Laced Steel - M.J. Fields Page 0,14

reaches in his pocket and pulls out a wad of cash. “How much?”

“A hundie each,” Tiggs answers.

Patrick peels two hundred bucks off his stack and hands it to him. “Those are Pay-Per-View professional fight prices, man.”

Tiggs shakes his head. “Bigger picture, Tricks.”

“Meaning?” Brisa asks.

Tiggs answers while tapping out a message, “Supporting local entrepreneurs that otherwise wouldn’t be able to support other locals. Both of which would never be seen in Hollywood or on Pay-Per-View, where big money makes shit shiny and lessens the sport and opportunity.” He looks up at Patrick. “I’ll personally hand you back your cash out of my cut if you’re disappointed.”

Following Tiggs’ directions, we make our way through some sketchy, darkened back alleys, passing several rundown, graffiti covered buildings and warehouses to where the “event” is to take place.

A new surge of energy courses through my body in a steady current of adrenaline, caused by a mix of three new experiences. Those three being the dangerous situation earlier, the thrill of this moment, and the excitement that I finally received the coveted notification. One look at Brisa, who is smiling from ear to ear, and I know I’m not alone. Then I look at Patrick, expecting the same. It’s … not so much. He looks like he’d rather be anywhere in the world but here. I’ll let it go for now, but I plan to chew him and Justice out, knowing they’ve already been informed of The Sound’s secret and not shared it with us.

When we turn a corner that spills into a parking lot filled with vehicles of all kinds, we all pause.

“Jesus,” Patrick says as he takes in the scene in front of us. “There’s gotta be fifty cars and at least that many bikes.” He shakes his head. “Who the hell rides bikes in March?”

“I’m guessing bikers,” I quip.

“It hasn’t snowed in weeks, and it was sixty-five today.”

I laugh at Brisa, who is obviously sticking up for her new crushes.

She looks at me, wide-eyed, and whispers, “I bet he’s here.”

We both start to hurry toward the building.

“Hey, ladies, slow it down.” Patrick laughs as he jogs up to us, and then we all make our way to the large, double, steel door.

“Is there a secret knock?” Brisa jokes.

I point up. “There’s a surveillance camera.”

“So, we just stand here and wait?” As Brisa pulls her jacket around herself a bit tighter, I realize I am wearing one of her shirts that is extremely tight on me. Well, tighter than what I normally wear when I don’t have on my navy Seashore Academy blazer.

“You know what?” I say, trying to hide the hues of insecurity that threaten to surface. “This is lame. Let’s go get breakfast.”

The door swings open and the roar of the crowd gives my retreat pause. I turn around and look into the smiling face of one Harrison Reeves. He’s dressed in a dark gray tweed suit jacket, a black button-down, and black jeans.

“What’s the password?” he asks, lips pursing together in a smug yet playful smirk.

“Benjamin Franklin,” I retort snidely.

“Wrong answer, but I like your spunk, Miss Steel.” He steps back and waves his hand. “Welcome to fight night, newcomers, and remember, when you leave this building, this night never truly happened.”

I look at Patrick and roll my eyes.

“We already paid, T. Let’s see what all the hype’s about.”

I straighten to my full five-foot-three and grab Brisa’s hand. “Stay close.”

“As if I’m gonna stray in this crowd,” she says, looking around the crowded warehouse.

When I feel an arm wrap around my shoulders, I expect to see Patrick. Instead, it’s Harrison standing between Patrick and me.

He nods left to a row of empty tables. “Bets are closed for the night, but when you come again and are in the mood for a little gambling, look for tables set up like that.” He nods right. “Ladies and gentlemen’s rooms are over there. Going to have to suggest that, if you don’t want to catch a case of the clap, you avoid it. But if you must”—he looks at me directly—“don’t go alone.”

I shrug his arm off my shoulders. “In case you missed it, I’m nobody’s bitch.”

His eyes dance like they did earlier, and he smirks. “I’d never say that you were. However, that doesn’t mean I’m going to overlook that you’re here at my request, and I’m going to try to ensure you’re safe. Make sure you know not everyone here is like me and that you’re not disillusioned by my charm, kindness,