Page 18 of Klutch's Kryptonite

“There he is,” Beast laughs, wiping at his mouth. “Was wondering where killer Klutch went.”

We continue trading shots, neither of us going full force but pushing each other enough to get a good sweat going. My mind keeps drifting back to those blue eyes, wondering what her name is, what her story is. Is she from around here? Does she have a boyfriend?

“You’re dropping your right again,” Beast points out, landing a light jab to my cheek to prove his point.

“Fuck,” I mutter, resetting my stance.

“Get your head in the game,” Beast warns. “You fight like this in tomorrow night, and you’ll get your ass handed to you.”

He’s right, and I know it. I can’t afford to be distracted, not with so much riding on this fight. The club needs the money, and I need the win to maintain my reputation. The Underground’s reputation.

I take a deep breath, pushing all thoughts of the mystery woman from my mind.

Focus. That’s what I need right now.

“Again,” I say, hands up, chin tucked.

Beast nods, and we go again.

Chapter Five

Demi

“Come on, Dad. Pick up the phone.” I pace the length of my bedroom with my phone pressed to my ear, but he doesn’t answer. This is the sixth time I’ve tried calling him today, and it’s going straight to voicemail again. He’s been like a ghost in the wind since I found him in a heap on our living room floor two days ago.

When the phone beeps and his voicemail clicks on, I end the call with a frustrated sigh.

This is getting ridiculous.

I toss my iPhone onto the bed and stare into my closet like it’s going to magically spit out something I can wear tonight. I swipe hangers across the rod but nothing is screaming ‘I’m the one.” I rub at the side of my cheek. What the heck does one wear to a job at an illegal fight club, anyway? Is there a dress code? I should have asked when McKenna and I were there yesterday.

Suddenly my ringtone is piercing the room and I whip my head around to my phone laying on my bed. Dad. I dive acrossthe bed and snatch up the device. When I get a peek at the caller ID my hopes are dashed. It’s not him.

“Hey, Kenny,” I answer sullenly.

“Well don’t sound so excited to talk to me.” She laughs.

“No, no. I’m glad to hear from you. I was just sorta hoping to hear from my dad is all,” I tell her honestly as I tuck the phone between my ear and shoulder and go back to rifling through my closet.

“Still no word?”

I sigh. “No. But honestly it doesn’t even surprise me anymore when he vanishes.”

“Well maybe this will make you feel better.” I hear the sound of a door closing and then she continues saying, “Girl, you are not going to believe this place.”

“Is it bad?” I ask, wondering if I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

“Hell no. This place is rad.”

I snort.Rad.My bestie has the strangest vocabulary.

“And Pee Wee is even hotter in the daylight. I mean, Holy shit! The man is built like a fucking tank. Like, his biceps are bigger than my head.”

I can’t help but laugh at the awe in her voice. “Easy there, tiger. Isn’t he a little old for you?”

“Age is just a number, Demi,” she scoffs. “And all his assets are impressive, if you catch my drift.”

“Gross.” I cringe, even as I’m still smiling. “Please tell me you haven’t slept with him already.”

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