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“You made me a lot of money tonight, son.” He oozed genuine admiration. “You can consider the mistakes of your past wiped clean in my book.”
Bones shook his hand, his look that of pure satisfaction. “I’m glad to hear that, Mr. Godwin,” he replied, steady and confident. “I hope to make you even more money in the future.”
Troy’s gaze lingered on Bones for a moment before shifting to encompass the rest of us. “I’m a man who appreciates talent.” His eyes gleamed with avarice. “And I see a lot of it standing before me. You all have a bright future ahead of you. If there is anything you need from me, ask.”
Frankie stepped forward. “Actually, there is. Nero Rodriguez.” He glanced down at me. “I’d handle him myself, but I promised someone that my fighting days are over.”
Troy nodded, clearly already knowing what Frankie was talking about. A man like Troy Godwin knew everything, so I wasn’t surprised.
“Consider it taken care of it,” he said.
Troy Godwin snapped his fingers, and one of his henchmen stepped forward. They exchanged a few hushed words before the henchman disappeared into the crowd.
“He won’t be a problem anymore,” Troy assured us.
Bones nodded, gratitude etched on his face. “Thank you, Mr. Godwin. I appreciate your help.”
“No need to thank me, son,” Troy replied, clapping Bones on the shoulder. “Just keep making me money. And the next fight Heathens Hollow hosts, I expect you here winning.” He then turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Leaving us alone to process what just happened.
The four of us, we were unstoppable.
The four of us, we were a force, a power, and completely unbreakable.
Together, we would conquer the world, leaving a trail of victories in our wake.
We were Heathens Hollow’s reigning champions, and nothing could stand in our way.
And so, with a fierce determination and unshakable confidence, we stepped forward into the future, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Chapter 44
Frankie
“Come on,” Ari pleaded as she tugged my hand. “The ferry doesn’t leave for Seattle until sunrise. So we have hours to kill and no other place to go.”
“Well The Vault is not on the top of my list as places to go to kill time,” I said, freeing my hand from her grip.
I refused to look into her blue eyes. I had a weakness for them, and even more so for that little pout of hers when she wanted to get her way.
“You’re acting like you’ve never been to a sex club before,” she teased.
“I’ve been to plenty. And I’ve also been to The Vault. It’s not a place we’re bringing you.”
Ari looked at Lotto and Bones, who were at least wise enough not to say anything, although their smirks told me they were enjoying watching the way Ari could always get her way with me.
Ari folded her arms across her chest, and the pout transformed into a mock frown of indignation. “And why, pray tell, am I not The Vault material? Because I’m the innocent? The token girl in this band of misfits?” Her tone was light, but there was an edge to it that told me she wasn’t going to let this go without a fight.
Lotto finally spoke up, his voice smooth as always. “It’s not about you being a girl, Ari. It’s about The Vault being... well, it’s a bit intense, even for our standards.”
“I can handle intense.” Her words sliced through the chill night air like a challenge. “You guys forget who you’re talking to. I think I’ve proven with each of you that I don’t run from ‘intense.’”
Bones’ laugh was a deep rumble that seemed to stir the few dry leaves still clinging to the skeletal branches above us. “She’s got us there,” he said to me with a raised eyebrow.
“We’ve earned it,” she pressed. “Come on. I want to see The Vault. I heard it’s the most hedonistic club there is.”
I sighed, knowing full well that when Ari set her mind to something, there was no changing it. The truth was, part of me was curious to see how she would handle The Vault’s notorious atmosphere. I ran a hand through my hair and nodded reluctantly.
“Fine, but we stick together. No wandering off. The Vault isn’t your average club. Things can get wild in there, more so than you might expect. People are going to want to fuck you?—”
“Only we fuck you,” Lotto cut in, his eyes darkening as he spoke.
A triumphant grin spread across Ari’s face, her eyes lighting up with intrigued excitement. “Deal,” she said quickly before I could add any more conditions or change my mind.
We started back down the dimly lit street toward the infamous club that rested in the heart of the city’s underbelly. The Vault was a place of legend, whispered about even among those who frequented the usual array of seedy establishments.
