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Spencer chuckled. “Can you show me that move where you ripped that guy’s jaw out? Meek told m—”
“Whatever she asks, don’t teach her,” Emerson cut in. “She already doesn’t clean up after herself.”
Spencer pouted and I snickered. “You wouldn’t have enough power anyway.”
Her face turned feral, but before she could attack me to prove a point, I veered down the corridor. If she wanted to stick with me, she’d better hurry up.
My stepsunintentionally slowed as we reached the Ludus dorms, an area specifically for high-ranking members.
I’d told Micah my background, but the rest of the Kings were still new to me. Even so, they had accepted Ava and I into the fold with hardly any dissension. They already spoke freely in my presence, giving up valuable information that would be detrimental in any other’s hands, the love and trust for their sister outweighing anything else.
I also have no doubt that I will be dead if they consider me a legitimate threat.
If I wanted Micah to stay in my life—and there was no other fucking option—they would also undoubtedly be a part of it. So, with every reservation screaming at me to hold back, I decided to trust in them, weaving through the man-made tunnels.
I gave a quick rap on the door. It flew open, displayingDocture, lead trainer of the Ludus Maximus gladiators—and my best friend.
I extended my forearm and he gripped it tightly. Pulling him to my chest, I pounded his back, his ribcage vibrating from the laughter he couldn’t contain.
We shuffled into his underground apartment, the space clean, regimented and distinctly organised. The Kings followed, perusing the space with mild curiosity.
“You’re getting a little grey around the edges there, G,” I sneered. “I haven’t been away for that long, have I?” I was all shit. His buzz cut remained as dark as my heart. G fit the honourable title well. He was a fucking beast, his arms even bigger than when I last saw him.
G was twelve years my senior, his fighting skills unmatched (except maybe by me). We’d never seriously fought one another. If we did, we’d both probably end up dead.
“Too long, brother,” he replied. “Way too fucking long.”
His turquoise gaze scanned the three at my back. “How’s Ava? I haven’t heard from her. Is she okay?” His voice was level, tinged with something I couldn’t recognise.
“She’s safe. But that’s not who I’m here for. I need to know where they’re keeping the staff from Forbidden Garden. I know the Ludus has them locked up somewhere.”
He crossed his arms, veins popping out of his muscular forearms. “They’re in the Outer Ring Gymnasium. I can take you there, but we have to rush. They’ll notice my absence if I’m gone much longer.”
I shook my head. “Actually, I want you to take these two with you. Try and get them to the Inner Ring…to Maximus.”
He arched a brow. “And they are?”
I laid an arm over his shoulders and pointed to the tagalongs. “G, meet the in-laws. In-laws, this is Gannicus.”
Tanner and Emerson appeared bored, while Spencer’s predatory eyes appraised his frame.Cringe.
We made a rough plan as Spencer shamelessly flirted with G, who blatantly ignored her advances. She wasn’t perturbed. If anything, it spurred her on.
As the Kings filtered out the door, I halted on the threshold and placed a hand on G’s shoulder. “I don’t know how to repay what you’ve done for me this past year, and even now.” My fingers dug into his flesh. “I owe you. Whatever you need, I’ve fucking got you.”
His rough features softened, if only for a second. “Just don’t get taken again, alright? Stay safe. More importantly, keep your sister safe. Ava doesn’t belong in this world, Psycho.” I nodded,letting my hand drop to my side. I’d never agreed with anything more.
“In-laws, aye?” he chuckled. “Can’t wait to meet your Mrs, then. If she’s anything like the rest of the family, I’m sure she’s impressive.”
I gave a genuine smile and he snickered further. “Never thought I’d fucking see the day.”
We reached the corridor, splitting into our groups.
I turned to him one last time. “When you’re ready to leave this fucking place, come find me. Better yet, when you’re ready to overthrow Maximus, I’ll come and findyou.”A dangerous thing to say. A death warrant if anyone heard. G had more reason than anyone to rip this place apart at the fucking seams.
I thumped my left fist to the Ludus tattoo permanently stamped over my right pectoral. The respectful salute for G, an acknowledgement solely for the worthy.
His brow furrowed. “For the Ludus?”
