Page 84 of Ghosted

My hands curl into fists.

The rage doesn’t hit loud.

It hits deep.

Ugly and mine.

Johnny tilts the photos slightly, making sure I see every goddamn inch he wants me to see.

“Took it like a champ.” His smile cuts wider. “And fuck, little brother, you should’ve heard how pretty she sounded when she broke for me.”

Something in me snaps clean through.

I look at my opponent instead of my brother.

Broad shoulders. Too much confidence. Hands too low when he breathes. Right knee weaker than the left. He favors it when he turns.

Plan is simple.

Take the knee. Work the body. Let him swing himself stupid.

Johnny whistles from the other side of the cage. “You’re fighting like shit tonight.”

I don’t look at him.

“You’d think you’d be more focused.” His fingers hook through the chain-link, voice lazy and amused. “Ghost girl not able to make it and all.”

My shoulders tighten.

Johnny doesn’t swing blind. He never has. He finds the soft spot first, smiles, then presses until something fucking splits.

I keep my eyes on the guy in front of me. “Shut up.”

“Aw, don’t throw a tantrum.” Johnny laughs under his breath. “She’s fine. Well…” He pauses, because of course he fucking does. “Fine-ish.”

My fist curls.

The referee checks my opponent’s mouthguard, then mine. I bare my teeth just enough for him to see it’s in.

Johnny keeps talking.

“I unchained her, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

My head turns before I can stop it.

Johnny’s eyes brighten.

Mistake.

I know it the second his grin spreads.

“What did you say?”

“I said I unchained her.” He shrugs like he’s being helpful. “Relax. I’m not a monster.”

I take one step toward the fence and the referee barks my name.

Johnny only smiles wider. “She’s definitely not walking into the warehouse tonight, though. Not after everything you’re little toy and I did.”