I wanted him broken.
I dragged in a deep breath. And tonight, I’d win this fight against his fighter and get Lili free. That would be a nice little dig at Goodyear.
“Annnnd, our next fighter is no stranger to this ring,” the announcer called. “Welcome to the fight, the Wolf.”
The crowd thundered and whistled. I ignored them. The more I did, the more they loved it.
I was always cool, never played to the crowd. I was here to fight.
In the stands, I spotted a man watching me intently.
What the hell was he doing here?Landon Bradshaw—once a black-ops assassin known as the Blade—was watching me, his face serious. He had dark skin, a neatly trimmed beard, and a muscled body. He was no longer an assassin, and instead, wielded his knives for good as a doctor. He was also my friend.
The crowd shifted and that’s when I noticed Alessio Rossi sitting quietly beside Landon. Alessio took dark and intense to a new level. He had bronze skin, dark hair, and more tattoos than I did. He’d once been the New York Mafia’s scariest enforcer.
I hadn’t expected any of my friends to be here. A group of us, all former assassins who’d left the business, had sort of found each other. We all lived at the Avernus Casino.
This afternoon, our friend Bastian Thorne—who owned the casino—had gotten married. He’d finally tamed the little assassin who’d been out to kill him. I’d explained why I couldn’t stay for the celebrations afterward.
Landon and Alessio should be eating and drinking with the others at the casino, not here.
Landon nodded.
They had my back.
Emotions hit my gut. I’d spent years alone, thought I’d never have a team again. I nodded in reply, then climbed into the ring. Now my gaze moved to Lili.
Our eyes connected.
Her gaze clung to mine and I saw it all: terror, panic, hope.
She knew I was her only chance of getting out of here unscathed.
I wouldn’t let her down. I gave a tiny nod and saw relief flood her face.
“Both our fighters are extra motivated tonight. They’re fighting for the ultimate prize.” The announcer waved a hand at Lili, like she was a car on some game show.
She didn’t move or wave.
A suit-wearing goon behind her gave her a nudge. I knew he belonged to Goodyear. She defiantly glared at the crowd.
“Yes, this pretty little thing will go to our winner. Good luck, gentlemen.”
I turned to face Kamensky.
He was looking at Lili too, and I didn’t like what I saw on his face. Lust and hunger.
No. No fucking way.
Kamensky swiveled my way and grinned.
I stared back impassively.
The bell rang.
“Let the fight begin!” the announcer yelled.
CHAPTER 3
