Page 214 of Blackwood

“I’m going to go check on Knox,” Cade says leaning down, brushing a kiss against my cheek. “He’s running half this place solo, and I’m afraid if one light is off during your performance, Rico and Javi might actually commit a felony. You go check on Lex, I’m sure he needs to burn off some steam before the fight.”

I grab his wrist. “Babe, come with me. It’s more fun when it’s all three of us.”

He grins, leans in, whispering low and hot against my ear. “As much as I’d love to fuck the hell out of both of you right now back there…” his voice turns teasing, “…we’ve got a show to run, sweetheart. Lex needs this night to be a win. So, helping Knox? That’s how I help him.”

I sigh but nod. He cups my face and kisses me.

“I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you, sweetheart,” he says, already pulling away.

Chapter 60

LEX

The Pit. About to make fucking history.

709 Days Since Zeke’s Death

For tonight’s Donor Fight, they’ve separated the fighters—our side versus Bella’s mysterious imports. No sneak peeks. No scouting your opponent. None of the normal shit. Usually, we get to see who we’re up against. Watch their style, size, and see if they’re more speed or brute force.

Not tonight. Rez and Bella have been on lockdown about this shit for weeks. Between the lighting, the music, and the crowd, it’s been anarchy in the best way.

I love that Bella and my cousin are finally getting close. Feels like she’s becoming a real part of my family. We’ve spent so much time at The Row and at Wexley, that being back at Northvale feels almost like coming home. Gritty. Raw. Real.

Across the room, Chase is stretching his neck while DeShawn throws combos into the air like he’s already in the ring. Hollow Kings warming up. Focused. Silent.

There’s a whole-ass table in the corner loaded with protein bars, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and electrolyte drinks. Knox might run the lights, but Ellie made sure the bodies holding the lights aren’t going pass the fuck out.

Rez walks in, wiping his hands on a towel and claps both palms down on my shoulders. “You ready for tonight?”

I crack my neck and roll my shoulders back. “Born ready.”

He nods once, then starts to turn, but I catch him with a look. “Seriously… gimme a clue, Rez. Who the hell am I fighting?”

Rez laughs. “Nah, man. It’s better if you don’t know.”

“You say that like I’m not walking into a damn blindfolded brawl.”

“You’ll be fine. You’re Lex Barinov. Punch first, ask names later.”

I snort. “That’s not inaccurate.”

“Plus, your girl scares the shit out of me,” Rez adds, tilting his head toward the door. “She may be small, but if I even thought about snitching on the lineup, she’d probably castrate me in my sleep.”

“Jesus, Rez.”

He grins. “And smile while doing it.”

“Sounds about right,” I mutter, shaking my head with a half-smile. “She’s terrifying.”

He leans against the wall, looking almost proud. “Seriously though, B’s been busting her ass for this. She’s got half the city wrapped around her finger and the other half begging for scraps.”

Before he can continue, the door creaks open. “Okay, boys. Out. I need to talk to my boyfriend.”

Rez whistles as he grabs his water. “Alright, I’m gone. Try not to get him too worked up, B. He’s still gotta fight later.”

She walks toward me, hips swaying, those steel eyes already locked and loaded. I drop the protein bar and wrap her up the second she’s in reach, arms caging her tight like I’ve been waiting all day to breathe her in.