Page 48 of Devil's Game

“He’s doing this on purpose.” Spade ran a hand through his short, platinum locks in obvious annoyance as he glared up at the ring. Merrick at least had the decency to block the next strike, shielding his face while his fist slammed into Tyson’s ribs.

I chewed on my bottom lip as Merrick evaded Tyson, keeping him on the ropes and showcasing his speed. It was like Merrick was teasing him, letting him have the smallest taste of victory while readying to pull the rug out from under him.

“Merrick.” I growled his name under my breath, narrowing my eyes on the asshole who was apparently trying to test my limits in more than one way tonight.

Seeming to sense my ire, his head whipped toward me, the slightest hint of a grin on his lips just as Tyson’s fist pounded into his ribs.

My hands gripped the guys’ legs tighter when Merrick’s bravado slipped a fraction, his brow scrunched in pain as he stumbled back, barely blocking the next volley of attacks.

“He’s getting too cocky,” Kellan murmured, his narrowed glare flashing to Sebastian across the aisle. I followed his gaze, anger sparking in my veins as I noticed the excitement radiating off the club owner.

“Can I kill him?” I already knew the answer, but I couldn’t help it, not when that smug smirk was begging to be wiped off Sebastian’s face.

“No,” Kellan said at the same time Spade chimed, “Yes.”

Kellan pinned Spade with an exasperated look as the bell rang, signaling the end of the round, and stood. “Behave, you two.”

“No promises.” I grinned, waggling my eyebrows as Spade chuckled.

“My sugar knows that she gets whatever she wants.”

His lips thinned as he looked between us, but I could tell there was a hint of pride hiding in the depths of his sable eyes. Reluctantly, he strode toward the ring, casting us wary glances over his shoulder, like he thought we might just throw caution to the wind and lunge for Sebastian in the middle of his own club.

Oh, no. If I was going to kill him, I wouldn’t be that obvious.

“Are you sure we can trust him?” I murmured, not taking my eyes off Kellan and Merrick as the former checked over his injuries and handed him a bottle of water.

“I don’t trust anyone, other than you three,” Spade whispered, taking the opportunity to lean closer, his lips caressing the shell of my ear with each word. He dragged the pads of his fingers over my inner thigh until he reached the edge of my lacy panties. “But a man like Sebastian is always going to do what’s best for him. He’s seen just how profitable making the town safer would be.”

The roar of the crowd behind us punctuated his point.

“I doubt he’d do anything to interfere with that, but I might have to pay him a little visit later tonight to make sure he knows not to mess with you. If he has anything on you, I’ll make sure it’s wiped from the face of the earth, sugar.”

A grin curled on my lips as my eyes met his, his conviction sparkling in their violet depths. “I do like these fights. It would be a shame if he wasn’t around to run them anymore.”

Spade snickered, his fingers teasing along the hem. With one simple flick, he could delve beneath the flimsy fabric and—

Before he could make another move, the bell rang again, and the fight was back on. Kellan rushed back to his seat, his mouth set in a harsh line as Merrick approached his opponent, fists up and ready to fight.

“Hopefully, this should quell some of that bloodlust, little devil.” Kellan leaned in, placing a sweet kiss on my cheek.

Merrick was actually moving this time, avoiding Tyson’s blows and landing a few of his own. Kellan had placed a hasty bandage on Merrick’s cheek, blood darkening the fabric just under the surface, but he didn’t let that stop him.

Tyson’s next punch went wide, his precision sloppy with the exhaustion setting in, and Merrick used the opportunity to work his ribs, landing hit after hit, until the referee called him off.

I was practically on the edge of my seat, my panic from the first round quickly turning to anticipation as I soaked in the violence.

Frustration was written across Tyson’s features, his twisted nose scrunching into a snarl as he launched himself at Merrick. But he was too slow. Merrick’s knee came up into his ribs as he lost his balance. He followed Tyson down, pummeling his face until the referee dragged him off.

I couldn’t help but grin as Merrick’s lips quirked up, his hazel eyes finding mine with a question in their depths, like he was asking if this was satisfying. I cocked an eyebrow in return, practically salivating at his rippling muscles, now coated in a spray of his opponent’s blood. My hands itched to run over them, to lead him away from the fight to see what else that strength could do, but I was frozen in place, transfixed by the poetry in motion that was Merrick.

This was what I remembered, why no fight compared to watching him in action.

The referee signaled for them to continue, and Merrick wasted no time going on the offensive this time. The ground shook from the crowd cheering as Merrick’s fist barreled into his opponent’s jaw, sending him hurtling back. He was about to advance again when the bell rang, the referee catching him by the shoulder to stop him from making contact.

Echoes of disappointment rang around the room, the crowd’s bloodthirst apparently quenched and ready for Merrick to end the match, but he was just getting started. Electricity hummedbetween us as his eyes found mine, neither of us able to go more than a few moments without checking on the other.

“I’ll be back.” Kellan gave Spade a warning glance before he went to help Merrick.

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