Page 53 of Shadow's Chosen

Elise looked back at him and saw he wasn't smiling. Feeling bold enough now, Elise lifted her hand and touched his face. He nuzzled against it, eyeing her. Elise lifted her body and pressed her lips against his. Nezka drew back a little in surprise then allowed her to kiss him again. She flicked her tongue out flirtatiously, and his gaze grew hot once more.

"I have an idea," he said in a husky voice. He picked her off the bed, setting her on her feet, then turned her around, placing her against one of the bed posts. Elise bent and gripped the sleek metal, tensing as Nezka entered her from behind. She moaned as he pressed hard against her, placing one hand on the post above hers and one on the back of her neck, gripping her firmly. "We put this room to better use. Then move to yours." He moved his hips out and back in, and Elise huffed but didn't complain. "Then we will take a bath."

"I just took one in yours," she said between breaths.

"You'll need another after what I'm going to do to you." Elise didn't need to turn around to guess the wicked grin he was sporting.

"And after that?" Elise said, biting her lip as he moved harder against her.

Nezka growled softly, and she could feel the vibration along her back. "We're getting the fuck out of here."

Seventeen

Nezka remained, so far, true to his word. After they had put the rooms to better use and cleaned thoroughly afterwards, he bound Elise one last time and pulled her down to the lounge.

Though the night was nearly gone, and dawn soon approached, there were still several groups that remained. Krow, Jona, and several other men sat at a table at the back, smoking red haze and talking softly. When they saw him, they stopped, Krow greeting him with a tight grin.

"Come down to finally join us?" Smoke blew out from his mouth. "A bit late now, but we can make room—"

"I'm giving you one last fight, and then we are leaving," Nezka said.

The table went silent, the men glancing at Krow. He took another hit from his pipe as he glared at Nezka. "That so?"

"Yes," Nezka said, keeping his grip tight on Elise's binds to have her stay close.

Krow blew out another cloud of smoke then placed his pipe down. "But I have so many other fighters wanting a piece of you. You are quite the spectacle but have yet to face even my best."

"Which is why I plan on doing so now." Nezka looked over to Jona. "I take him on right now. I win and we leave. No one comes after us."

Krow tapped his fingers along the table. "What makes you think he's my best?"

"He's your second in command," Nezka answered. "He wouldn't have gotten there just by giving you respect and loyalty alone. He would've had to prove his worth in the only way you see fit. Tell me I'm wrong."

Krow said nothing, and a second later, Jona rose from his seat. "I accept your challenge."

"I didn't say you could fight him, Jona. Sit your ass down," Krow ordered.

"I can take ‘im." Jona turned to his leader. "I've seen his moves. I can take him."

"You are too impatient," Krow said. Nezka saw the look Krow gave his man, and it was as Nezka had both predicted and hoped for. Krow knew Jona might lose. Badly. And he didn't want to lose his closest servant and partner.

It was just the kind of revenge Nezka wanted. For them both to suffer, Jona the most.

He knew getting Elise out of here was to be his top priority. Beating Jona until there was nothing left was just an extra treat on the side.

"Let me beat this freak and show you I'm still the best," Jona implored.

Krow glanced between them, considering it. "I'll let you fight," he said after a pause. "But you're gonna be doing guard lookout for a full cycle if this is what you want," he warned Jona.

"Fine. Deal." Jona grinned.

"And you." Krow directed his hand toward Nezka. "If you lose, you not only don't get to leave but your little pet gets to stay in Jona's room. That clear?"

"Yes," Nezka said without hesitating. He thought he heard Elise whimper behind him, but he didn't turn his head.

Krow waved his men off. "Get to the ring then. Let's see this play out."

Nezka placed Elise back in her usual spot by the ring, forcing himself to ignore her gaze, knowing if he locked eyes with her, he might slip even just a little, and Krow would see he wasn't the only one with something to lose. He threw off his gear per usual and stepped into the ring with Jona jumping in with him. Groups huddled in, reawakened by the excitement, their voices turning into static. Nothingness. Nezka focused in, seeing nothing but Jona with his crooked smile.

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