Page 75 of Body Lock

The room was packed, people spilled from every direction. It wasn't nearly that lively the last time I was there. Cadence stopped in her tracks, her eyes fixed on the same site, neck twisting side to side.

Leaning into her ear, I said, “Big turn out.”

“You ain't shitting.” Her hands hung limp by her side. “I'veneverseen it like this.”

Pressing up on her toes, she glanced through the crowd. “Follow me.”

We made our way towards the back, a small inlet was corded off with yellow rope, a few old folding chairs were set up inside. Stepping over the makeshift barrier, Cadence motioned for me to drop my bag on a chair.

I couldn't believe I was here and about to fight again. The first fight I had ever had that meant something. In the past it was for a title, for my own pleasure. Fuck, even when the Macro called me out the first time, I'd be lying if I didn't say a piece of me felt refreshed to be back in the ring.

But none of that mattered.

This wasn't for pleasure or pride.

This was for her.

“Quinn...” Cadence gripped my arm, holding tightly. “There's something I need to tell you.”

“Okay,” I said, wrapping my arms around her waist. “What is it?”

Her face dropped to the floor, eyes welling with puddled tears. “I don't know how tonight is going to go... Or how it will end. But—”

A familiar laugh shot out from behind us. Turning around, in the shadow of the corner, was Nico. “Wow! You actually showed up, I'm impressed, shit-stain.” He sat leaning back in a chair, legs spread open as if he was ready to invite a stripper to straddle him.

“Fuck off, Nico.” The words tore off Cadence's tongue, her disgust for his presence was written all over her face. Her eyes drew tight, body rigid and tensed.

“Oh, come on now. Don't be a bitch, that was meant as a compliment. I was sure you both would have slunk into a hole to hide, especially you, Cadence.” His bent, deformed finger pointed up at her.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

A deep chuckle rolled from the back of his throat. “You didn't tell her?”

Cadence shot a glare in my direction. “Tell me what?”

“I didn't think I had too, because I'm not going to lose.”

“Tell me what?!” The demand flew off her lips, head contorting between Nico and myself.

Nico shook his head, a crooked grin taking over his face. “What's going to happen if your boyfriend loses tonight.” His lip curled evilly, an empty glare fixing on Cadence. “Well, your daddy plans to make you work off his debt.”

“What the hell do you mean, work off his debt? I already paid him enough. He took every fucking cent I earned.”

“No, no, no, Sweetheart.” Waving his hand, the pure joy he was getting out of this was sickening. “You're not understanding this at all. You willbe what he usesto pay off his debt. You remember Mr. Cribbs don't you?” Pressing up on his toes, he tilted the chair back on two legs. “You'll get to know him a lot better after tonight.”

I watched the realization sink into her skull. The color flooded from her face, her skin draining to a milky hue. Cadence's eyes grew as large as the moon, every muscle in her body giving way, arms swinging lifelessly by her side.

Slowly, she lowered herself into a chair. Gripping the seat, her knuckles tightened around it to hold her in place. “You knew this? You knew this and didn't tell me?” she asked, her face still and numb.

Fucking, Nico.

That bastard got off on seeing her crumble, watching the life get sucked from inside her. I wanted to protect her and all Nico wanted was for her,for us, to fail.

Every muscle in my body surged with anger, ready to knock him in his fucking jaw.

Not now, Quinn. He's not the one you're here to fight. Save it.

“Why didn't you tell me?” Her voice was frail, shock and disbelief layering her tone.

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