Page 49 of Kortlek

“That’s far fetched.’’

“Think about it,’’ she sighs. “There was no reason for Wyatt to send Jackson after Cove. Cove is Arlo’s friend, not yours. So, it would’ve been easier to go after your friends. Rose or even me. So, why Cove? Unless he somehow knew you had a thing for Cove and that made him the first target.’’

My blood runs cold at the thought. It’s a small possibility, but a possibility nonetheless. Wyatt was always obsessive. He’d often tell me how he’d kill any man that ever dared to even look at me, and after the ruin that our relationship was, I know that he wasn’t lying. His obsession runs deep, and he’d definitely be capable of something so heinous.

“No time like the present then, eh?” I chuckle and stand up. I’m trying my best to hide the anxiety and fear behind the laugh, but Blair notices. She’s right by my side as we leave the gym and head back to my apartment.

“Sit down,’’ she instructs, “I’ll check it.’’

I nod and sit on the couch, burying my face in my hands. This whole thing is fucked up. The more I try to push Wyatt to the back of my head, the more he resurfaces. My body trembles, and the fear creeps up my neck.

It takes Blair around fifteen minutes to come back to the living room. I lift my face from my hands, and the look on her face tells me everything I need to know. She opens her palms, and at least ten little bugs and cameras are inside her hands.

My eyes squeeze shut, and she’s right next to me, pulling me into a hug.

I’m not crying; it feels like I’ve run out of tears entirely. But my body won’t stop shaking, and no matter how much she’s trying to console me, it’s not helping. My mind goes into overdrive, trying to make sense of this all.

Wyatt is back.

He’s back, and he wants me. I’m not sure what scares me more — the thought of him wanting me for himself or him wanting to kill me. Either way, I haven’t felt this violated since he was banished from New York. A lump forms in my throat, and I struggle to breathe.

Whatever it is, I know one thing for sure.

The fear is crippling, paralyzing even. Until I work through that, I won’t be able to face him. Cove will gladly deal with Wyatt in my stead, but I don’t want that.

If anyone kills Wyatt, it will be me.

I deserve to get back what he took from me.

The basement is crowded with people. It’s so packed that Blair barely managed to secure three seats for her, Rose, and me. She had to bribe a few people so we’d get our usual spots near the ring. It’s the best seat, for sure. It gives the best view of both fighters, yet still at a safe distance.

For the most part, Arlo and Cove seem to be doing just like before. There are dirty glances from Arlo, but overall, they’re still as tight. Right now, Arlo’s helping Cove with the usual pep talk in the locker room.

Rose is excited. It’s her first time attending an illegal fight. Her smile is wide, and she’s tapping her foot against the floor. It’s kind of cute. She’s holding a bag of popcorn and a bottle of water, ready to watch the first match.

I can’t lie and say I’m not excited, either. Cove’s back to fighting, and tonight all the bets are on him. I don’t doubt that he’ll win, not even for a second. He’ll just leave this place a couple of grand richer, and I’ll enjoy the perks that come with that.

“Cove better win,’’ Blair states, eyes glued to the ring as we wait for the first match to begin. Cove’s scheduled to be the second and fifth one.

“Why?”

“I bet two grand on him,’’ she hisses. “If I lose my money because of him, I’ll be very, very angry.’’

I snort. “Since when do you gamble?”

“Since Cove hasn’t been beaten.’’

The last time Cove fought with Jackson, the fight ended up being ruled out. The evidence against Jackson was too much, and he was disqualified. You’d think that would give Cove an instant victory, but no. Since Arlo interfered, the entire fight was ruled out, and a lot of people lost a lot of money, Cove included.

Rose laughs. “I should’ve bet some money, too. Lord knows I need it right now.’’

My eyes snap to her. “Why?”

“Attorneys are expensive as fuck, and if I want James to be out soon — which I do — I have to use the best ones.’’

“If you’re short on money, I’ll give you some.’’

“Or you could let me move into your spare room so I’d save money on rent?” She offers with a sheepish smile. With a snort and an eye roll, I nudge her with my shoulder, causing her to laugh softly.

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