Page 99 of Wicked Temptation

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After Samson left the penthouse, Lisbeth indulged herself in a few silent tears, then pulled herself together and analyzed the situation. Samson’s attention to her in and out of the bedroom hadn’t changed. His edginess seemed to have to do with his fighting, not her. Even that revelation couldn’t quell her restlessness so she called the one person who might be able to help her.

“Hey, girl, how’re you doin’?” Madeline’s southern drawl soothed her immediately.

“I need your help.”

“If I can do it, you got it.”

A half-hour later, Madeline and Lisbeth stood in front of the beefy bouncer at the Valley View warehouse.

“Does Boa know you’re here?”

“Boa doesn’t have to know everything I do, Joey.” Madeline smiled sweetly, and the burly behemoth grinned. The talents this woman possessed were amazing. “Now, step aside and let us in.”

Joey did as he was told, and she and Madeline entered the warehouse teeming with men shouting and jeering the fighters, along with the tangy scent of blood, sweat, and reckless violence.

“I’ll never understand how watching guys fight turns some women on.” Madeline shook her head.

“I know. I can’t stand seeing even the slightest bruise on Samson’s face, but I had to come and hopefully try to understand his reasoning for being here four nights a week.”

“Makes sense.” Madeline nodded her head to the cage. “The Serpents usually sit down front.”

Lisbeth followed Madeline, ignoring the smirks and catcalls from the men around the cage. When they stopped at the edge of the bleachers, Cobra and Mamba looked up in surprise.

Cobra’s brow drew together. “Does Boa know you’re here?” he shouted over the din.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?”

“Probably because he’d have a shit fit,” Cobra added.

“He doesn’t have to know everything I do.” Madeline popped her hip in a show of defiance.

“I don’t think he knows that.” Mamba laughed. “And I sure ain’t gonna be the one to tell him.”

Madeline jerked her chin at Lisbeth. “She’s looking for Samson.”

“He’s usually up last. They put all the shit fighters up first.” Cobra and Mamba both eyed Lisbeth, and her heart kicked up with the dread of bad news. “Does he know you’re here?”

“No, but I was hoping to see him before he fought.” She needed to ease her conscience. Lisbeth hated the thought of him going into the cage and getting hurt after their argument.

Cobra and Mamba exchanged looks and said something Lisbeth couldn’t hear, then Mamba stood. “I’ll take you back.”

Cobra shot a glance at Madeline. “You stay here so I can keep an eye on you.” He shook his head. “You’re lucky Boa’s working at Ecstasy tonight, or he’d lose his shit seeing you come here.”

Mamba kept Lisbeth tight to his side as they made their way through the crowd. When they hit the hall leading to the locker rooms, the noise slightly dulled.

“Is it always this crazy?”

“Pretty much. Guys just live to see other guys beat the shit outta each other.”

She stopped midway down the dim hallway. “Do you know why Samson’s fighting so much?”

Mamba screwed up his lips. “Not my story to tell, babe.”

She expected loyalty from Mamba but figured it was worth a try.

“I just hope he doesn’t kick me in the ass for bringing you back here.”

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