Page 80 of Precious Legacy

So for the remainder of the meeting, while Haldon discusses details with the Federovs, I observe Milo. He’s composed, I’ll give him that. Clueless to the fact that Alanis might have given us ammunition to take the Russians down.

Maybe if we use this information against Milo, he’ll be forced to take our side.

Who the fuck am I kidding?The guy knows exactly what he’s doing, but I swear if he’s getting Varo involved as a means to taking us down, he’ll be meeting the same fucking fate as Ashton Greedy.

When the meeting finishes and the Russians leave with more than agreeable terms and conditions to their use of the docks, I decide it’s time to discuss my future plans for the fight nights.

“Now that we have the all clear, think you can find me another location for fight night?” I ask Haldon.

He sips on his third beer of the evening. Evidently, he’s still thinking about how he can improve his own businesses, inspiration courtesy of this place. Though I don’t quite see the appeal, Haldon has the mind to turn anything odd into the most tasteful and reap the success of it. Having improved all his father’s clubs, he’s increased profits tenfold. He’s got the mind for this kind of business, which is why he’s so protective over it.

“I can ask around,” he replies. “Anywhere in particular?”

I shrug, throwing back the last of my beer. “As long as it’s profitable,” I wink.

It’s no surprise that the warehouse is crowded, booming with the thrill of tonight, because I’ve managed to book two of the most ruthless fighters in the city. They’re still unsponsored, wanting to make it to the big time, and with the money they’ll gain from these fights, that’ll help them get to where they want to be.

People are still piling into the building. The bars have had to restock three times already, and the DJ looks pissed at the amount of times he’s been approached for requests.

Leaning on the balcony, I take in the scene below me. I can feel the buzz of excitement, taste the dangerous energy because Lennox Packer and Ethan Holt are sworn enemies. Raised on the opposite side of the tracks, you can practically taste the hatred as they step into the ring. Lennox is a sturdy six foot seven, dark brown skin and muscles that could break through walls. His buzzed dark hair gives him a lethal edge to his looks, but his features are softer.

Ethan Holt has two more inches on Lennox, with a leaner physique. The overhead lights make him look like a ghost though, the bright red mouth guard standing out against his pasty, sweaty skin. He looks mean, like someone ran over his pet rabbit and he’s seeking retribution for it. The guy looks like he could kill someone with his pinky.Thank fuck for guns!

They both look calm as fuck, considering half of their gangs are in the crowd, watching the two finally bump fists. Rumor has it that this is the fight to end all fights between them. Not that I want to be a part of more drama, but I’m definitely looking forward to this. They’re the final fight of the night, and with the booze and beats filling the room, even I can tell this is going to be a good fight.

“Who’s your money on?” Alanis asks, leaning into my side.

I peer down at her, immediately getting lost in those green eyes. She’s wearing an emerald green dress that clings to every sinful curve of her body. I’ve lost track of how many times my thoughts have wandered off, thinking about taking her in the bathroom stall again. I haven’t seen her all day, since she’s been at the academy, so it’s no wonder I’m aching to get inside her.

“I don’t gamble on my own game,” I say, dropping a kiss onto her head.

“Boring,” she remarks with a giggle. Her dark hair falls over her shoulders, framing her sharp features, and those ruby red lips keep pouting like she’s earning a dick in it.

Fuck.I wrap an arm around her shoulder and rearrange myself with the other hand.

The referee’s voice suddenly booms through the speakers as he announces the start of the fight, and a wave of anticipation rushes through me as I watch Ethan take the first shot.

He misses, barely pulling back in time to protect himself when Lennox catches him on the cheek. Ethan’s head snaps sideways, but he instantly shakes it off, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he lunges forward again.

Back and forth, their violent dance continues. They’re both skilled fighters, amazing at spotting openings and even better at defending. I’m mesmerized by their flawless techniques, by the way they float around the ring. Every jab, every hook, I’mhypnotized, noting how their bodies move and feet rebound off the platform.

It isn’t until the bell rings out for the fourth time that things start to ramp up. The crowd is growing wilder by the second, roars and boos as each fighter takes a hit. We’re all absorbed in the moment, watching with fascination as Holt and Packer hold their own, working each other overtime until the next bell rings out.

Blood sprays the floor, and the crowd goes wild, lapping up the coppery taste of violence. I can tell by the way Lennox’s shoulders heave that he’s battling exhaustion. But he keeps on going, even when Ethan catches him in the ribs and he doubles over, he gets back up. He clings to the ropes for a moment, shaking his head to get his vision back before spinning around and committing to a mean right hook.

Ethan sways on his feet, staggering sideways as Lennox takes another shot, and another, and another. The referee is about to call time on the fifth round when a commotion disturbs the fight. It comes from the entrance before the doorway lights up in blue and red.

The parking lot outside clouds with dust, sirens wailing over the music. I stand motionless, jaw ticking over as I glance around the room.

“Police!” It’s shouted from all directions, a slurry of barks and bellows that spreads panic like wildfire.

Shit. It’s a raid.

The music cuts off immediately; the crowd grows chaotic and before I know it, the whole place is rumbling with footfall. Panicked screams and shouts ensue as everyone pushes like a stampede, trying to escape in every direction. The lights flicker off, and we’re doused in darkness for a moment before the huge overhead lights spring into action.

“Roman?” Alanis panics, eyes wide as she grips my jacket.

Heat crawls up my spine and the urgent need to protect her has me clutching her to my side as I glance at Haldon and Alvaro. We share the same look and a split second later, they’re pushing Haven out of the fire exit from our level.

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