Page 43 of Who Said Mobsters Were Scary?

“Uh, what’s going on?” I half-whisper even if the rest can hear me, too.

Chai’s father raises his hand and the two guards come over, standing on both my sides as Chai steps away. He gives me an apologetic look. “You got this, Leo.”

I’m so confused. I got this? I gotwhat? But before I can ask, the two men herd me into the elevator, pushing one of the underground sublevel buttons. My insides twist, sending my heart racing.

“Uh, guys, what is going on?” I try, hoping they speak English.

The one on the left peers at me over his shoulder, grinning in mockery. “WakagashiraconvincedKumichoto let you prove yourself,” he says as if that explains it all.

I gape at him dumbly. “Who did what? And I need to prove myself?”

He chuckles, seeming even more amused. “Yes.”

I want to punch him. “How the fuck do I do that?” I mean, Chai hired me, so isn’t that proof enough? They wouldn’t have offered me the job if they didn’t think I could do it…

The guard points at the elevator button that the other one pressed. “You make a show.” He sizes me up, still grinning like a monkey. “In the arena.”

The arena?

We reach our destination, and the doors open to a massive, open-plan room with tatami mats, training equipment and a ring-like enclosure with bench stands on two sides.

Oh, hell no. Don’t tell me this is what I think it is.

Thirty seconds later, it becomes clear to me that it is exactly what I fear. The two guards take me to a set of changing rooms stinking of sweat, and hand me a tank top, a pair of shorts and a mouthguard. A further five minutes and I’ve changed out of my fancyass suit, standing on thatring as the benches fill with muscular men. Half of them are booing while the other half are cheering, the noise and their clapping and stomping fueling me with adrenaline.

The mayhem stops just as I start to soak it up, and Chai, his father, and Aran walk in, taking the central seats. I should be angry. I should strangle Chai the first chance I get. But I’m also already buzzing. Anticipation clutches my stomach, and my body temperature rises as my opponent appears. He is bigger, but I’m not afraid. In fact, I’m fired up.

I’ve needed an outlet for my energy. I’ve got too much of it and the club activities at the college are just too civil for me to make any difference. This here though… Despite how fucked up the whole thing is, or the fact that I got dragged into it without any input, this is exactly what I need.

Grabbing the bottle of water someone hands me, I take a big sip, spitting half of it on the floor. I shake my arms and take a deep breath, cutting my gaze to Chai. He pulls on his bottom lip with his teeth, his eyes full of determination and excitement. My cock jumps and I have to adjust myself. He doesn’t miss it, crossing his legs and looking like he’s fighting one of his own.

I grin like a madman.Kwan-fucking-chai Akiyama. If your old man wants a show, I sure as hell am gonna give him one.

Chapter 21

Fuck, he’s hot. Iknew that already, but Leo in the middle of the sparring arena all fired up and about to make a mess of one of our best fighters takes it to a whole new level.

I’ve never thought a man could drive me crazy like he does. The moment his eyes cut to mine, a wave of liquid fire spreads through me. They almost glow, livid and intense as they zero in on my mouth. I’d do anything to have his on me. Any part of me. I want to know what he tastes like, what he smells like when he’s turned on. I want to hear what noises he makes when he feels good.

Leo rolls his shoulders, stretching. Muscles ripple along his bare arms, but unfortunately, the tank top covers the rest. His legs look just as defined and even if I can only see the part below the knees, I can tell they are strong. Powerful enough to hold me in place. To prevent me from moving. To keep me exactly where he wants me.

I suck in my bottom lip, heat surging to my core, as I am entranced by his captivating eyes that haven’t leftmine. He adjusts himself. My dick jumps as images of us rolling around on the ring flood my mind. I cross my legs, trying to keep my erection under control. Leo’s gaze drops to my crotch. He grins like he’s about to lose it. It’s extremely sexy, offsetting all kinds of alarms in my head.

I thought he might get angry about the Arena. He didn’t sign up for this. But as silence settles across the room and he sizes up his opponent, I can tell he’s excited. He’s shuffling, unable to stand still.He’s looking forward to the fight. His shorts-clad ass bounces with every jump, drawing my eyes until he’s on the other side of the ring and I can no longer enjoy the view.

The referee finally jogs over to the center, lifting the flag. But before he pronounces the start of the fight, my father stands up, raising his hand.

“Wait,” he says, squinting at Leo. His lips upturn on one side. My insides twist. I know that calculating look. “Leon Caruso. If you wish to be Kwanchai Akiyama’s bodyguard, you will have to do better than this.”

The hairs on my neck stand. He can’t be serious. “Fathe—”

A glare my way halts me halfway up from the chair. Squeezing the armrests, I lower myself down. I need to stay calm. Arguing with my father when he’s made up his mind won’t do me or Leo any good.

Cold sweat breaks out all over me as I watch my father wave a second man to the ring. I recognize this one by name. It’s Ito. He’s a top fighter, like the first one. Leo sizes the guy up, cracking his knuckles and adjusting his left hand wrap. He aims a quick scowl my father’s way, but doesn’t protest, returning his attention to his two opponents.

“No surrender. Fight until you can’t anymore!” my father proclaims, sinking back into his chair with a laugh as the room explodes in cheers.

Fear seizes my whole body. This will end in one of two ways—Leo will either pull off a miracle and win, or he’ll be beaten to death. Frantic, I seek out Aran’s gaze, pleading him with my eyes to do something as my heart threatens to break out of my chest. He shakes his head, expression taut and lips pressed in a firm line.

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