Page 81 of Dancing with the Devil

“Do you want to know what’sfucking stupid?” Samantha asked, stepping toward us but Cesar grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

“Samantha, get out,” Antonio sternly warned and she threw her hands in the air before storming out.

“I have to fight, Nirah,” he finally said. “What? You don’t think I can handle it?” he asked and I was left speechless.

“I don’t know what you can handle because you never talk to me about anything—Cesar is always the one talking, but as of lately he’s been very quiet,” I paused, catching my breath. “So, no, I don’t know but I don’t care either. You’re not getting yourself beat up in a stupid boxing ring.”

“Scared they might mess up my handsome face?” he humorously asked.

“Yes,” I nodded. “Then what’s the point of marrying you,” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I can handle it,” he assured me.

I got up. “Do whatever you want, but I won’t watch you get hurt,” I said before walking toward Cesar. “Take me back to the house, please,” I steadied my voice and he looked over at Antonio. “I’m not supposed to leave your side, right? So take me or I’m walking to God knows where.”

Cesar nodded and led me out of the room.

“Hey,” Samantha grabbed my arm as she passed us. I sighed, throwing my head back. “He’s a really good fucking fighter, Nirah,” she softly said. “Just trust him.” I turned my body to face her and she lowered her eyes. “Cesar and I wouldn’t send him in there if we knew he couldn’t handle it.”

“I’m supposed to trust the woman who’s been nothing but a complete bitch to me from the beginning?” I asked and she smiled.

“Then trust yourbig fella,” she mocked me, nodding toward Cesar and I looked over at him. He gave me a single nod and I looked back at Samantha.

“Look after my fiancé, or you and I will end up in the ring,” I warned her.

She grinned, giving me a single nod. “Yes ma’am.”

* * *

The drive back home was quiet, and it had even started drizzling.

By the time I was warmly tucked into bed, the sky roared with a deafening thunder. I turned on my side, closing my eyes. All I could see was him. My heart hadn’t stopped racing since I left that place.I hope he is okay…

After tossing and turning for hours I decided to take Rosalia up on her offer.

As soon as she saw how distraught I was when we got home, she was keen on making sure that I knew I could come to her when I was ready. I deeply appreciated that.

I got out of bed and quietly closed my bedroom door behind me. I made my way down the hallway as I looked for her. I stopped as I saw Antonio’s bedroom door slightly open. I slowly walked toward it, peeking through the open creek. I pushed the door just a little to find him on the edge of his bed, cleaning a wound on his stomach.Jesus Christ, Antonio

CHAPTER 17

Nirah

WITH TREMBLING HANDS—feeling like I had betrayed him by turning my back on him—I opened his bedroom door, and his head snapped up, almost hopefully.

It was as though he was pleased to know thatIhad entered.

Without turning back, I closed the door behind me.

I looked at him sympathetically as I walked closer while being ridden by guilt. I kneeled down in front of him, taking the band aid in my hand, lowering his hands.

He stared down at me intently, and my heart ached at the sight of him.I am so sorry I left, Antonio. His chest had a few bruises and cuts on them.

After cleaning him up, I plopped down beside him. I ran my eyes over his bruised chest, and a lump of anxiety grew in my throat.

“These look awfully painful,” I stated.

His reply was effortless. “At least my face is untouched.”