Page 4 of Saviors

“One more thing. They were asking for people to join. Maverick and Connor are in there now.”

It should’ve made me feel better. My brothers would know if there was trouble. But they were also all I had. Putting them in danger was the last thing I wanted.

As I walked out of the office, I heard Ivette clicking on the computer. I was down the stairs and out from behind the bar again in seconds. Walking straight towards a hall that led to the private rooms. There were a few couples standing around, watching the couples who’d kept their curtains open.

However, the curtains of the last room were closed. I tried the handle, finding it locked. My spine prickled. Of course, people had the option, but it was rarely used. If you wanted complete privacy, you took your shit home.

Pulling a key from my pocket, I opened it. My gaze immediately went to Maverick. He knelt, gazing down at what appeared to be an unconscious girl.

He was my youngest brother. Twenty-six, ten years my junior. His buzzed dark hair held a sheen of sweat. It clung to his bare chest and tan skin. Little flecks of blood covered his hands and face. He must have just come from the fight club that was housed below Eros.

His head shot to me and I saw the anger in his clenched jaw. But a shake told me he didn’t know what was going on. Years together and we could communicate with only looks.

“Reid.” Connor, my middle brother, called my name, drawing my attention to him.

He looked nothing like Maverick, with blonde hair and lighter skin. But his hazel eyes held the same rage. Which was unusual. He was older than Maverick, twenty-eight, and more level-headed.

We weren’t brothers in blood, but in bonds. We’d found each other in juvie, each of us there for a different reason. But we all had one thing in common. Nothing to go back to. And we refused to let the system control us anymore.

When we’d gotten out, we started Eros with my inheritance from my grandfather. It wasn’t the only entertainment my brothers and I provided for the citizens of Fairview.

Maverick fought in and ran our underground fighting competition, Ares. Connor managed the illegal gambling club, Tyche, located in a hidden room above Eros. The whole place had been an abandoned warehouse we’d converted for our needs.

Running our own business gave us control over our lives. Our income. And in a certain way, the city.

No one was going to shut us down. Not only because the city officials all frequented our clubs, but we funneled money back into the community. Without us, the town would cease to exist. Or be taken over by someone worse.

We provided a vital service; entertainment. Two of our businesses were illegal, but we didn’t run wild. We weren’t greedy.

Some might say we were corrupting the city. Feeding people their addictions. But gamblers choose to gamble. Fighters needed the outlet. Better here than killing an innocent. Anybody entering the ring understood the risks.

Every member of Eros was a willing participant. They knew the rules.

And we destroyed anyone who broke our rules.

3

Maverick

The rage burned a path through my chest. The flames destroyed any desire I’d felt. Looking at the girl, the little flower, almost unconscious on the floor, had me ready to kill.

We’d built this club as a safe place. And I hated nothing more than when people abused our generosity. Or when they hurt others.

“You can all get out.” The old fucker ordered as if he was in control. My body jerked towards him, but a look from Reid and I fought the urge to jump to my feet and kill him. He must know something wasn’t right or he wouldn’t be here.

That’s not to say he didn’t sometimes join us, but only when he was the one who could be in charge. It was a thing for him. The need for control.

“What seems to be the problem?” He asked in that cool, calm voice of his. He was the oldest at thirty-six, but it felt like he was older than that. We’d all suffered, but he’d snapped first.

His control was necessary to keep that part of himself locked away. To make sure he didn’t lose it again. He didn’t have to. He had me now to do the dirty work for him.

I craved the blood like he craved control. I needed it to survive. Needed the pain. To feel it. Inflict it. I enjoyed it.

But everyone knew he was capable. His reputation preceded him even now. I watched as the asshole flinched, though Reid was in his businessman persona. He hadn’t snapped yet.

He looked the part in his suit and tie. His dark hair styled perfectly. But it was the eyes. The unsettling blue that seemed to pierce into you. That’s what made him scary.

“They’re questioning how I run my girl.” The old fucker grunted.

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