Page 89 of Embriagado

“People want to see blood.”

“Wearing gloves is mandatory. Even in amateur fights.”

“As I said—” He tightened the wraps. “—out there, there are no rules. No laws. No dignity.”

He did say that, but I didn’t think it was in the literal sense.

After securing my fingers, he wrapped the bandage around my wrist three times, then tied it with a strap.

“How’s that?” he asked.

“Good. But I could have done it myself, you know.”

He finally looked me in the eyes. “I can’t risk you making a mistake.”

“And here I thought you suddenly cared for me,” I snarled when he remained unbothered.

Cold son of a bitch.

There I was, about to go in there bare-handed to fight for him, while he couldn’t give two shits I might get hurt. I wanted to punch him in the face, but instead, I let him wrap my other hand. Blame it on how good he smelled or how pretty he looked up close; either way, my body didn’t care, and once again, I ignored the part of my brain that kept telling me to stay away from the man who’d already tried killing me twice.

While Ariyan quietly worked on my hand wraps, the sounds from outside filled the small room we were in. The thin walls shook every time the crowd roared, and the anticipation slowly built up inside me.

“All done,” he said, taking a step back.

Looking at my hands, I let out a whistle. He’s done a good job.

“You seem good at this.” I clenched and relaxed my fists, checking his work. “Ever done it before?”

“Yes.”

Surprised, I glanced at him. “Really? To whom?”

Studying me with cold eyes, he seemed almost bored.

“Stay focused on yourself, and stop annoying me with words.”

I bit down on my tongue, fighting the urge to snap.

“Open your mouth.”

“Huh?” I glared at him when he took something out of his pocket.

Instead of answering me, he closed the distance between us. I jerked back, but before I could do anything, he’d already cupped my jaw and forced my mouth open.

“I hate repeating myself,” he snarled.

My eyes dipped to the mouthguard he held up between us and back up.

“No gloves, but mouthguards are fine?”

“One working in the hospitality business must always have a nice smile.” He brought the mouthguard to my lips. “And in case you’ve forgotten, you’re still working for me, so you better make sure to keep that smile of yours all white and shiny.” He pushed it into my mouth, adjusting it to sit right on my front teeth.

I’d almost forgotten the taste of rubber and the feeling of it pressing against my gums as I bit into it.

“Don’t worry, boss. Nobody is losing any teeth tonight.”

Cupping my jaw harder, he sank his nails into my skin.