Page 32 of Weaponized

“Now that that’s settled,” I say between kisses, “could I interest you in some naked time?”

And with that, I squeal as he picks me up and carries me over his shoulder back to my bedroom.

* * *

I am blown away at how many people attend these underground boxing matches. It’s a bit too warm as a result. The smell of sweat and body odor hang heavy in the air. There are a few levels here—almost like a dirty, concrete amphitheater of sorts. Crooked fluorescent shop lights hang overhead, and the crowd is loud and unruly. I will myself not to get a headache.

I am standing a level up from the ring next to Taryn and Elizabeth,but we’re surrounded by Rowan and five of his friends. Liam McGuiness is one of them. He’s been nothing but respectful and friendly thus far. I am dying to find out why we require so much protection.

I see a few people I recognize from some of the parties at Luca’s house. We don’t spend much time outside at those parties, so I guess I don’t expect them to say hello. They give me brief nods of acknowledgment. It’s not friendly exactly, but at least they aren’t nasty to me either.

Apparently, I have that thought too soon. I see Gianni and Anthony making their way to the back of the lower level. Anthony spots me and gives me an enthusiastic wave, then makes his way over to us, up a few steps, with Gianni trailing behind him.

“Well, hello, Mrs. Luca. Does the boss know you’re here?” Anthony raises his eyebrows.

I smile. “Hello to you too, Ant. You’ll be happy to know my presence is fully sanctioned.”

“Outstanding!” He grins. “You be careful out here tonight. Crowd can get a little rowdy.” He tweaks my nose like I’m a little sister.

I nod at him. He turns to go, but Gianni grabs my wrist.

“You couldn’t let him off your leash for one fucking night? You’re a piece of work,” he snarls at me. I pull free but don’t get a chance to answer because he spins away and follows Anthony through the crowd.

“Everything okay?” Rowan asks.

“Dandy,” I reply as I take in my surroundings. I won’t let that asshole ruin things.

Taryn bumps me as she bounces on her toes. “This is so exciting!I’ve heard about these, but I never thought I’d get to be here!”

In my world, women were raised to be a bit more reserved, so it’s refreshing to hang out with someone like Taryn who doesn’t hesitate to tell you what she thinks. Ever. She knows I’m the boss’s daughter, and she’s still just herself around me. Though she’s also Irish, I’ve never crossed her path before St. A’s. Her dad is one of my father’s generals, but according to Taryn, he doesn’t like to get in Da’s path. “I don’t think they are very much alike,” she had told me. If that’s true, I’m glad for her.

Elizabeth looks like she may be sick at any moment. Rowan keeps running his hand up and down her back in an effort to comfort her, whispering in her ear. I’ve tried a few times to find reasons for the two of them to be forced together. I’ve never played matchmaker before, but I would love it if things could work out for them. She deserves happiness and I know he would treat her well.

Her face is flushed and it occurs to me that she has to be too hot. Taryn and I are both dressed in torn jeans and tank tops, but Elizabeth is wearing a baggy sweatshirt. That would be great if we were outside. The weather has finally started to turn cool. Taryn must also notice because she whispers, “Do you have anything on under that shirt? You might want to tie it around your waist. I don’t want you dying of heatstroke.”

Elizabeth’s lips purse and she considers Taryn’s words. After pushing a sweaty piece of hair out of her face, she whips the sweatshirt over her head to reveal a camisole underneath. It fits her well, and highlights her assets in exactly the right way.

Taryn nods at her. “Much better.”

When I see Elizabeth’s look of uncertainty, I agree with our friend. “You look great. Really.” She sighs.

The fights begins with a loud announcement that all bets are now final. I figured that’s why they were unsanctioned—the gambling—but when I see the first match, I realize this isn’t boxing. It’s more like MMA with a chain-link fence of sorts that surrounds the ring. The guys are bare-knuckled and in street clothes or sweats. I’m not sure what the referee is supposed to be doing. These two guys may kill each other, and he doesn’t appear the least bit interested. I recognize one of the fighters from one of my classes. Some oil tycoon’s kid. I can’t believe this is what he does for fun.

“Holy shit! Did you see that hit? You know he lost some teeth!” I had no idea Taryn was so bloodthirsty. She pumps her fist in the air. “I put money on the smaller one.” She grins and my eyes widen. I thoughtIwas the tough girl from the underworld. Liam makes his way next to Taryn and me. I think he may be interested in Taryn, since he keeps looking down her shirt, but it’s hard to tell. The guy flirts with everyone. He whispers in Taryn’s ear and she laughs. Then, she goes back to shouting at the fighters. She reminded us on the way here that you don’t come from a large Irish family and not love fighting.

“That’s it!” she screams when the big guy’s nose explodes in a bloody mess. “Knock that motherfucker out!”

I shudder.

“It’s no surprise the Irish lasses don’t mind a little bloodshed. But, I think your friend may faint.” Liam nods toward Elizabeth before he goes back to focusing on my loud friend at his side.

He’s not wrong.Elizabeth is looking pale. I tap Rowan on the arm as I lean over to Elizabeth, “Hey there, cutie. You okay?” She nods and Rowan moves in to put an arm around her.

I lean close to Liam to tell him, “Rowan has it under control.” It’s so loud in here it’s impossible to hear.

He leans over to put his mouth close to my ear. “Don’t think you’re not obvious—trying to hook them up.” He pulls back and smiles at me. I grin and raise my eyebrows. He’s right.

I smile back at him. “Probably about as obvious as your feelings for Taryn.”

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