Page 64 of Bride By Initiation

I grunt. "There are no rights in this world, and you know that as much as I do. It's an underground fight. That's it. Leave it and move on."

He ignores me. "They said you won the bid. What does that mean?"

I rub my hands over my face, groaning. "Let it go, Brax."

"I can't. We're both involved in something, and you know it."

"Yeah, and whose fault is that?" I accuse, a little too loudly.

Others on the roof turn toward us.

I release a pissed-off breath, and my phone buzzes. I step over to the corner and pull my phone out. I read the text, and my heart rate ratchets up.

Unknown: Go to Ivanov gym. Leave your driver.

My throat turns dry. I swallow, and it hurts. I stare out at the city and contemplate staying, forgetting I ever saw the skull or heard of The Underworld.

"What's that about?" Brax questions.

I put my phone back in my pocket, lying, "Nothing. I have to go."

"Where?" he insists.

I spin to face him, sternly asserting, "Nowhere. Enjoy your night,Brax." I turn to leave and push through the crowd. I get through the restaurant, walk down the block, and find my parked SUV.

Conán steps out, fretting, "I didn't get a text from you. Did I miss it?"

"No. Go inside and have some drinks. Take the night off," I instruct.

He furrows his eyebrows. "Why would I do that?"

"Just go inside and mingle. Have some drinks," I restate in a non-argumentative tone.

He finally caves. "All right. Thanks."

"Sure." I get to the driver's door, and my phone buzzes again. I pull it out.

Unknown: Leave Brax. If he comes, he's dead.

My gut sinks. I reprimand myself for not checking to see if he's following me. Sure enough, he's walking right toward the SUV. I get out and meet him on the sidewalk, jabbing him in the chest, ordering, "Do not follow me. Go back inside, Brax, and this is an order."

Amusement lights his eyes. "An order? I don't take orders from you."

"You do tonight," I state.

"No, I don't," he insists.

More anger fills me. The last thing I want to do is get into another shitty situation. I also don't want my best friend dead. Everything inside me tells me that these people are more than capable of killing us both.

"When are you going to listen to me? I vouched for you. So, as of now, I am in charge. Get your ass back to the party and have fun. Forget about me tonight. Understand?"

He clenches his jaw, not moving.

I step closer, lowering my voice. "I mean it, Brax. We're both dead if you come, so I need you to do what I say. Can you trust me on this?"

He doesn't flinch.

I think he's not going to drop it, but he finally does.

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