Page 64 of Shifting Gears

Lockjaw was strong, but AJ was faster, sharper. Every miss Lockjaw threw added to his fatigue, and every hit AJ landed started wearing Lockjaw down. His breathing got heavier, his stance looser.

Then Lockjaw tried to clinch.

Bad move, buddy. AJ is much more deadly up close.

AJ jammed his forearm into Lockjaw’s throat and shoved him back. Two fast punches followed—one to the ribs, the other a fake to the head that drew his guard up just in time for AJ to deliver a brutal elbow to his temple. Lockjaw staggered, but AJ didn’t stop.

I cringed as I watched him send a hook to the liver. Then a knee to the gut. And when he doubled over slightly, I saw it—the second everything gave.

AJ’s fist drove up into Lockjaw’s chin like he was trying to break through the top of his skull. He flew back, arms limp, body hitting the mat like deadweight. The ref stepped in, hands waving.

Akuma had won.

The bleachers erupted, boos echoing in the crowd. He hadn’t been the favorite to win, so most hadn’t bet on him. A lot of money was exchanging hands by some very dangerous people.

As AJ turned toward the gate, I caught him—Kaito. He had watched the fight and sat, arms folded, that unreadable look on his face. I’d worry about him as soon as I made sure AJ hadn’t gotten really injured in his match.

I opened the gate for him and handed him a towel and some water.

“That was something to watch all right,” I said as he took them from me. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

He turned his back toward me, hiding his face, and tugged his mask up before chugging the water bottle in one go. After he lowered the mask, he faced me once more.

“I’m fine. Go get your money. I’ll be here when you get back,” AJ said as he wiped his forehead.

I quickly went and collected my money, and just as I tucked it into my crossbody bag, I heard footsteps stopping behind me.

“Well, well. Not who I thought I’d see here tonight.”

Kaito’s voice from behind me caused goose bumps to erupt all over my skin.

I turned slowly as AJ came up beside me and stood face-to-face with him.

“Kaito, have you met my newest student?” I gestured to AJ and turned toward him. “Akuma, this is the man who claims he has the best fighter around. What do you think of that?” I said, putting on a show of coming off as arrogant and dismissive to Kaito, knowing how that would get under his skin.

AJ played the part perfectly and followed my lead. “Funny, because I’m standing right here,” he said with a chuckle.

Kaito narrowed his eyes, and for a split second, I thought we’d been found out. But then he stepped into my space and gripped my chin roughly.

“Adorable display. But if you’d like to put that statement to the test, I could entertain a match with my new fighter. Know this: your man will leave in a body bag, so if you’re prepared for that, then by all means, accept my offer, Sydney.”

His grip tightened, and I glared back at him, keeping a smile on my face.

“That’s cute. I could say the same to you. Only I’m not in this for nothing,” I said, baiting him further.

His eyes twitched. “Let me guess. You want me to bet the title of your family estate on the match? Typical—so much like your dearly departed sister. No, you will cease attempting to get it back. I grow tired of your family’s inability to honor your debts,” he said as he aggressively released my face.

I rubbed the spots his disgusting fingers had held. Just one more push to secure this. I wanted to vomit as I prepared to say my next words.

Sorry to do this, Regan, but I have faith nothing bad will happen to you.

“If you give me one more chance to win my family estate back, I will bet my sister’s hand in marriage on my end.”

He paused. Then a sickening sneer covered his face.

“You would guarantee to stay out of my way? Accept whatever I wanted to happen?” he asked almost gleefully.

I nodded. “Yes.”

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