Right.”
“Sit here.” Vee pulled out a chair and guided her down.
Eva took a quick look around and was pleased to see no one giving them any added attention. Vee sat across from her. He opened the digital screen built into the table for patrons to handle billing and keyed in a code. Noticing her interest, he spoke in a hushed tone. “I can log in here and confirm I’ve arrived for the fight with Jolox.”
The screen beeped and Vee leaned back, shoulders dropped, head tipped to the side and presenting the image of indolence. Eva wondered if anyone else could sense the underlying hum of energy. Danger rolled off him in waves despite the relaxed pose.
Without looking at her directly, he said, “In a few minutes, I’ll take you to the lower level to shower and change.”
“Okay.”
As they sat, memories of her previous visits to The Pit plagued Eva. Mannid striking her on a whim, his unwanted touches. And the shame. The shame hurt the most as she recalled how she’d endured his fondling while others watched.
“Eva?”
The tick tock of an imaginary clock sounded in her head. All around voices laughed and spoke, the essence of wrong doing permeated the air, but everyone blithely carried on. Women and men scantily clad, hidden and obvious transactions of a sexual nature taking place with a transfer of credits.
“Eva!”
Her lungs constricted in panic. The back of her eyes burned as she thought about the times Mannid made her kneel at his side. Always the threat of being given to one of his slimy friends or associates hovered over her.
“Chupaja, look at me!”
The forceful rumble snapped Eva’s gaze toward Vee. He’d tossed a leg casually over the arm of the chair and had his arms thrown around the curved back, the very image of insouciance. Until one looked into his eyes. Blazing fire glowed from the depths. “You are not with him. You are with me now and nothing will harm you while I’m here.”
Her throat worked and Eva pushed back the fear trying to rise. She rolled her shoulders to loosen the tension. After a quick check at the empty neighboring tables, she leaned forward on the solid metal and glass surface between them. “And when you’re not? Then what, Vee?”
Anyone could approach her and she had no means of fighting back. No skills, no abilities, just grit and determination which counted as nothing against brute strength and the savage nature of the aliens who visited this place.
“No one would dare.”
Eva persisted. “And if they do?”
Rippling fury drew his features tight. “Believe me when I tell you Bane understands what you mean to me and won’t let anyone close when I leave.”
What she meant to him? Eva started to question the confusing statement when Vee sat up from his slouch and reached down to his right boot. Eva froze, but he withdrew one of the knives he’d shoved there earlier and handed it to her.
Fingers poised to accept, she hesitated. “Won’t you need this?”
He stared onto her eyes. “A beautiful woman once reminded me no weapons are allowed in the arena unless authorized.”
Eva’s brows shot straight up and her heart lightened. That he remembered such an off the cuff comment amazed and settled in the center of her chest with a gooey feeling. Shaking off the nerves, she reminded, “You still have the other though.”
His lips twitched as he continued to hold it out. Eva wished she could read his thoughts. Finally she accepted the knife and clasped it in her lap. It didn’t matter she wasn’t skilled in the use of any sort of combat. This represented a chance at protection and he gave it to her understanding her fear at being back in a place where she’d had no defense. “Thank you, Vanquish.”
Disgust crossed his face. “Call me Vee.”
Maybe he didn’t want to be associated with that persona when it was just the two of them. Smiling, she acknowledged the correction. “Right. Vee.”
“I think I’ve been seen enough. Let me take you downstairs to shower and change.”
Eva stood immediately as Vee came to her side. He placed a hand at her back to guide her, ignoring the accolades and commentary yelled out. Any negative disparagement received a casual smirk, his gait loose and carefree. Eva wasn’t sure how he maintained such a cavalier approach. Relaxing was out of the question, her senses cataloguing every perceived threat from those around them.
When they reached the lower level, the walls muffled the dim from above and she breathed easier. Occasionally a fighter walked by and Eva cringed. Thankfully, no one paid attention to them. Vee paused before a door on the left and shoved it open, holding up a hand for Eva to wait. A quick scan to ensure it was empty and he ushered her in.
“Use whatever you need.” He pulled out a bundle from the pack he carried and handed it over. “I’ll be right outside the door.”
Eva managed it all, the knife balanced on the top of the pile in order to keep from dropping anything. “I won’t take long.”
Vee caught her elbow before she could disappear inside. He leaned forward and nuzzled his nose against her cheek. “A little longer, Eva.”
She sighed in return. “I know. So you said.”
***
As soon as Eva disappeared inside the cleansing room, Vee tapped his ear comm. “Vee here.”
Rydak’s voice came through the line sharp and clear. “I’m glad you checked in. Uri and Khane are with me. Bane?”
“Go for Bane.” Bane’s rumbling tone followed.
Vee leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest to keep anyone from coming over to talk to him or enter the cleansing room with Eva. “What did Jaron discover, Rydak?”
“Emergency robo-crews were able to get into the destroyed building and recorded signs of forced entry at Vanquish’s unit and his only. It appears the shock bombs were deliberately set as a diversion of some sort for you or to injure. According to Sasha’s connections, the contents of the rental including all furniture and belongings were demolished.”
Sasha was Jaron’s Chosen and a Bounty Retriever who hunted down criminals. Her access to the underworld seemed unlimited as she always knew the darker players in the game. “Bane and I suspected as much.”
Rydak grunted in acknowledgement. “Sasha also managed to track down a trail that could potentially lead to the culprit responsible. As soon as she has more details, she promised Jaron she’d share. Be careful out there, Vee.”
“Always.” U
ntil Eva there’d never been a concern about caution. Vee’s rigid control meant he conducted himself accordingly without question and triple checked any and all intel before acting. Now she was a game changer and Vee could only hope he wasn’t put into a position to choose between duty and Eva.
“One last thing,” Rydak’s tone lowered in a sign Vee recognized as one he only used when he worried about one of them. “Jaron uncovered an interesting fact. Mannid bet against you tonight.”
Vee straightened. This he hadn’t expected and added an unknown layer to whatever game was being played. “That doesn’t make sense. He specifically asked me to extend the fight as a distraction.”
“Listen to me well, Vee. We have no idea what’s going on with Mannid. One thing is for certain—it’s all good entertainment and beneficial to him whether you win or lose.” Rydak paused as if to let the truth of his statement sink in. Then went on, his speech clipped. “The amount he wagered implies he believes strongly that you will lose. He’ll make double the first fight if Jolox defeats you.”
Vee tried to puzzle it out, but there wasn’t enough time. The door opened behind him and Eva stepped out in another of the outfits Bane had purchased for her on Vee’s behalf. The silky top in silver clung to her chest, giving the rounded mounds a perfect backdrop. Tiny straps held it up at her shoulders, leaving her slender arms bare. Flowy black pants stopped at her ankles, gracing her long legs and black boots on her feet completed the picture.
His gaze returned to her face. She’d pulled the luscious black waves back into a tail, drawing attention to her sharp cheekbones and giving her eyes more prominence. For once her gaze didn’t hold fear. She looked...not quite happy, but content. Vee hoped his assurance of her safety was a small part of the reason.
“I have to go, Rydak. Make sure you and the others stop the bliss from shipping out.”
“I’m sending Khane to back Bane up watching you. I don’t have a good feeling about this,” Rydak added.
“Confirmed.” Vee dislodged the ear comm and stuffed it with the rest of his things.
Eva eyed him carefully. “Is everything alright?”
“Ten minutes until gates open. Ten minutes until gates open.”
Too late to explain anything even if he had wanted to. Vee cursed under his breath. “Everything’s fine. I’m going to walk you to the guest area in the arena and then I have to prep.”
It was a rushed effort to get Eva to the correct section, but they made it as the holo in the ceiling began to replay the previous fight. The expression on her face reflected her nerves. Vee was starting to draw attention as well as more and more recognized him and started pointing. Too many stared for him to kiss and soothe her the way he wanted. “You still have the knife I gave you?”
“Yes.” She kept looking around, eyes darting left and right. Searching for Mannid no doubt. “You’re going to beat him, right?”
Vee paused, not expecting the question. Her eyes gleamed with worry, hope and terror. “I’m going to beat him.”
“Because you’re the better fighter. I’ve seen your fights,” she mumbled, appearing lost in her thoughts. She chewed her bottom lip before reaching out to grip his wrist and staring intently into his eyes. “Jolox is going to try and kill you. No matter what, do not die.”
Vee had to bite his inner cheek to keep from grinning. “Noted.”
“And afterwards, we’ll leave this place? Far away? You promise?”
His heart hurt with each desperate question she spit out. “Yes. My promise to you, chupaja.”
“Okay. Okay.”
Fuck, she was breathing too fast. If only they weren’t surrounded by the darkest of the criminal element, he could ease her fear.
“I have to go,” Vee whispered in her ear. “Remember, Bane is watching you.”
Eva inhaled sharply. “Right now?”
“Right now.” Vee squeezed her shoulders then forced himself to step back and leave.
Chapter 14
Knowing Vee’s friend was keeping an eye on her helped. A little. Her senses were screaming. It would be better if she at least knew where he was. Eva glanced up at the holo projecting the highlights of the previous match between two bulky aliens with dark green scaled skin, one with a tail and one without. It was as violent and loud as any of the previous fights she’d witnessed.
Twisting her hands in her lap, she hoped when it was Vee’s turn it went quickly. For the first time she found herself wishing he’d be his most brutal in The Pit. End it all as fast as possible. She just wanted out of here. To run and leave right now, right this minute.
Except she couldn’t do that. Eva took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The overhead speakers crackled to life. The holo faded and lights flared brighter on the arena floor as the announcer’s voice broke through the mayhem.
“The moment we’ve waited for! The rematch of all rematches! Prepare yourself for...” There was a dramatic pause before he roared, “Joloooooox!”
People seated in the crowd around her stomped their feet and screamed. Eva cringed then forced herself to relax. The last time she’d been here she’d been in chains. With Mannid.
Thinking of him must have brought him out. Dressed in one of his flashy high collared suits, this one bright yellow, he stood in a section on the other side of the audience directly across from her.
Purely by accident their eyes met and connected. He jolted as if surprised to see her then inch by inch his lips spread in a joy killing smirk. Evil resided in that excuse for a smile. Eva fingered the knife Vee had given her. She wouldn’t be easy pickings for him this time.
The gate on the right opened with a nerve inducing clink. Hearing the metal on metal jerked her gaze away from Mannid. Every muscle tensed for reasons too numerous to explain. Eva peered into the level below. Her position faced the opponent entrance.
It didn’t take long for Jolox to make an appearance. Cheering joined the unintelligible screams as he came storming out on a loud roar.
“Jolox! Jolox! Jolox!” The chants grew in crescendo.
He shook his head, dark hair flying about his face and horns then slammed his clawed fists into his chest before throwing them straight up in the air and hopping in place. Small dust clouds burst around his feet. He stretched his head back toward the ceiling and roared again.
Holy shit! Eva jerked back in her seat. If anything Jolox looked bigger than he had the other day. He was making a circuit around the arena floor and screaming at the crowd. “I will destroy him! I will destroy Vanquish, once and for all!”
Eva pressed a hand to her mid-section, knife and all. Vee better be as good as he said. She was betting her survival on it.
“And now,” the announcer blared from overhead, “we have our former champion hoping to redeem himself! Give a strong welcome return to The Pit for Vaaaaan-quiiish!”
The atmosphere changed. Became more jubilant if possible. The sounds of the screams echoed off the walls.
“Vanquish! Vanquish! Vanquish!”
Eva leaned forward, heart thumping. And there he was. Vee walked calmly into the arena as if he didn’t have a care. He glanced neither right nor left. Every slow step translated into casual nonchalance.
His walk and lack of urgency conveyed a simple message—I’m not concerned. No one in the audience missed it either. Least of all Jolox. He growled loud and long before launching toward Vee.
There was no build up. No warning. Eva’s gut clenched as the two came together in a raw clash of two powerful bodies. Jolox drew blood first with a slash of his claws across Vee’s bare chest. He flinched, but launched toward his opponent. They punched and kicked at one another, bloody slashes appearing along side deep punctures.
They were unrelenting in their efforts to destroy one another. A few times, Eva had to turn away only to eventually look back. She was too worried for Vee not to watch.
Both delivered and received painful wounds. As it progressed, Eva realized Jolox seemed out of breath. And mayb
e leery? No longer did he spout taunting insults so freely. Before he’d been aggressive in his attack. Now he seemed more on the defensive as he backed away, sneering all the while. Vee pressed forward with an onslaught of quick jabs.
The loud smack of flesh on flesh rang loudly. At several points, Eva covered her eyes and peered between her fingers. Cuts bled freely on each of Vee’s arms and the one across the center of his chest was particularly deep. By contrast, Jolox’s face took the brunt of Vee’s punishment. Battered and bruised, the swelling was noticeable even from her seat.
As she contemplated how much longer they could last, Jolox ran straight for Vee and wrapped his arms around his waist, lifting him off his feet into the air. Vee’s brows drew together, but Eva didn’t see anything close to panic. If Jolox hoped to squeeze Vee into submission with the ruthless hold, he failed. Vee raked at the back of Jolox’s neck repeatedly and was released on a strident scream of pain.
For the first time, fear and doubt flashed over Jolox’s pugnacious features as he lurched backward and stumbled. Chest rising in rapid pants, he stood still. Vee made no moves to attack as he waited for Jolox.
A tense silence hovered over the crowd. Yelling gave way to strained quiet. Credits were on the line despite the entertainment factor in watching these deadly fighters battle it out for amusement.
Eva gnawed at her inner cheek. Her nerves weren’t built for this. She swiped at the perspiration gathered on her brow. Jolox spread his legs wide and lowered his head. He took several running steps and charged. At the last moment, Vee ducked to the side. He hooked an arm about the brute’s neck as he passed. Together they skidded in an odd tangle of limbs.
Vee used their combined momentum to slam Jolox to the ground. Eva swore she felt the entire place rattle. Loud gasps filtered through the crowd, the noise level rose again as the chants took over the silence.
“Vanquish! Vanquish!” Fans torn between the two screamed and laughed. “Jolox! Jolox!”
Eva’s stomach heaved and her throat clogged. The gleeful mood of the crowd ignored the fact that this could end in death.
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