Page 15

Chapter 15

Ari

“ T his next fight is going to be brutal,” Frankie said, shaking his head. “The crowds are going to tear him to shreds.”

I sat at my desk, with Frankie and Lotto seated across from me. We were discussing business while Bones was working out, preparing for the following night’s fight.

Lotto leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “That’s the beauty of it, though. The more they hate him, the more they pay to see him lose. And the more they pay, the more we make.”

Frankie nodded, his expression serious. “It’s not just about the money, though. Bones has something to prove. We don’t want a loser. We want to bring the fucking champion, and want everyone to know it.”

I looked out the open door, watching as Bones sparred in the ring. He was a force to be reckoned with, his movements fluid and powerful. He would give it his all.

“They’ll hate him,” I said, turning back to Frankie and Lotto. “We’ll make sure he’s prepared for whatever comes his way. But the important thing is we got the invite to the event.”

“It’s a small one,” Frankie said. “Normally, I wouldn’t even have us bother with it.”

“We have to start somewhere,” Lotto added. “And this local event will help us prepare for Heathens Hollow.”

Frankie nodded, his expression determined. “We’ll bring in some extra guys to help with security and make sure nothing goes wrong. We can’t afford any mistakes.” He stood up, stretching his arms above his head. “I’m going to go out and make that man sweat some. He’s got a long ways to go before he’s ready for Heathens Hollow. But tomorrow he’ll kick ass. I have no doubt.”

Lotto’s eyes were locked on mine, and I wondered if he was thinking about the kiss. I sure as hell was. It had been days since it occurred, but it had consumed my every waking hour. It was hard to focus on business. Especially with a completely oblivious Frankie in the room.

Lotto looked over his shoulder at Frankie, who was leaving the office. “I’ll start spreading the word and making sure the crowds know what they’re in for. Bones is going to give them a show they’ll never forget.”

Without another word, Frankie left and closed the door behind him, leaving Lotto and me alone.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” Lotto was quick to say.

“We’ve all been busy preparing for this fight.”

“That’s not true, and you know it.” Lotto’s voice was low but firm.

I swallowed hard, my heart beating faster.

The kiss—both kisses—had been unexpected, but it had awakened something inside me that I couldn’t ignore. I wanted more, but I was afraid of what it would mean. Guilt ate me up, but anticipation of what would happen next overpowered all other emotions.

“It’s complicated,” I said, barely above a whisper.

Lotto’s eyes searched mine. “It doesn’t have to be.”

“Does Bones know that we kissed?” I asked.

“Of course he does. We don’t keep secrets from each other.” He smirked. “Does Frankie know?”

“You know the answer to that question.” If Frankie knew I had kissed both Bones and Lotto, we would not have had a civil business meeting just now. “I should get back to work.” I wanted to change the subject.

Lotto leaned forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “You don’t always have to act like you are in control, you know.”

“I happen to like control.”

“I happen to like a little chaos.”

I huffed. “Clearly. What about Bones? Does he like chaos, too?”

“He’s more like you. Cautious.”

“Cautious is good.”

“Cautious is boring.” Lotto’s smirk grew wider as he rose from his chair, closing the distance between us. He reached out to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me.

His proximity made it difficult for me to focus on anything but him. I found myself leaning toward him, wanting to feel his arms around me again.

But I resisted the urge and pulled away from his touch. “We can’t do this here. We shouldn’t?—”

Lotto raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“It’s not right,” I said, standing up from my chair. I needed to put some distance between us before I did something I would regret.

Lotto followed me, his eyes never leaving mine. “Who’s to say what’s right or wrong? Lotto caught up to me, grabbed my arm and turned me toward him. “Stop trying to take control of the situation.”

“I am in control.”

Lotto’s grip on my arm was firm, but not painful. His gaze bore into mine, the desire in them obvious. It mirrored my own.

He leaned in closer, his breath warm on my face. “No, angel. You aren’t.”

Lotto walked us backward until my back hit the wall, pinning me there. He brought his free hand up my side, stopping just below my breast. I gasped at the contact, my heart racing.

“Stop.” I pushed at his chest.

Lotto searched my gaze. “Is this what you want, angel?”

I nodded, unable to find my voice. I was dizzy with desire, my body aching for his touch.

“I don’t like being lied to, angel. There’s consequences for that.”

Lotto cupped my breast, brushing his thumb over my nipple through my shirt’s fabric. I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my lips as he leaned in to kiss me. His lips were soft, but his kiss was anything but. It was possessive, demanding, and I responded, no matter how loud the warning bells going off in my head were.

I tangled my hands in his hair as I deepened the kiss, my body pressed against his. His arousal pressed against my hip and only served to fuel my own desire.

Lotto pulled away, leaving me breathless and wanting. His eyes were dark with desire as he gazed down at me. “If you want this, angel, you have to give me control.”

I nodded, unable to find my voice. I trusted Lotto, even if I didn’t fully understand why.

“Full control.”

I nodded again, unsure if I truly wanted to, but my body seemed to have a mind of its own.

Yes. No. Maybe. Yes…

He smirked, then leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Good girl.”