Page 177 of Pretty Little Lies

He misses as my heart drops to my stomach over a man who burned down the Stowaway with me in it. A guy who never wants me around because he’s too busy making nice with the rich bitch.

Matteo gets a lucky shot and catches Cairo’s bulky bicep, creating a crimson blood pool to form at the sleeve of his t-shirt. He doesn’t flinch but continues to keep a close eye on the man who wants power more than anything. It eats him up inside to the point of madness. To the point of humanity. I’ve seen him gut people alive for either not giving him what he wants or needs.

Matteo is desperate.

And when you’re hopeless…you have nothing to lose.

Through my growing anxiety, Cairo somehow knocks the knife from Matteo’s hold and receives the metal end of a hammer instead. He blocks one blow then kicks at my ex’s knee before Cairo’s hit in the side of head.

He stumbles back, his hand going to the spot where he was bludgeoned and that’s when Matteo makes his move. He quickly rushes Cairo, thinking he’s going to get an easy shot when Matteo’s arm is blocked by Cairo’s forearm.

Sweat begins to form at the back of my neck with just the idea of Matteo having power over anything. He’s an animal—brutal, inhuman, and cruel. I don’t know much about Wharf Bay, but I know enough to believe that Matteo would destroy it. He’s like a toddler; if he doesn’t get his own way, he’ll reap hell on everyone.

“Lev—” I inch closer to my best friend for silent relief, because I’m uncomfortable being here wand watching this. “—you need to stop this.”

“I can’t,” he answers solemnly. “This is how these things happen.”

“He doesn’t have a weapon,” I retort sharply. “Matteo will?—”

“That was his choice.” Levi glances over at me with a disgruntled expression, and I’m not sure if it’s because of me or the situation. “Cairo Black is prideful.”

“He’s anidiot.”

Levi shrugs dismissively, clearly not giving a shit. “Either way, the idiot has his work cut out for him. Matteo is never going to let this go until one of them is dead.”

I shoot to my feet. “Dea—” Levi’s hand grips my wrist, and he gives me a little tug down.

“Calm down, Bay,” he gripes. “You have more pressing matters on your hands with the way Torin and Reeve appear like they’re going to rip your heart out.” I didn’t feel it. Didn’t sense them at all as I watch Cairo move around like a calculated machine in the ring. My eyes scan the area full of men and women, but Levi cuts into it. “Pay attention to Cairo. It’ll help your cause.”

“This is madness,” I retort through my teeth.

“This is a possible change of power. A new future of a disaster for Wharf Bay. This means everything to these men. The Titans provide for the community and Wharf Bay stands in the balance right now. Almost everyone from there is here right now.”

“They actually want Cairo?”

Levi bobs his head. “Lorenzo Black is a really good leader. He’s always been just and fair. He’s made Wharf Bay, not only part of the Forsaken Crew, but economically well off.”

“But, we just can’t stand here and watch him get murdered.” Levi quirks a brow, and I know the asshole does it because I saidwe.“How a woman hasn’t been the President of the United States yet is beyond me. You men are dumb as fuck.”

Levi shrugs. “Us measly men must not be ready for that yet.”

“So, if he dies then—” The crowd’s deepowof disapproval gains my immediate attention as I find Matteo swinging at his fucking hammer again and Cairo jumping out of the way.

Blood soaks the whole side of Cairo’s face, and I’m surprised he can see anything. Matteo’s careless movements are something Cairo is paying close attention to, and I’m literally about to have a heart attack on these very bleachers.

Matteo kicks at Cairo, finally getting a lucky shot, when the man who tried to kill me inThe Stowawaygoes down to his knees.

I rise to my feet, seeing over everyone’s heads as Cairo still dodges Matteo’s hammer.

And where the fuck he comes up with a gun out of nowhere is beyond me.

He points the silver weapon at Cairo’s head and that’s when Cairo launches himself off the ground and barrels into Matteo’s gut.

They both go down while Cairo straddles Matteo’s frame and begins to deliver shots to his face over and over again.

“Focus!” I scream, cupping my hands over my mouth and watching the blind rage that Cairo is delivering to his opponent all too well. He’s not going to see anything Matteo plans on doing if he’s not paying attention, and the last thing he needs is another blow with a metal object or a bullet to the chest.

The crowd begins to cheer louder again, but Matteo isn’t done.

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