Page 6 of Pin-up Girl

“Five minutes ‘til start. Tonight’s show stars Alpha Delta Omega brothers, Johnny and Jamie Valentine, against Rodney Jones and James Capella from Delta Psi Delta.” A deep quiet settled over the basement as the first pair entered the circle. Each fight had a five-minute start time for the fighters to get in the zone and clear everything from their minds before Freddie blew the whistle.

I was not the kind of person who’d find the five-minute start relaxing. I’d bounce on my heels, jab my fists, or talk shit to my opponent. I wasn’t what anyone would ever describe as a chill person. The world would burn down if I couldn’tmove.

Jules’ chair creaked as he shifted. Damn thing was lucky it didn’t break under his behemoth ass. An old stadium sign hung on the wall, counting down the time in bright red block numbers. I had no idea where Freddie got it, but I was sure it wasn’t a legit way.

As the time shortened to under a minute, the whole basement held its collective breath. People pushed each other until the first ring of toes was right at the line. They leaned forward to get a better look at what was about to happen. Some were bent over so far, a still breeze would toss them in the ring. If that happened, they were kicked out for the night. Freddie didn’t play.

When the timer hit zero, Freddie blew on his whistle, and Johnny rushed forward. No pussy footing around with that one. He had blood on the brain and intended to get his.

Poor Rodney, his opponent, hadn’t stood a chance. Three punches. That was all it took, and old Rodney was drooling on the concrete. At least this show wasn’t too bloody. The last show shed so much blood, there were still stains left on the concrete. I knew for a fact Freddie tried damn hard to clean it up.

Jamie took his brother’s place with a passing fist bump. James was a little more skilled. It looked like he’d had at least minimal training. This fight took the full three minutes. No knockout for James though. Jamie got him on the ground and executed a perfect arm bar. Knowing what was good for him, James wasted no time in tapping out.

There were generally no rules during the show. It was more like, don’t damage your opponent so bad that questions were asked. Anything else was game.

Fuckface had found a place to watch right at the edge of the red. His face mottled red, and he seemed to be shouting at his brothers, although no words could be heard. Not unsurprising, considering the noise level bouncing off of the walls.

Milo put his phone away and stood, stretching his arms over his head. “Emmett, do you want to herd him toward the back stairs? The ones to the alley?”

I grinned. About damn time. I hopped up and clapped my hands. “With pleasure.”

Jules would already be in the alley waiting. After we had Fuckface, Milo would join us. He would step out of the shadows like some kind of super villain. More than once, it scared the shit out of our targets, so it worked for us.

People saw me coming and parted. Fuckface was whispering in James’ ear, holding his shirt in a tight fist.

“Hey! That was some fight. You did good. I was impressed.” I stretched out my hand to James. He looked at it like it was a sleeping cobra waiting to strike. Then he glanced at Fuckface before taking it.

“I lost,” he deadpanned.

“It’s not always the outcome, but the strength of will during the fight. You didn’t give up. That’s admirable.” Listen to me. Milo would be all proud and shit.

The distrust radiating from James melted, and the anger on Fuckface intensified. I smiled on the inside.

“Thanks, man. I’ve heard great things about you and your buddies. Everyone thinks you’re cool as shit.”

He must not have that many friends. Sure, as the top tier, we had fans and status chasers, but rarely were good things said about us.

“No problem. You alright, buddy?” I slapped Fuckface on the back. He set his mouth into a frown.

“Yes. I’m just having a quick chat with my brother.” He gestured to James and looked pointedly at me. Clearly, he wanted me to leave.Clearly, that wasn’t in the cards for him.

James jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Listen, I have a sweet girl waiting to kiss all my bruises better. I’ll see you around,” he said to me, then looked to his fraternity pres. “And catch you later at the house.”

Perfect. It couldn’t have worked out any better if I had set it up. “It’s super crowded in here. I know a back way out. Come on, I’ll show you.” I took a step back to see if he’d take the bait.

He didn’t.

“What’s the matter? We’re rivals, but we’re both frats. There’s a code.” I smiled my most charming smile. Women ate it up. It seemed to anger this guy.

He cursed under his breath. Honestly, he had no choice but to follow me. There really wasn’t a code, but if he backed down from a generous offer, like the chance to avoid the mob and learn a secret about the building, then he was guaranteed to offend me.

Like a lamb to the slaughter, I led Fuckface to the back entrance.

“So, how’s the frat life treating you?” I jogged up ahead. Nothing I liked better than to chatter about mundane things right before Milo popped out. Weird, I know.

“You know. It’s busy, and our new recruits are idiots. I’m really concerned about the next generation.” He actually sounded sincere. What a joke.

No one had followed us, as a no trespassing sign designated this stairwell as off limits. Outside, Jules held up the brick wall with his hands shoved in his pockets. He liked to do that too. He thought it made him look harmless. It didn’t.

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