Page 61 of Sinister

His burning gaze questions me. “Are you okay?”

I grin up at him. “Yes, I just don’t want that asshole finding out. I like sneaking around.”

Winking, he unwraps his arm from around my waist and makes me sit in the front row. “That’s your seat, make sure you stay in it until I get back. We have some behind the scenes shit to deal with.” He kisses the top of my head and stalks off.

Opening up my phone I text Saskia to see if she’s here anywhere.

Me: Babe, are you here?

Saskia: We just pulled up. Come and meet me outside.

Me: On my way.

I jump out of my seat and look around for Rome or Chaser as I make my way down toward the entry doors. The place is teaming with students, everyone is excited and wearing their college colors, ready for a night of mayhem. Trying to push through the crowd, I head toward the outer edges hoping to find a clearer path when someone grabs my arm and drags me into a small alcove.

“Let go of me.” I try to pull free when I realize it’s Nickolas and not my stalker.

“What’s the rush, off limits?” He smirks as his grip tightens.

“Let go of me or-”

“Or what?” he interrupts, pulling me in closer. “Your brother isn’t around to save you this time.”

“What the fuck do you want?” I glare up at him.

He raises his eyebrows. “I think it’s more along the lines of what do I have to offer.”

“Nothing I want from you.”

“Oh but, I think you may be mistaken. What if I told you I have some information from a very reliable source about your parents.”

My ears heat instantly at the mention of my parents. “You’re lying.”

“Would a face like this lie to you?” He pouts and moves us farther into the alcove.

He’s let go of my arm at this point because he knows I won’t run from him as my interest is piqued. “What do I have to do?” I know how these fuckers work, they don’t offer anything up without taking something first.

“Straight to the point. I like it.”

“Spill it.”

“I’ll tell you a little information that your adoptive parents and your dearest brother have been keeping from you, if you step into the ring tonight and fight.” His eyes light up with excitement at the prospect of seeing me get beaten to a pulp.

“What’s in it for you?”

He leans down and grins. “Watching your brother’s face when you step into that ring and he can’t do a damn thing about your opponent touching you. What’s better than reigniting a little war between families?” He winks at me like he’s talking about some computer game he wants to play.

“How do I know you’ll keep your word?”

“You’ll just have to trust me.” He watches me intently.

“Nope. I don’t believe you.” I take a step away from him and am about to leave him here when he clears his throat.

“Does friend or foe ring a bell?”

My heart stops beating and my ears ring so loud, they drown out the noise around me. All I can hear is the whoosh sounds in my head as I turn on the spot not believing what I’m hearing and stare at him.

“That got your attention.” His voice sounds like it’s underwater. “Follow me.” He steps around me and almost disappears into the crowd.

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