Page 76 of Shifting Gears

Sorry, Touma. I hope all of this preparation is for nothing. But just in case, you’d better keep her safe and make sure she’s happy.

With a final nod, I stood up, grabbed the bag on the floor next to me, and walked out.

Right on time, I heard the familiar sound of AJ’s car pulling up the driveway. And sure enough, his car came rolling to a stop a few feet from me. I gave one last wave to Touma, really trying to sell thethere’s nothing else going onact I was doing.

AJ watched me as I slid into the car, tucking the duffel bag on the floor between my feet. I could feel him questioning me about it with his eyes, so I offered an answer automatically.

“Towels and water. I don’t really trust that Kaito won’t try to do something to the ones there today. Better to be safe than sorry,” I said as I buckled in.

AJ gave a nod in reply as he backed down the driveway and onto the street. He knew the way by now, so I kept my phone tucked in my purse, hidden behind the gun.

“I did some digging around about Kaito’s mystery fighter that you’re facing today. Apparently, no one knows where he came from exactly. He showed up with a man who wore a striped red-and-white suit one night, and after that, he fought for Kaito in five matches. In all the matches, he decimated his opponents. One isn’t even out of the hospital yet. He’s fast, almost inhumanly so. You need to make sure he doesn’t get around your guard. When he hits, it hurts. No one has a clue what his fighting style really is either.” I spoke as we drove, and AJ intently listened, but he remained unfazed. In fact, he might be actually smirking bigger now.

“Glad you think all of this is amusing. I hope you’re taking this seriously, AJ. We can’t afford to lose tonight. Please, make sure you give this your all.” I rubbed my hands together. My fingertips were freezing, which made sense considering how nervous I was feeling about tonight.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and rubbed my arm. “I’m listenin’, baby. Don’t worry about the fight.” AJ’s eyes danced with excitement as he peered over at me.

I sighed and leaned into his touch. His hand felt so warm, and I could focus on that, centering my nerves to calm down a bit.

How can he be so cool and confident all the time? Then again, I thought I was braver about today than how I actually feel right now. Maybe he’s really great at hiding his nerves.

We sat in relative silence the rest of the way there, and once we drove into the parking garage, I made sure AJ parked closer to the entrance.

“Just in case we need to make a break for it when the authorities arrive,” I teased as he raised an eyebrow at the spot I pointed at.

In truth, it was because I knew Kaito parked on this level, so if he tried to get away, we would need to follow him as fast as possible.

I handed AJ his mask from the glove box, and my heart skipped in my chest as he secured it around his face, then looked over at me.

Damn, I can’t tell if I’m more scared or secretly attracted to this look. Regardless, once the fight starts, he will draw every eye in the room to him, which is exactly what I need.

I adjusted it slightly, and it was perfect. Then I fixed his hair around his face, really framing it. He was every bit like the demon from legends. Muscular, tall, intimidating to be around.

He looked invincible.

“Thank you. I know you’re going to tell me I don’t need to say it, but really, you’ve given me the chance to avenge my sister. I won’t ever forget that,” I said as I gave him a soft smile.

I didn’t want him to comfort me, so I quickly opened the passenger door, grabbed my duffel bag, and got out of the car. He hesitated for a final moment, then followed me as I made my way through the parking garage and across the street.

The bouncer stopped us at the door and asked to see the bag, and I unzipped it, showing him the towels and water bottles.

We walked down into the fight den. It was already swarming with people waiting for the match of the year.

I did a swift once-over of the room. Kaito was over in the training area. Judging by the way a sneer appeared on his face as his eyes locked with mine, I had no doubt that he’d been waiting for my arrival.

I walked over, faking my confidence as much as I could. I stopped right in front of him, dropping my duffel bag on the bench next to us as AJ came and stood beside me.

“Kaito,” I said.

I placed my hand on my hip, drawing his eyes to my tattoo. He frowned, then smiled widely at me.

“Sydney. I look forward to having you at my upcoming nuptials tomorrow night,” he said with such malice that I shifted my body away from him, which meant I unintentionally leaned against AJ’s chest.

AJ’s chuckle vibrated against me, and I felt another surge of bravery swell inside me.

“Cute. Here I was, going to say that we’ll be having a grand celebration at the estate tomorrow. Too bad you’re not invited,” I said with so much fake sweetness that it made me sick to my stomach.

He laughed, and heads turned in our direction.

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