Now, I had a fight to prep for.
For Lili, I’d fight the world. She was worth it.
CHAPTER 17
LILI
Nervously, I smoothed my hands down my dress.
We were in the back seat of a big SUV. Nash was driving, Landon was in the passenger seat. Cole had already gone to the fight ring. I knew Rafe, Alessio, Bastian, and Lark were meeting us there.
Usually, when I watched the fights, I wore jeans, but Georgie has insisted we dress up.
I couldn’t believe Cole was going to fight Anton again. I swallowed. My throat was so dry. I knew, whatever happened, Cole would never let Anton touch me, but I didn’t understand why he couldn’t have just told Anton to go away.
“It’s going to be fine.” Georgie took my hand and squeezed. She was wearing an electric-blue dress covered in sparkles, with her blonde hair up in an elegant twist.
I’d wanted to wear black. Cole’s color. Georgie had helped me find the dress in the casino’s boutiques. It was knee-length with a flippy little skirt, a V neckline, and long sleeves made of a sexy, sheer mesh. When Georgie had realized we wore the same shoe size, she’d loaned me a pair of black heels. I wasn’t that great at walking in them, but I had to admit, they looked amazing withtheir red soles, and did great things for my legs. Georgie had done my hair in soft waves and left it out. She’d also done my makeup, which was heavier and bolder than I usually wore.
“Cole shouldn’t have agreed to this fight.”
Georgie waved a hand. “It’s a man thing.”
Landon twisted around and looked back at us. “He needs to do this. He needs to send a very final message to Kamensky so the guy will leave you alone, once and for all.”
I twisted my hands together in my lap. “Anton has lost to him, twice. He’ll cheat. He used brass knuckles in the last fight!”
“Cole can handle him.” Nash’s steady gaze met mine in the rearview mirror. “He can handle anything.”
I nodded but my stomach was tied up in knots.
We reached the warehouse. There were so many cars parked outside. God, I hoped I didn’t see Goodyear or my dad. I might attack them otherwise.
Landon helped me out and took my hand. He looked gorgeous in a black shirt and black pants. A cool wind swirled around us and I shivered.
He tucked my arm into his and led me to the front doors.
Inside, music was pumping. Two guys were going at each other in the ring, and the crowd was cheering, although it was subdued compared to how loud they’d get later. This was only a warmup fight.
Landon pulled me through the crowd. My shoes stuck to the sticky floor where the spectators had already spilled their drinks. In the stands, I saw Lark waving at us. She was wearing a pair of black leather pants and a one-shouldered red top. Bastian lounged beside her in a white shirt and pants, looking way too elegant for an illegal fight. Alessio and Rafe were with them.
I was protected by an entire posse of deadly former assassins. If any of Goodyear’s men did get the idea to snatch me, they’d regret it.
We moved along the row and took our seats. God, I felt sick.
“Breathe, Lili.” Landon gripped my knee and squeezed.
My breath was ragged. “I’m too worried.”
“Seriously, Cole can handle himself.”
“He shouldn’t be doing this.”
“He wants to. For you.”
That set off tingles in my stomach. My mind went back to this morning. To waking up with him in his bed. I shivered, but this time, it wasn’t from the cold or nerves.
He was going to be fine. I didn’t want him to see me worried or nervous.
