Page 69 of Ignite

“So my contestants… work at the clubs?”

“Some, probably. Others are daughters or partners. Their sacrifice has to be meaningful.”

I swallow the lump in my throat.

“So their best earner, wives, or daughters.”

“Pieces of shit,” Declan mutters.

That’s the point.

We let them think we’re the worst. Pure evil.

But when they give up their women to Decadence, they sign away their lives.

And the women?

They don’t meet that fate.

Maybe we’re evil, but if it means destroying the real villains, so be it.

“Okay. Fine. Drago, I’m training for my fight. Can you go through the applications and arrange appropriate outfits? Matching masks?”

Drago scratches his head.

“Uh. I guess?”

I chuckle. He’s still not used to the States, but so far, he’s been damn helpful.

“Ask Reggie or Rowan if you need help.”

Enzo clicks his knuckles, calling us back.

“I’m going off-grid for a while. Some things need sorting. I trust you to continue the games? No fuck-ups?”

“You have our word, Enzo,” Declan confirms.

“No more ghosts coming out of the closet.”

I frown. More ghosts?

Fuck, I have a graveyard full. Many ready to show up.

“Any ghosts we should know about?”

Enzo shakes his head and downs a scotch.

“None that concern you. But Arthur Bowen’s asking questions. I assume he’s pissed over James’ death?” He pins me with a stare.

I look at Finn, who’s poker-faced. We’re keeping our suspicions about Ben quiet.

“I ain’t heard shit from him, Enzo.”

Declan shifts.

“He called weeks ago. I never returned. It was in the middle of my games and everything with Charlotte. He wasn’t important.”

I pull back and look at Declan.

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