Page 169 of Pretty When She Breaks

“Bit flat here,” I said, pointing at his chest.

He clicked his tongue, picking up a feathery monstrosity of a boa and wrapping it around his neck. “So rude. Happy now?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you done?”

“Yes, yes, let’s go and all that fun stuff.”

We walked out of the production booth, leaving the unconscious staff for someone to find later, and headed toward the railings. Laurel had stepped off the swing a few minutes ago, and now she was going to be seen by a bunch of people on the third floor.

The crowd was restless, murmuring.

The lights were on again, and Madison’s body was still on the floor of the Sink. Or what was left of it.

Jewel stepped out onto the announcer’s balcony, snatching the microphone from a worried-looking Joakim. “Special announcement,” he said into the microphone, and all eyes swivelled up to look at him. He’d done something to his voice, and though he didn’t sound completely like Laurel, it was close enough. “My deepest apologies, but the rest of the fights are cancelled tonight. Please feel free to stay and enjoy the drinks and company. We will be closing at the usual time.”

With a wave, he stepped away from the platform, his job done.

Now we had to make our way up to the suite the secret way. Casey met us as we headed down to Ringside and toward the staff corridors.

“Right this way, Miss Laurel,” he said, holding the door open for Jewel.

“Manners. I like it,” Jewel proclaimed, giving me a pointed look.

I refrained from sighing again. Perhaps having him as a brother-in-law was some kind of punishment from the universe for dark bonding Laurel. There was a panel near the back of the staff common area that we’d be using, and Jewel passed Casey, heading toward it.

“Hang on,” Casey started. “There might still be some people?—”

Jewel was halfway through the room when a tall man with long hair and an unkempt beard grabbed his arm. “Lost, darlin’?” he said with a leering smile. “I can help you find your way around here…”

Before Jewel could respond, Casey pushed in front of him, making him back up. His usually genial face was set in a hard frown as he glared at the intruder. “Don’t grab people like that. I think you’re going to have to leave. Now.”

The man snorted but took another step back. “Whatever. Just trying to be helpful,” he muttered.

Casey glared at him until he’d left. He turned back to Jewel, the angry face replaced with concern. “Sorry about that, Miss Laurel.”

“Well, aren’t you quite the gentleman,” Jewel said, sounding impressed, and took off the blond wig with one pull. The net came off, and he ran his fingers through his short hair, making it look stylishly messy.

Casey was staring in shock. “You too?” he squeaked.

“Casey, this is Laurel’s brother. Jewel.” I said, putting Casey out of his misery.

“Charmed,” Jewel said, stepping closer and holding his hand up for Casey to kiss. Casey went scarlet as he quickly pressed his lips against Jewel’s skin and let go.

Jewel stepped closer, taking Casey’s arm without missing a beat. “I do like a gentleman, you know. Was that your hoodie I borrowed earlier? You’re the best thing I’ve scentedall day. Honestly, I don’t know how Laurel can stand her alphas—they all smell awful.”

What was his problem? I smelled like fruit. How on earth could he not like that? It wasn’t even overly sweet because of the lime…

“The panel is over here,” Casey said, still beet red as he led Jewel to the corner, and he fumbled a couple of times as he took off the metal cover. “I’m heading down to get Kaos now, right? Meeting you after?”

“It’s a date, then.” Jewel winked and disappeared into the wall.

“Thanks, Casey,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder.

He gave a nod, his eyes still on the point where Jewel had disappeared, looking a little shell-shocked. “Um, good luck!” he managed, turning back to me. “See you. After. Yeah.”

He muttered something aboutpretty, confusing peopleas I climbed into the wall, and he closed the panel behind us.

NINETY-FIVE