Page 86 of Stolen Matrimony

I leaned down and said, “River’s gonna be fighting soon.” I made sure to keep an arm around her waist and her body close to mine. Cashlynn wasn’t a fan of crowds, and I knew that, so I made sure to keep her close. Usually I got one of the VIP suites up top, but tonight I wanted to be close to the action. The crowd here could get overwhelming if you weren’t used to it. Adrenaline and emotions were always running high. A lot of money was typically at stake too, making people more irritable. Still, I always enjoyed coming here when I had time.

“He fights here? Why?” Her eyes stayed locked on the cage. I wasn’t sure if she was aware of her actions but she pressed her body into me more the longer we stood here. I wasn’t going to mention it either.

“After his parents were murdered, he had a lot of anger building and needed somewhere to release it. The Grave was a popular place known for its gruesome and no holds barred fights. What started off as a way to let off steam became a release for him and soon he was named the champ everyone wanted a shot to beat. Now he only comes when he needs a release.”

“What about you? Do you ever get in there?”

I smirked. “I’m not the one for hand-to-hand combat for no reason. I’d rather shoot you and move on.”

“And the winner…” the announcer started, lifting the hand of the bloody faced man.

“Damn, they don’t play.” Infatuation beamed in Cashlynn’s eyes.

“No they don’t. In there, they’re like lions dying to take one out for the top spot. Till this day, River is still undefeated, so when he comes for a match it’s always a big deal.”

“Did you bet tonight?”

“Of course.” I grinned. “When he wins I’ll be a quarter-million dollars richer.”

“You have that much faith in him.”

My smile grew. “You haven’t seen River in action.”

The night continued and eventually it was time for the main event.

“We have a treat for you folks. It’s been almost a year since we had him back here in the ring. Will he keep his undefeated streak? River the Destroyer!”

The crowd roared as River walked down the hall that led to the cage.

“The Destroyer huh?” Cashlynn asked with a lifted brow.

“That’s right. Get ready to see why he got that name.”

I eyed the stage. River’s opponent was called to the ring and the crowd booed and cheered. Apparently this guy was a heavy hitter and had been on a winning streak.

River eyed the man like a hungry predator stalking its prey, waiting to pounce. No matter how many times he got in that ring, he always had that look in his eyes when it came time for his match.

The announcer spoke a little longer before stepping out of the ring and the bell rang. River didn’t move at first, causing the guy to hit first. River didn’t flinch. He always started the match the same, sacrificing a bit to gauge his opponent’s power.

“Now it’s time,” I said, just as River went into attack mode, drawing another roaring cheer from the crowd. We could hear the crushing of bones from the first hit, causing the guy to stumble back. Spit and blood splattered from his mouth. River didn’t stop there; he sent a series of hits the guy’s way, two to the face and one to the body.

“Shit,” Cashlynn gasped, gripping my wrist tightly with excitement pouring from her eyes. I smirked.

I knew she would be into this. Cashlynn wasn’t like most girls. Things like this were a rush to her and I loved seeing her eyes come alive as she watched.

____

I grinned as I accepted the black bag of money from my winnings. River ended up taking the guy in under fifteen minutes. Part of me felt like he was playing with his food before he fully attacked.

“’Preciate it, gentlemen.” I nodded and turned to leave the small room where the bets took place. Cashlynn was waiting outside the door for me. She pushed off the wall when I stepped back into the hall and her eyes dropped to the bag.

“We’re finished here,” I stated.

“That’s what you earned tonight?”

My smile grew. “It is.”

We started down the hall. “This was actually kind of cool. I’d heard about The Grave but had never been here before.”