“Hell no.” Jael’s voice was deep and gravelly. He was going to have to have some kind of amazing ad promotion when he made it big – he was an ugly bastard.
“Right, we’re going to get them riled up for the fight, another ten minutes, you both good with that?” I asked. Both nodded. I had one of the girls back with me and they both asked for more water. She hurried off to get it.
“I’ve got a box of cell phones, but I’m going to do one more sweep.” This was more for Jael’s benefit and he saluted to let me know he was appreciative of the gesture.
Heading back out to the main area, I sensed her there before I saw her. I pulled up a little and looked to my left. She was in the shadows, waiting.
“What?” My eyes ran over her as I took a step closer. “Date no fun?” My tone was mocking. I hated myself for showing that it bothered me.
Her face fell and she looked away. “I didn’t know why you couldn’t tell me you worked here,” Lela started. “I wouldn’t have said anything.”
“I didn’t tell you because it has fuck all to do with you.” I kept watching her and I saw her shoulders sag a little further. “What do you want?”
Her hand fluttered to her hair and then ran down her side. A rueful smile settled on her face and with a condescending smirk she looked me up and down. “I just wanted to say hi. You’re obviously busy.” She turned and walked back into the crowd.
With a soft curse I followed and headed to Eddie. Shadow pulled alongside me as I made my way over. “Check one more time for cell phones,” I snapped. I didn’t want to hear it, I didn’t want to talk about it and if that made me a little bitch, well then, I would deal with that later.
“How we looking?” I said to Eddie as I approached. He nodded and handed me his book. I had to fight to keep from showing my reaction. Holy shit. Those numbers were mouth-watering.
“Good.” I ran my eye over the crowd again. I noticed her white blonde hair shining under the fluorescent strip lighting, shining like a beacon, reminding me she was here. I hurriedly moved my attention past her. “You think that’s everyone?” I asked him.
“Leave it a few more minutes. When they due out?” Eddie asked me.
I glanced at my watch. “Five minutes.”
“I’ll close in three.”
I agreed with him and then I went and told Mike to make an announcement outside and to close the doors once the stragglers were finished smoking and hooking up out in the lot.
Making my way over to Trey, I noticed both he and his cousin looked exhausted. “Working hard boys?” I grinned at them.
“Jesus Aaron, it’s been manic here. I think I’ve lost about ten pounds in sweat,” Trey joked as he downed a bottle of water. His cousin held one out to me and I took it gratefully. “I see Lela’s here,” Trey commented. “What’s that about?” He didn’t look at me, but I felt the curiosity.
“On a date. Look, ten minutes after the fight finishes, cut them off ok?” I glanced at my watch. “We may get an hour at Z Club if we’re lucky.” I winked at them, both grinned at me and I headed to collect my last two fighters. After a hard night like tonight, it was usual for us to go to Sam’s and cut loose. If we were lucky Sam would lock the door and keep the bar open for us.
Shadow stepped into the centre of the ring and introduced the two fighters. Bruce got a huge cheer, but Jael got an almost deafening celebrity welcome. I kind of wanted Bruce to beat him; I couldn’t help but rally for the underdog on occasion.
I scanned the crowd, checking for cell phones, but we’d gotten them all. Shadow bowed out and I moved into the corner at the back of the ring to watch the floor. I could see the ring, the crowd, the bar, the door.
I noted her hovering in the corner of my eye. I tried not to look but my eye was on autopilot and all I wanted was to turn my head and see her better. I shifted restlessly on my feet. Had it been intentional or not, she was now more in my peripheral.
A particularly nasty knee to the kidney from Jael, had Bruce on the floor at the end of round one. However, they were both bouncing on their feet in their corners and were more than ready for round two. In that sixty seconds, she had moved. I could see the side of her now. I would not move my head. I would not give in.
Bruce moved lightning fast and in a move that had me smile in genuine delight, he punched Jael so hard his head snapped back and he staggered. They both lightened up their assault as they assessed each other, and then the volume of the music increased rapidly, which meant round two was over.
Still, both were buoyant and pumped, both downed a bottle of water and were ready for round three. Jael had a split lip. I was delighted Bruce had drawn first blood.
As I had appreciated their stamina, I had shifted my weight on to my right leg. Lela was now more in my line of vision. Huh. I wouldn’t even need to turn my head now. I could practically see her fully out of the corner of my eye.
Round three was brutal. Jael went all out and the fact that Bruce was still standing was frankly miraculous. He was solid as a fort against the persistent battering ram that was Jael – it was amazing to watch. Bruce was tired though; it’s not easy to withstand that kind of assault for three minutes. However, when they went to their respective corners at the end of round three, Jael was just as exhausted. Nonstop whaling on Bruce had taken its toll on his body too. My eyes narrowed as I assessed them both. This is where the fight really began. Who would withstand the other? It wasn’t always about brute strength.
I could see her clearly now. In an attempt to find a better position, she was now directly in my line of vision. Kyle was completely engrossed in the fight, I noted. He wasn’t even touching her anymore and I wasn’t sure if that was his choice or by her design. Lela wasn’t watching the fighters; her eyes were on me and mine were on hers.
I drew in a breath and watched her. The music dipped to mark round four. My eyes flicked off of hers briefly to see both men approach each other cautiously. I didn’t even see the first punch thrown; I was back to looking at her. She gave me a small smile and I returned the smile before I even registered. I saw the relief flood her and her smile grew wider. I winked at her and saw her laugh in delight. I felt the tension leave my own shoulders even as I cursed myself for being such a pansy ass pussy.
Round four was over – Bruce was staggering to his corner. I frowned at him. Shit – I had missed all of round four? I looked over at Jael and inadvertently caught Shadow’s eye. He was shaking his head at me in disbelief. Completely caught out by my best friend for mooning like a lovestruck teenager, I dipped my head and looked away.
It went to ten rounds and I genuinely wished I had been able to pay full attention to it, but my eyes kept wandering back to Lela. She had moved further from Kyle and he hadn’t noticed. It was taking every ounce of willpower I had to stay in my spot and not move to her.
Jael’s final punishing punch took Bruce out just before the end of round ten and the cheer that erupted was deafening. I flinched at the volume, but it was a victory well won. The crowd were even more elated when Jael helped Bruce stand and the two shook hands.
I glanced at Lela and I noticed Kyle had his arm around her again. She stepped out of his hold. He questioned her and she pointed over her shoulder to Trey and then with a smile she was making her way to the bar. She glanced my way to see if I was watching. Of course I was.
I headed straight to Eddie who had a line in front of him and was handling the pay-outs rapidly. Mike and his brother were on either side of him, I checked they were ok and then I gave in. I couldn’t stay away a minute longer. I weaved through the crowd. Her back was to me as she chatted to Trey. As I approached her from the side, I didn’t even slow, I caught her wrist as I continued past, pulling her effortlessly behind me.
Bruce was already in the back area getting cleaned up. Cursing softly, I looked around quickly. Making a rash decision, I ducked into a darkened corner. Turning swiftly, I pulled her into me, pushing her up against the wall, my mouth on hers.
Lela’s mouth opened willingly for me, her hands wound round my neck, one slipping into my hair, her fingers twisting. My tongue slid into her mouth. Jesus, she tasted like strawberries. My hand cupped her jaw. I had complete control of her. My right hand slid down her side, round to the small of her back. Lela moaned into my mouth. Taking the kiss deeper, my hand slipped under her jeans and I cupped that scrawny ass, my fingers biting into soft plump flesh. I lifted one of her legs and wrapped it around my waist. My hand slid round to the front of her jeans and I flicked them open, pulling the zipper down. Slipping my hand inside, I stroked under her panties once. Fuck, she was ready.
“Jesus, Aaron.” She tore her mouth away from me as I stroked her again. I slipped a finger inside her as my thumb rubbed her gently. I dipped my head and kissed along her jaw, down her neckline, my tongue tasting the soft skin between her shoulder and neck. Her throaty moan when I added a second finger almost made me cum right then.
“Don’t speak,” I ordered as I moved my fingers inside her. Lela was wound tighter than I was. I knew it wouldn’t take her long to reach her release. When her body started to shudder against my own, I smothered her cries with my mouth so the guys nearby wouldn’t hear. Her fingers biting into my shoulders as her back arched off the wall, I held her close as I felt her body shake through the end of her orgasm. I withdrew my fingers before cupping her ass with both hands and lifting her. Holding her harder against the wall, she finally wrapped both of her glorious legs around me. Pressing my rock-hard dick against her, I felt her moan into my mouth as I fucked her mouth with my tongue, grinding against her.
“Aaron?” Shadow calling to me was not what I needed right then. Lela agreed as she tightened her legs around my waist and her hands tugged at my hair. “You back here?” I pulled back from her slightly. We were both panting. The noise from the crowd was still loud enough to hide our heavy breathing. “Hey guys, you seen Aaron?” I heard Shadow ask Bruce and the others. I swore under my breath.
“I have to go,” I murmured in her ear. I kissed under her ear to soften the blow.
“No, I need you to finish this,” Lela protested. She pulled my lips to hers and I kissed her before pulling back. She made a sound of protest.
“Later, I have to work.” I moved back to allow her legs to slide off me. Lela slid down me slowly. I swear to God, if Shadow hadn’t called for me again, I would have had her back pressed against the wall. “Behave Brat, I have people to go sort out.” I was smiling and she could feel it as she rose up and pressed her lips against mine again. Lela went to pull away and I caught her by the back of the neck and pulled her in, deepening the kiss again. Her hands slipped up under my shirt as she did her own exploring.
“There you are.” I smiled against her lips. Busted. “I’ll give you a minute and then I need you in the back,” Shadow grumped at me. Lela giggled softly into my shoulder.
“I have to go finish work. You’ll be ok?” I asked as I smoothed my hair back and straightened my shirt. It was dark but I could make her out, straightening her sweater, adjusting her jeans, patting her hair. Not like a couple of minutes ago, when we had been making out like a pair of desperate teenagers.
“Yeah, go. Trey said you were heading to Z Club, I’ll see you there?” She asked me. I wanted to tell her to wait for me, but that wouldn’t work. I had business to do here first.
“Yeah, I’ll see you there.” I turned to go. She caught my hand and I pulled her in and kissed her again. Christ this is ridiculous, I thought. My hand cupped the back of her neck and I claimed her mouth again. I couldn’t get enough of her. I pulled back, pressing my forehead to hers.
“Can’t we just go home?” Lela whispered as her fingers trailed over the front of my jeans. Her fingers tugged at my buttons and her hand slipped inside. I dropped my head onto her shoulder as her hand wrapped around me and started to move slowly in my pants.
“Fuck.” I inhaled sharply as she tightened her hold and her wrist moved faster. I was aware that the sounds of the crowd were dying down. I knew Shadow would come back. Fuck, I needed this from her so badly. “Get on your knees baby,” I whispered into her ear, as I kissed her neck. My knees weakened the moment I was in her mouth. Her tongue moved over me confidently as I gripped her hair. With one hand on the wall holding myself up and one in Lela’s hair, I lost myself to her. Her tongue moved over me as she sucked me deeper, my hand tightened in her hair. “Fuck Lela,” I whispered hoarsely, “not much longer.” Her hand jerked me faster as her tongue flicked over me. I went to pull back, but her hand tightened on my ass, holding me in place. My moan was low and guttural as I came in her mouth.
She rose in front of me as I adjusted myself back in my jeans. I pulled her into me, wrapping my arms around her. I buried my face in her neck. Her arms wrapped around me as she pressed her head into my chest. We stood wrapped in each other, as our breathing calmed down.
“I swear to God, if I have to pull your naked fucking butt out of that corner, I will,” Shadow growled from behind me.
“I’m coming!” I grumbled back.
“Too much fucking information.” I heard him walk away. I snorted out a laugh at the poor choice of words as I finally stepped away from her.
“I think my hair’s ruined.” Lela murmured as she fussed.
“I’m sorry,” I offered. I saw her shrug self-consciously in the dim light. I tugged her hand. “Hey, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go this far…not here.”
“I know.” Her hand grazed down my chest. “Look, you better go – I’ll see you at the club. I need to clean up anyway.” She pressed a lingering kiss to my cheek and then was hurrying away.
I headed back to Shadow. He was glaring at me as I approached. Jael and Bruce were both still there and I sat down as casually as I could, avoiding Shadow’s glare. They eventually left. I watched them go as I marvelled at the fact that they seemed to be new best buddies.
“You’re an idiot.”
I swallowed before turning to Shadow. “She’s in my fucking head,” I snapped. I closed my eyes briefly. That showed exactly how much she was in my head, that this was my defence.
“Get her out your fucking head then,” he snapped right back at me as he leaned forward. “This is dangerous. You didn’t even see half of that last fight. All you saw was her.” He stood up and began emptying the safe. “You know who else noticed your eye wasn’t on the ball? Malcolm fucking Litton.”
Shit. “I’m sorry. I fucked up,” I admitted.
“Well now you’ve got it out your system, can we get back to business?” Shadow was very pissed off. Seeing Shadow pissed off was sobering, because I had seen him pissed off plenty of times, but hardly ever with me.
“I said sorry. I won’t say it again.” I levelled him with a glare.
“You’re such a fucking dick. I’m done for tonight.” He scooped up a black bag and stormed out.
“Shit.” I dropped my head in my hands and stayed like that for a good ten minutes. Then, stuffing a bag full of bills, I went to see what still needed to be done. It pissed me off even more that almost everything had been cleaned up while I had been in a corner with Lela on her knees. Fuck. This wasn’t me. I wasn’t the guy who lost his head over a girl. I had no idea if everyone had been paid, or more importantly how much money we had made.
Shit. Fuck. Bastard. I continued to curse inwardly as I checked over the area.
“Hey.”
I turned in surprise. Trey had come in. I frowned at him. “Hey, thought you left.”
“Nope, just finishing up. You still going to the club?” he asked as he picked up the last box.
“Yeah, I thought you were taking Lela,” I said, looking behind him to see if she was there.
“Huh? No, she asked if we were going and I said yeah. No, she left with that guy she came in with.” Trey looked at me. He was grinning. “She looked all mussed up, think he may have had some dirty time with her
when the fight was over.” I felt my temper rise – I pushed it down. Why was she with Kyle? “You ready?” Trey asked. I nodded and followed him out, frowning as I locked up behind me.
I followed Trey to the club. There was still a line, even with only a half hour to go until closing time. We walked past the line, ignoring the protests and I shook Sam’s hand once inside.
“Shadow’s in the VIP section,” Sam offered. I forced back my surprise. “Hey, thanks for last night, made good money. Shadow give you your cut?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, all good.” He hadn’t but that’s because I hadn’t seen him properly and because when we had, we’d been busy getting ready for the fights, and then I had been too busy being a horny dick. I chatted to Sam for about five minutes and then I headed back to the VIP section of the club. The VIP section was a slightly raised area that sat along the back wall. The dance floor was directly below it. Customers could lean on the railing and look down on the dancers. It wasn’t high, a few feet only. Shadow sat there with a glass in front of him. I knew it was sparkling water. I held my hands up as I approached, a sign of peace.
“I’m a dick who deserves a throat punch,” I said into his ear. The music was thumping but I heard his laugh. He pulled me down beside him as he shoulder bumped me. I grinned at him as I took off my jacket and he instantly lost some of his humour. His head jerked to the dance floor and I looked over.
Lela was in the middle of the floor, her jeans riding low and clinging to her. The sweater from earlier had been removed so that now she was in just a satin camisole. It too, clung to her sweaty body. Her hair was loose. Her hands were over her head, her eyes closed as she swayed in rhythm to the music. Kyle was pressed against her back and she didn’t seem to mind that he was grinding into her ass.
“She’s been like that since I got here,” Shadow said into my ear. I nodded as I took a bottle of beer off a passing waitress – she went to protest, saw it was me and smiled instead.
I watched Lela tilt her head back as the beat to the song slowed, her hips moved in rhythm, I saw the frown mar her face as Kyle pressed into her again. I looked at Shadow.
Dark Heart Page 22