Page 103 of Tangled Lies

The music died and announcements were screamed through a bullhorn in the center of the ring. All I could tell was it wasn’t any of my boys. We remained in our small little corner. They had an airhorn and it went off three times before Knox was called to the ring. It was at that point that Ronan lifted me up and we followed to the ring. I knew the guys said no one would know them here, but their presence alone made the crowd part.

Knox hopped over the rope, into the square, and Ronan put me down. One of the ring girls walked by with some cardboard that had two numbers on it. The other fighter got into the square, and I almost snorted.

“What do they do, pick the numbers out of a hat?”

Talon ran his index finger down my nose.

“That’s pretty much it. The fight will start in about four minutes. Enough for bets to get placed.”

The music got loud again, and two other girls I couldn’t categorize as dressed got into the ring and started to dance. One of them got closer and closer to Knox. He stepped back and she nearly fell.

Good. Bitch.

She moved to the other fighter for the remainder of the song. The guy with the bullhorn got into the ring and announced the numbers. The airhorn sounded and they were off. The one guy was shirtless as well and in jeans, like this was just as much an afterthought for him as it was for us.

The fight started, and Knox was like a machine. The other guy landed on his knees in less than the count of ten. Knox got out of the ring just as fast and was kissing me. He tugged at my lower lip with his teeth.

“You seemed worried, angel.”

I shook my head.

“Never. Maybe. Probably a little.”

I leaned forward and kissed him again, letting my free hand run down those muscles.

Fucking hell, this was not blowing off steam at all. The idea my uncle had the audacity to try and get me back like he had? The fact he could reach me even without really knowing where I was? I was certain it was a gamble, but it had paid off, and I wasn’t okay.

Jett leaned around Knox.

“I’m next. Kiss me good luck, pretty girl.”

I did, and he stepped over the rope with the goofiest look, like this was a playground rather than a fight. I scowled when the other guy got in.

“He looks bigger than your guy, Knox.”

I wasn’t sure whose hands were on my shoulders or my waist, but whoever was holding my shoulders started to rub them.

“Jett fights dirty. Just wait,” Talon said. I recognized the scent of Ronan moving closer. I was held by all of them and I liked it. I liked it even more when the ring girls did their stupid little show all over again and Jett mirrored Knox’s move. When the girl tried to get closer to him again, he blew me a kiss and that got me a dirty look. I gave a little finger wave, making sure she knew I’d already won his heart and his body.

“I can play dirty, bitch,” I mumbled under my breath.

“Little bird, no need to be jealous. There’s literally no one here to tempt us except you,” Ronan pulled me a little closer into him and Talon and Knox just adjusted, following Ronan.

I did what I could to snuggle in closer to the half-naked bodies.

“Right now I think I could think of another way to blow off steam that doesn’t involve nearly naked bimbos.”

I didn’t think I said it loud enough for anyone to hear, but Knox leaned closer, his lips against my ear.

“And what would that be, angel? Are you wanting to try all four of us?”

I pressed my thighs a little tighter together. The soft featherlight touch of his fingers traveled up my thigh and stopped just short of a public scandal.

“It would be natural to want to be closer to the people who I love, wouldn't it?”

None of them spoke, even as the music cut and Jett got into position.

I was going to live in the moment and focus on those that would sacrifice for me.