Page 3 of Wicked Oath
I don’t hear Dad’s response as I open the door for Lucy. I give her a quick nod that we’re all set, and she squeals and hugs me.
“Shh.” I step onto the front porch and shut the door behind me. “We’re just going shopping, remember? Don’t get too excited.”
Lucy zips her lips. “You’re right.”
“Now, we just wait for Garret to arrive, and he’ll take us.”
Garret arrives in less than ten minutes. He springs out of his car, all gangly and long limbs. “Ready at your command, Miss Donovan.” He bows low to me.
Lucy shoots me a look and giggles, but I just roll my eyes.
“Thanks, Garret,” I say dryly. “We’re heading to the mall.”
He gives me a salute. “Right away.”
Lucy and I chat in the backseat as Garret takes us to the nearest shopping mall. I think about what to say to him to convince him to take us to the underground fighting rings. I still can’t believe I’m doing this, but it’s for Lucy.
Once Garret parks in the mall parking lot, neither Lucy nor I leave the car. Garret glances back at us. “Everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine,” Lucy squeaks.
I shush her again and elbow her gently. She just laughs some more, high on the thought of doing something dangerous. “Garret.” I lean closer to him. I can tell right away he appreciates it. His eyes linger on my lips before darting up to meet my eyes. I try not to grimace. “Garret. Lucy and I were actually thinking of doing something else tonight.”
“Oh?”
I let my fingers trail over his shoulder. “Would you mind taking us to see my brother fight tonight?” God, I’m hoping Owen is on tonight. Otherwise, this will blow up in our faces.
Garret pauses. “You’ve never asked to see Owen fight before.”
“Well, I’m asking now.” I drop my voice, hoping it sounds husky enough.
Garret notices. “You know, I’ve always wanted to see your brother fight.”
Hope sparks in my chest. “So, you’ll take us, then?”
“Is your dad all right with this?”
“Since Owen will be there, he’ll be fine with that.” Lie. “Owen can help keep us safe in case anything happens.”
Garret nods slowly. “Good point. Ok, then. Let’s go.”
I settle next to Lucy, who gives me a thumbs up and mouths, “Good job.”
I just shake my head and push aside the worry coursing through me.
It only takes a short drive to reach the fighting rings. They’re located in a nondescript building that I would never have guessed housed an underground fighting ring. I also love that Garret is too naïve even to question how I know about this.
When we get out of the car, I’m immediately aware of how out of place we look. Outside the building, a line is forming with a bouncer in front of the doors. It looks like a typical line outside a club, but inside, it’s not so innocent. Everyone in line is dressed in varieties of black leather. Lucy is in a preppy dress with a high collar, and I’m in a floral pink and white summer dress. It’s smothering hot in the Boston summers, but you wouldn’t guess that by how much leather the people in line are wearing.
We get some stares as we pass by the line, approaching the bouncer. Some smirks, some looks of confusion, some people laughing at us.
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” I whisper to Lucy.
“Nonsense. I want to see Owen fight, and that’s what I’m going to do.” She grips my arm and pulls me toward the bouncer.
The bouncer eyes us. “Line starts back there.” He points down to where the line wraps around the side of the building.
“Actually,” Garret says, leaning in closer to the bouncer, who wrinkles up his nose and jerks his head back, “this is Olivia Donovan. She’s here to see her brother, Owen, fight.”
