Page 77

Each piece of sinew strained against my flesh trying to lash out, trying to reach the source of all her pain. Folding my arms snug into my chest, I consciously had to hold myself back.

He strolled carelessly closer to me, tugging on the cuffs of his sleeves. “It's not that easy, Quinn. My bidder, he bet on the other guy, and he bet enough money that if he wins, I'm clear and free.”

Arching my brow, I chuckled in disbelief. “And? What do you want me to do about that?”

“You are going to bow out. Let it go for awhile, give the crowd a nice show, then you fall. The other guy, he's a stiff competitor, probably give you a run for your money too.” Louis pulled a handkerchief from his chest pocket. Eyeing the seat in front of me, he dusted it off and sat down.

“You want me to lose? On purpose?” My jaw jetted out the side.

What the hell was he thinking? He wants me to just give up and go down so he can get what he wants?

“Yes, I want you to let your opponent win. His name is Big D, he's a good fighter and fights dirty. Do this and we can talk about what I'll allow for you and my daughter.”

“Excuse me? What you'll allow? No, you said you'd leave us alone. That's what I agreed to. Nothing less.”

“Did you read what you signed? You're mine for quite some time, especially if you don't do as I ask.”

“I don't fucking care what I signed. I'm not having rules put on us, and I'm certainly not going to lose for you either!” My chest lifted rapidly, air spilling from my nose like a raging bull.

“Alright, I hope my daughter enjoys her new life.” He ran his hand across his chin, lip turning up a hair. “Just keep this in mind when you go out there.” Standing, he nodded to Nico, and the two walked off towards the ring.

Louis had just held Cadence over my head, taunting me with his sick and twisted mind games, trying to break me.

I didn't want to lose for his gain. This was supposed to be the fight that freed her, the lock that opened her cage to set her loose. Now, he's talking about what he'll'allow?'

Tugging the black tape from my bag, I wrapped my hands. My knuckles were hard and scabbed over, wounds from my battle with the heavy bag still boldly visible.

Peering through the mass, I searched for Cadence, I didn't want her out of my sight. Her father was crazy, ready to hand her off to some stranger. If I knew where she was and could keep her in my line of sight, at least I would know she was safe.

The screeching of the microphone crackled through the speakers. The room roared to the sound, bodies stood up, arms pumping high in the air.

In the center of the ring stood the Macro. “Welcome to the Ground Game!” he yelled. “We have a big match tonight, one I know you all have been eagerly waiting for!” His arm raised up, turning in a circle.

This was it, this was my time.

I knew he wanted me to lose, fuck, he expected it. His brazen request for me to just give up went against everything I'd been taught. It wouldn't be a true fight, it was a fucking sham, his way to climb out of the hole he was in.

It was hard for me to swallow that, I never gave up. Never.

And what if he was lying?

How could I be sure he still wouldn't give his daughter away?

Truth was, I couldn't be.

That could be his way to keep me here, using her every chance he got to bind me to his world. Idle threats to sell her, trying to keep me fighting for him, turn me into one of his own.

Stepping over the rope, the crowd opened. Wide-eyed faces watched my every step, they were barking dogs yelping in my ears.

Walking towards the ring, I looked vigorously around for her face. I needed to see her, see her beauty, her lips, her eyes. I was only here for her.

My body ached to just catch a glimpse of her crystal blues, my heart beat to keep her safe.

A soft hand grasped my wrist right before I reached the ring, Cadence emerging from the wall of people.

“Quinn, I understand why you didn't tell me.” The innocence in her stare sent chills through my bones. “Fuck the Macro, I don't care what happens after this.” Her chest filled with a gust of air. “I'm yours, and that won't change. He doesn't control me anymore.” She stood on her toes, the velvet of her lips forcefully crushing against mine.

There was only one problem with what she said. She might not care about what happened next, but I did.