Page 55 of Fury

“Isn’t every fight?” he asks, smirking.

“No,” I say bluntly. “There’s something going on.”

“There’re rules to this fight,” he says, arching a brow.

I shake my head, knowing I won’t like what he’s about to say. “I’m not throwing the fight,” I snap.

“Nothing like that. It’s a fight until knockout.”

“What?”

“Years ago, it would be a fight to the death, but apparently, they’re banned . . . but you get the idea.” I know that look—he means death.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “No.”

“No?” he repeats.

“I’m not killing anyone in that ring.”

He laughs. “Let’s not be dramatic. I didn’t say those words, did I?”

“But you meant them.”Fuck.I knew he was bloodthirsty, and I’ve gotten rid of bodies belonging to fighters, but I assumed it was from fights that had gone wrong.

“I don’t think you understand me, Fury,” he says firmly, stepping closer. “I have a room full of rich and important men out there tonight. They’re wanting a real fight. Like the good old days.”

“Axel won’t allow this,” I snap. “He’ll be here any minute, and you really don’t want a war with the club.”

This makes him laugh, and he pats Chevy on the back, who forces a smile. “He’s so confident I’m afraid of his precious club,” he scoffs, then he straightens up and his smile disappears. “I know you have her.” His words settle in my brain, but not quick enough for me to admit or deny it before he continues. “I know she’s your childhood sweetheart.” I swallow down a response.“Get in the ring. Fight like you agreed, and you get to walk away debt-free and with the girl.”

“And if I lose?” I ask, my heart slamming hard in my chest.

His lip lifts slightly at the corner, giving him a more sinister look. “But I thought you said you won’t.” And then he turns and leaves.

Chevy shifts uncomfortably. “Who am I fighting?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s gonna be good. He’s keeping it to himself.”

“Fuck,” I hiss.

“And just a heads up, he ain’t letting any bikers in tonight.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

He shakes his head. “Look, man, I like you, and I hate this. If I was you, I’d back out.”

“How can I?” I snap. “No. I’ve got to go through with this.” I sigh. “Look, I’m asking a lot, but get a message to Axel for me.” He hesitates, but before he can refuse, I add, “Just tell him, if this goes wrong, she’s my old lady.” He gives a stiff nod and leaves.

I pace the room, trying to keep my shit together. And when the knock comes on my door, I square my shoulders and take a deep breath. I’m a good fighter, and so far, I’ve only ever lost one fight. I can do this.For Xanthe.

I go out to the beat of a song I’ve never heard. Usually, I choose my own music for big events, but there’s nothing usual about any of this. I keep my head lowered as I climb into the ring. It’s not until I look up into the eyes of my opponent that the rest of the room fades away. I can hear my rapid breaths and the fast pace of my heart as the crowds fade to nothing. Ripper stares back, almost smirking. He bounces on the spot, warming his muscles and readying himself for the slaughter that’s about to happen. He tips his neck from side to side and gives me awink. He’s been waiting for this for months, and fuck knows I deserve it.

The bell sounds, bringing me from my daze. I’m still rooted to the spot, and Ripper takes full advantage, closing the space between us and slamming his fist into my nose. The blood vessels burst immediately, spraying us both. “It’s good to see you,brother,” he spits before jabbing my stomach fast and hard. I wince, trying to shake it off and gain control of the situation, but my mind is reeling, and I keep scanning the crowd forher. As if he senses it, he grins, pulling me in close so his mouth is to my ear. “She got rid of it,” he hisses, bringing his knee up as he forces me down, making contact with my stomach again. This time, I go down, coughing violently.

He doesn’t give me a second to recover before he’s on me, pinning me down so he can climb over me. I lie on my back, and he stares down at me with a smirk. “Come on, it’s no fun when you don’t fight back. Give the crowd a show.” He proceeds to pummel my face, and then the bell rings. He doesn’t stop immediately, giving me an extra few hits before climbing from me and going to his corner.

I pull myself up, and the sound of the crowd booing hits me. I wince, pushing to my feet and going to my corner. Chevy hands me a bottle of water, and I take it, rinsing my bloody mouth and spitting into the offered bucket. “What the fuck was that?” yells Donnie, marching over.

“Fuck you,” I hiss, grabbing my towel and wiping my nose. “You did this on purpose.”

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