Page 128 of Knight
We waited a few uncomfortable minutes, exchanging looks, wondering if they’d stop the guys from even coming in.
Puck showed up at the door. “What’s up? Hector gave you our fighter.”
“He brought a whole crew I don’t know.”
Puck leaned out the door to take in the guys. Shot me a skeptical look. “What’s this bullshit, Knight?”
“We’re his cheering section,” Aiden said, stepping up beside me.
Puck’s gaze narrowed. “Are you now?”
“Yeah,” Flynn said, putting a big hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “We’re just here to watch the fight and make sure everyone keeps their word about how this goes.”
Puck sized up Flynn, glanced at Tex—who wasn’t small at six-three—then at Ghost, who had the best case of resting I’ll-fuck-you-up face that I’d ever seen.
“No wonder you didn’t want to come back to the Serpents, huh? You got your own crew.”
“Something like that.”
Puck stood back and waved us inside. “Well, come on in. Just don’t interfere. You know the arrangement. Win and walk free. Lose and take your punishment.”
“They know the deal.”
We stepped inside, the smell of beer and sweat so thick I wrinkled my nose. Memories hit me full force. The sounds of the crowd getting their bets in before the fight. The thrum of anticipation that thickened the air. A combination of bloodthirst and violence.
Puck led us toward the makeshift ring. It was just floor space closed off by wire fencing so the crowd couldn’t interfere. Wood pallets were stacked into bleachers so the guys in the back could have a clear view of the action.
“You’re going on in about ten minutes,” Puck said. “You’ve got time to change and get yourself psyched up.” He pointed toward a doorway. “Go over there when you’re ready. The rest of you enjoy the front-row seats. Watching Knight fight is a thing of beauty.” He winked at Aiden. “Try not to come all over yourself, sweetheart.”
“Real nice,” Flynn said.
“Sorry,” I said. “Puck is my ex, so he’s just trying to getunder Aiden’s skin. I guess he could tell there was something between us.”
“Aliens in outer space could tell,” Joyride joked, making Ghost snort with amusement.
“Your taste has majorly improved,” Hollywood added.
“That’s an understatement,” I said, leaning closer to Aiden, craving just another few seconds of his warmth. “I should go. I know this might be hard to watch. If you need to leave, I won’t blame you. And if I lose?—”
“You won’t,” Aiden said.
“I know.” I wet my lips. “But if something doesn’t go my way, please leave and don’t watch what has to happen, okay?”
Aiden shook his head, eyes shiny. “I won’t make that promise.”
“Angel—”
“I’m your doctor.” He patted the bulging bag hanging over his shoulder. “If the worst happens, you need me. But you won’t because you’re going to win that fight. I believe in you.”
“I do too,” Flynn said.
“Me too,” Joyride added.
One by one the guys sounded off, each of them adding to my confidence.
Pumping me up.
Getting me in the right mind for what lay ahead.
