AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, yes. Now, go back to your own family while I spend the night with mine.”
The last thing I see is the man, Franco, looking me over in a way that makes me feel so exposed just before my father shuts the door.
CHAPTER3
Antonio
“So, how did it go?” Killian asks the following day as we head into the nondescript building that houses the fighting ring. The roar of the crowd is loud even from outside. I’m not fighting tonight, but I like to go and check on the other fighters to watch my future competition. Though, hopefully, with Petrov’s help, I won’t need to be busting my ass in fighting rings to earn money. I’ll soon have my family business, which was always rightfully mine. Uncle Franco is going down. I’ll make sure of it.
“I’m getting married.”
He stops in his tracks so suddenly a pair of women bump into him, giving him death glares. That is, until they see how handsome Killian is, and their glares become looks of appreciation. “Just like that?”
I shrug. “Just like that.”
We arrive in the main room, which has the biggest fighting ring. It’s the one I always perform in. The one I always win in. Hordes of people surround the fighting cage. Some screaming for blood. Some screaming for mercy. In the fighting cage is Big John and some other buff guy I don’t know.
“You just met the girl last night,” Killian says as we take our seats in a back booth. “And now you’re going to marry her?”
“Yes.” I flag down a waitress. She saunters over in booty shorts and a tight crop top that showcases her nipples through the fabric. “Two beers.”
She nods, gives me a wink, and makes a show of sashaying her hips over the bar. I don’t blame her. She needs to make good tips, and the men there love when the waitresses show off their bodies.
“You just met her!” Killian says, drawing my attention back to our conversation.
“I did. And she’s beautiful, man.” I lean onto the table. “You should have seen her. Nina. A beautiful name. A beautiful face. There are worse people to marry.”
“You don’t even know her. She could be a horrible person for all you know.”
“She could be. But getting back what belongs to me is more important. Saving my family from my uncle is more important. Franco took over when my father died, and he tried to rule my family with an iron grip. My mom, who was always cheerful when my father was alive, became sullen and depressed after he died, and she became even worse after Franco moved in. I know he hurts her,” I add in a lower voice. “I’m not sure how, but … I think he’s hurt in ways I can’t even comprehend. And my younger sisters and brother still live with him. I need to save them from him. I should have taken charge after my father died, but I was only twelve. Now, I’m an adult. It’s my time. It’s my turn. And Petrov is offering good money to help me. I can’t pass that up. And if that means marrying his daughter to save my family, I’ll do it in a heartbeat. Even if she was the most grotesque and vile person on the planet. I would still do it.” I finish, sucking in a deep breath.
Killian stares at me a moment before shaking his head, a slight smile on his lips. “Wow, Tony, that’s admirable.” We’ve only known each other a week, and Killian is already calling me by my nickname. There’s a trust between us. “I get it now. But be careful. Petrov’s offer seems almost too good to be true.”
“Is it?” The waitress plops down our beers and asks me if we need anything else. I wave her away. “I have to get married to a woman I don’t even know,” I say after the waitress leaves. “I’m having to sacrifice my life of bachelorhood for this. His offer isn’t coming without any costs.” I take a huge swig of my beer.
Killian holds his beer in his hands. “True. I just … I don’t know, Tony.” He rubs the back of his neck. “There’s just something about Petrov I don’t quite trust.”
“Are you just salty he didn’t know who you were?”
Killian frowns. “No. And I resent you asking me that.”
The crowd boos when Big John overtakes the other burly guy. Killian shakes his head and turns back to me. “Listen. I want to work with you, man. I want us to gain influence together. I’m still in if you are. This Petrov thing won’t interfere with me.”
“Good. I don’t want it to. I can work with both of you. And besides, when you see how much Petrov can help us, you’ll be taking back your words.”
“I’m down for you to prove me wrong.” He holds out his glass. “To gaining power.”
“To gaining power.” We clink our glasses together.
* * *
I haveno time to waste so I arrange a meeting between Killian, Petrov, and me later this week. I have a plan to take Franco down, and I need help getting it started.
We meet at a steakhouse a couple of blocks from my apartment. Petrov is waiting when I arrive and gives me a nod when he sees me. He frowns when he notices Killian. “I thought this was between you and me,” he says as Killian and I take our seats at the table.
“Yes. But Killian and I have already made a deal to work together, and I don’t like going back on my word. You’ll help me gain my family business back, but you’ll also be helping Killian.” I grab my menu and start perusing the food.
Petrov huffs. “I didn’t make a deal with him.” He nods at Killian, who’s reclined in his seat, looking way too smug.
