Page 63 of Liquids

“We’re here to watch the fight, and I’m happy not to cause any more trouble,” Marge says, holding up her hands as I help her up.

One of the men at the back of the group starts laughing.

“Shut the fuck up,” Three growls.

“She fuckin’ disarmed him!” The guy at the back is howling with laughter now, and several of the other guys are now shuffling their feet and smiling down at the ground.

Oily has straightened up now, scowling. “She fucking took me by surprise, fucking bitch.” His arm flashes out toward Marge, and I don’t know what possesses me, but on instinct I step in front of her at the same time as two men jump on him, and his fist misses me by inches.

“You don’t hit grandmas, Ols.” Ols? His name is actually Oily? Must be Ollie.

“I’ll shoot the motherfucking bitch if she causes me any more trouble.”

The man at the back now has his hands on his knees, bent forward and wheezing like he’s trying to breathe. He straightens and wipes his eyes.

“She’s Rig’s woman,” Marni says. “We’re here to see the fight. We got invites and everything. These two gentlemen seem to think we’re not entitled to be here.”

“These two gentlemen?” The guy at the back roars with laughter again, and all the others start snickering.

“I bet Three and Ols have never been described as gentlemen in their lives,” another man mutters with a broad grin.

The guy at the back steps forward and extends an arm to Marge, who’s hanging on to me for dear life. “Let me escort you ladies inside, and we’ll find you somewhere safe to sit.”

“Three,” he barks. “Take this car around the back and park it in the shed. Make sure you give the keys back to this beautiful lady here …” He gestures at Marni, who flutters her eyelashes at him.

“Marni,” she says, as he scans down her body, a smile playing over his lips.

“Marni, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Any problems tonight, you ask for Konstantin.”

Marni’s never one to miss an opportunity. She steps forward and places her hand on his arm, batting her lashes at him. “Is that Russian?”

The guy at the back chuckles again as Konstantin’s eyes wander all over Marni’s low-cut top and blonde hair.

Jesus Christ, I’m going to have to save her from the Russian mafia this time.

“Let’s get you ladies inside before you cause any more trouble,” Konstantin says.

22

RIPTIDE

When we step inside the warehouse, a fighting ring with a wire cage around it is lit up in the center of the carvernous space. The place is packed with men. I can’t see any women in the crowd at all.

“Oooh, Lordy,” Agnes says.

Suddenly, Rig’s friend Jake appears through a gap in the crowd. “Problems?” he says to Konstantin, and his eyes widen on the five of us.

“What the hell?” he barks. “Rig said you could come, Carly. Not … not …” He gestures at Marni and the old ladies.

“Angelo invited her,” I say, jerking my thumb at Marni, “and these guys turned up uninvited.” I point at Marge, Agnes, and June.

Konstantin’s eyebrows snap together. “You’re Angelo’s woman?” he growls at Marni.

Marni shakes her head. “It’s a casual thing. Blowjobs only.” And Konstantin’s eyes heat as his gaze lands on her mouth.

Oh, Jesus.

“Never mind,” Jake says. “I’m not going to tell Rig who you brought with you. Let’s find you somewhere away from the floor. Follow me.”