Page 32 of Burning Truths

Giving him one nod I step up and check in on the guys and get a breakdown of the night.

He looks to the left before his brown eyes meet mine again, “We need something to settle these fuckers. Blood thirsty ass crowd we have tonight.” he grumbles.

When the crowd wants something gnarly it’s almost impossible to calm them without a Stone appearance.

“Give them a show.” I spread my arms wide not giving a fuck who I hit in the process.

His brows furrow, “Who the hell is going to give them what they want, when what they want is Ryker?” he questions.

“Let me worry about that.” I respond.

Sliding my jacket off I start to take off my black crewneck when he smiles. Nodding with understanding he claps his hands and leans one hand behind him motioning for the mic. I continue to strip down to nothing but my boxers. Before he speaks a woman with tiny ass shorts on and a blue sports bra walks up with a pair of gym shorts.

Perfect.

“Well, well, well. Do I have a gift for you sadistic fuckers tonight.” Easton shouts into the mic.

The crowd turns all eyes on our circle. My clothes on the floor, shirt gone, and a pretty little thing wrapping my fist. Not that I need it but I’m already sporting fucked up knuckles.

“We have a special addition tonight! Our boy G has decided to give someone hell tonight.” he shouts and the crowd goes insane.

Sweaty bodies close in on us but my boys spread out to shove them off giving us room. Easton steps up to me and throws an arm over my shoulder. We head to the ring in the center of the room while he continues.

“Who’s the lucky son of a bitch that gets to go against one of the most powerful men in Del Mar?” he says.

Silence falls over the room. Eyes scan the room looking for someone stupid enough to climb under the ropes with me.

“Most powerful men in Del Mar?” a voice says, letting out a snark laugh.

Easton’s head shoots to the right looking for the voice.

“And who gave him that position?” the voice asks.

My skin heats, the blood pumping through my veins on fire, I shrug Easton’s arm off me. Waiting for this bitch boy to show his face I move around in a small circle with my arms spread wide.

“For someone who won’t step up you talk mad shit.” I bark out.

I don’t need the mic. My voice carries through the room because there is no sound, nothing but heavy breathing and the squeak of shoes. Black hair and green eyes step through the sea of bodies, his face unfamiliar.

“This is me stepping up.” he slides his hands into his pocket.

His relaxed stance and loose appearance does nothing to me. I’m slim. Not built like a gym rat but carved with muscle from everyday labor and heavy lifting. Most people underestimate me because of that but they have no idea how hard I’ve had to fight to get to the top. Ryker only admits it when I have him on his ass but we both know I’m his equal match.

Raising my eyebrows I give him what he wants, “Then let’s get this party started.”

I give him my back knowing that even if he was dumb enough to try anything Easton would put him down before he got the chance. Leaning over the rope I climb into the ring and make my way to the far side giving him plenty of time to change his mind but like a fool he doesn’t. We both hype up the crowd but the only thing they cheer for is blood and gore so I don’t waste my time with theatrics.

We both step to the center to shake hands but I drop mine before he touches me.

“Around here we show respect but since you seem to be new so I’ll save you the trouble.”

He leans back on his heels with a wicked grin.

“You’ll know who I am soon,” he says.

I laugh. Then I lunge forward with a right hook slamming into the side of his jaw swinging his head to the side spraying blood from his mouth. He doesn’t miss a step, righting himself, he bounces on the balls of his feet. Using one hand he swipes at the blood rolling down his chin. Winking, I step back twice giving him room to make his move.

We dance back and forth until the crowd gets restless for the taste of violence. Hands smack the edge of the ring shouting and cursing at us to make our move. Using the distraction I rush him landing blow after blow to his ribs, side, and face. He lands a few hits that sting my already sore body. We match each other blow for blow until he makes his second mistake of the night. The first was to challenge me in front of the people in this room.

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