and sexy dresses, and the smell of money filled the air just as strongly as the tobacco.
When I caught sight of an older, bald man openly groping a redhead’s breast, I dropped my focus to my feet.
Maximo stopped at the first row. Clearly for VIPs, the chairs had extra padding and there were small tables between each one.
He sat in the aisle chair, and I started squeeze by him when he pulled me into his lap. Settling me on his thigh with my legs between his spread ones, he wrapped an arm around me.
Surprised by the intimate hold, my eyes shot to his, but his stony stare was aimed outward at everyone else.
He was a king, daring anyone to challenge him for his throne.
No sooner had we settled than a pretty blond cocktail waitress appeared at our side. “Usual whiskey, Mr. Black?”
He didn’t even glance her way. “Two waters.”
“Yes, sir.” She sped away, ignoring anyone who tried to flag her down.
I sat stiffly on his lap, my spine steeled and my hands clasped so I didn’t fidget.
Never give away more than you want them to know.
Well, I definitely don’t want this lion’s den to sniff out my discomfort because they’ll pounce on the show of weakness.
Movement on the other side of the aisle caught my attention, and I watched as a woman leaned forward and lifted her short skirt to expose her ass. The man she was in front of ran his hand along the top of her ass cheeks. Only when he bent forward did I realize he’d been spreading a line of coke. He happily snorted it before running his tongue along the residue. He smacked her ass and she stood upright, tugged her dress into place, and walked away.
When I got a view of his face not coke deep in someone’s ass, I recognized him, though it took me a moment to place from where. He was a politician. I didn’t know what kind, but I’d seen his face plastered on billboards and the election ads that repeated every other commercial.
I shifted my gaze far from him and was careful not to let it settle in one spot for too long. Surrounded by drugs, alcohol, beautiful women, and rich men seeking a thrill, I was betting there was a lot happening I didn’t want to see.
The waitress returned and set the water bottles on the small table next to us. She didn’t wait for acknowledgment before moving on to serve someone else.
Maximo grabbed a bottle and released me just long enough to open the lid and hand it to me. I took a sip, but the cold water sat heavily in my stomach. He took it back and set it next to him.
“Thanks,” I whispered.
He just lifted his chin.
It wasn’t long before more people filled the seats.
A couple stopped in front of us. The man’s surprised eyes landed briefly on me before focusing on Maximo. He extended his hand. “Black.”
“Adams.” Without releasing his hold on me, Maximo used his free hand to shake before making introductions. “Juliet, this is Tony and Ella Adams.”
Ella smiled at me, offering a little wave. “I love your dress, Juliet.”
“Thanks, I love yours, too.” It was sexy and red, with a Jessica Rabbit-esque slit up the thigh.
“It’s fun to get dressed up every now and then.” She took the seat two over and Tony took the one on the other side, leaving an empty chair between us. I was relieved I wouldn’t have to make or listen to small talk all night.
All conversation quieted as the room turned electric.
Like everyone else, I felt the morbid anticipation of what was to come. My heart raced and it took everything in me to sit still.
A light-haired man climbed into the ring, gripping a microphone as he walked around. “Ladies and gentlemen, betting for bout one is officially closed. You can place wagers on the other two until ten minutes before they begin, so if you’re feeling lucky, get your ass up and put your cash down. It’s gonna be a helluva night!”
Loud music blared through the speakers as a parade of people came down the aisle right next to us. In the midst of them was a boxer in green shorts, but there were no sponsor emblems attached to them.
That’s weird.
He climbed into the ring with part of his crew, the rest setting up outside their corner.
The music changed suddenly, thumping bass shaking the ground. Another parade of people and another fighter with no