CHAPTER 76
Ace
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada
Ace Wilder threw the phone in his hand across the room. On impact, it made a crashing sound, as it broke into large chunks against the wall. It barely missed the head of Ace’s trainer who stood near the door, watching his tantrum play out for the past hour.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” his trainer yelled out, barging toward him.
“Hold on!” the large security guy roared, stepping in between the men trying to keep a battle from taking place. “Calm this shit down, y’all!” he seethed.
“Make sure you replace my shit, Ace! That ain’t me askin’ either. Replace my shit!”
“Fuck ya phone!”
“Nah, fuck you!” the trainer shot, turning on his heels and storming out of the area. “That was it for me! I don’t work for bitches! You on ya goddamn own!”
“Rick!” security yelled behind him. But Rick didn’t so much as slow his pace, or turn around.
Ace seemed less than fazed by the turn of events. Never mind that his trainer was gone. Never mind that he wasn’t going to be by his side during his bout. That was the least of his worries.
“Where the fuck is Dex?!” he hollered, near the top of his voice. “Where the fuck is he?!”
Cody stepped forward, trying his best to be the voice of reason for the moment, since he seemed to be the only ‘team’ that Ace had left outside of his security, and a few stray entourage. “We have to focus on the now, Ace. None of us have talked to Dex. We have to proceed with things as though he’s not going to be here. It’s all we can do.”
“The fuck you mean?! His ass is the fuckin’ money man! Who’s gonna secure my goddamn bag for this muthafuckin’ fight?! I need to make sure don’t shit go wrong with that! I got a lot riding on that shit! Dex’s ass knows that!”
“And the fact that he’s not here is not cool,” Cody reasoned. “I agree with that. The fact that we haven’t heard from him, is not cool. But let that fuel your anger, your energy. Because if you win this match, you won’t need him or anybody else for that matter. Managers will flock to you. Are you listening to me, Ace? Is what I’m saying to you, registering? You could come out so much better than you went in. If you play your cards right.”
“But why the fuck would he just drop off the face of the damn map like this?! Don’t you think that shit is suspect?! And now Dante ain’t answerin’ my calls either! It’s all just suspect!”
“Ace!” Cody yelled. “Focus! Get in the right mind for this fight!” Cody held his head down and shook it slowly. “There’s nothing suspect about it. I was trying not to bring this up because you have bigger things to deal with. Like winning!”
“What the fuck ain’t you tellin’ me, man?!”
“I’m just sayin’. Dex’s head hasn’t been in this for a while. He was tired of it all. It was weighing on him. He told me that having to look out for you and your brother was beginning to be too much. That managing you was beginning to be too much. So, I’m just saying that it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he just . . . just decided to be done.”
Ace closed his eyes and applied pressure to both of his temples, with the base of his palms. Rocking back and forth, he muffled out a threat: “I swear to God if this fool don’t show up, I’ll kill him. On God, what he’s not gonna do is jeopardize me helping my brother.”
CHAPTER 77
Dario
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada
“What you want me to do?! I’m sorry . . . I’m back!”
As soon as Jay Z’s words ricocheted through Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, the crowd went wild. On the inside, I was wilding out too. The symbolism of J’s words was everything! Just as those words re-introduced him, post-retirement, they were doing the same for me. Rai had referred to Jay Z when he asked if I would ever fight again, so I felt the need to acknowledge that in some way.
I thought this fight would make me bitter, but I think because Chanel was home, the emotions running through me were different. I had something to prove. And the fact that she was there to witness it, made it all the better.
I stepped past the threshold of the arena, and when the light exposed me to certain angles of the crowd, the roar couldn’t be more deafening!
“They want that Caivano!” somebody said, from the back of me.
“Seems like!” I responded, ready to get down to business.
The warmth and the energy of the reception hit me right in my soft spot. It was a part of the game that I would love forever. The adoration and appreciation for what I brought to the sport.
As Big Sean’s “Blessings”, featuring Drake, began to blare into the enormous universe that was the MGM, I proceeded to step into full view. Flashing lights danced around the group of us, as we made our way to the octagon. My focus lie straight ahead, as I began the journey to the battlefield. With my team right by my side, and my family in the audience, my energy was at its highest peak.
♫
I'm here for a good time not a long time, you know I
I haven't had a good time in a long time, you know I
I'm way up I feel blessed, way up I feel blessed
I'm way up I feel blessed, way up I feel blessed
♫
I silently sang the lyrics along with Drake. I was ready. I rolled my head and flexed my shoulders, anticipating any signs of strain. None were present.
♫
Look, I ain't gonna say that we back or nothin'
'Cause that implies that we're back from somethin'
If we're back from somethin' it's some checks you owe us
I expect that payment, nothin' less or over
I don't need them favors that you ask me for
I could give two fucks 'bout where the Grammys go
I just gave out Grammys on my Instagram
Them OVO boys the business man . . .
♫
I looked in the distance and saw my victim. His posture looked to be off, and he didn’t have that air around his king-sized head that was normally there. Even though I still had a way to go before reaching ringside, I could already see that he was hugging the ropes . . . like he needed a best friend. Ha!
♫
It is what it is, trust me you get what you give, yeah
You gotta come to my side and see how we live (yeah)
I cannot see Heaven bein' much better than this (yeah)
Blessings on blessings from me and my niggas from the Six
Look at what we did
Yeah, be quiet I'm doin' a toast
For niggas that don't really do shit I swear y'all be doin' the most
Stop worryin' about whoever's next
I am just worried about my mama worryin' less
I think I'm famous enough, I don't need any more press
I am convinced I'm the only one left that's still doin' this shit, man . . .
♫
The rush I felt shocked me.
Seeing the lights shining on him, knowing that he was there for me. That he was there because his stupid-ass team of people decided to poke a sleeping bear that was trying to hibernate. That I was going to beat the fuck out of him and unleash every bit of anger and pain I had been living with. Shit was invigorating as fuck.
CHAPTER 78
Ace
Ace seethed at how excited the crowd was to see Dario.
“Arrrgh!” he yelled, aloud, knowing that nobody could hear him over the music and the cheering. It pissed him off. He hated Dario. Had always hated him. Especially, hated that everybody was going so crazy for him! If he hadn’t cowered and fought Ace before retiring, it would be Ace they were screaming for! At least that’s the way Ace looked at it all.
Oh, but it’s comin’!” he hollered in anger.
The Caivano Stans were going wild in their chairs and on their feet, when the words of Jay Z poured out the speakers. Ace knew it was some
thing to get under his skin. To him, Dario was acting like he had some kind of God complex, just like that bitch-ass Sean Carter!
“Yeah, you back, alright . . . but let’s see how much off your game you are when I lay you the fuck out!” Ace hollered, as he jumped up and down in place next to the ropes, throwing out occasional air jabs.
Ace was ready. But he was also annoyed at how long it was taking Dario to get to where he was. Annoyed at the fact that Dario was, no doubt, taking his time so that his adoring fans could soak up all his fuckin’ godliness and shit! Ace wanted to get down to business, so he could get his money and get the fuck back to life and figure out where the fuck Dex’s ass was. After he did some damage in that ring, he wanted to continue where he left off against the man that had been like a second father to him since his own father had died. He was going to show Dex not an ounce of fucking mercy!
But suddenly, and Ace had no idea why, his nerves went on the attack. His heart raced, and beads of sweat formed across his forehead. Where he was feeling super-bold, just moments before, he was now entering a very unwelcome phase of self-doubt. None of the crowd was cheering for him, it seemed. Nobody was even on his team. Yeah, a part of that might’ve been his own fault, but if they were real, they would’ve understood that a whole hell of a lot was going on! But nah! They fled the scene and never returned. He was there alone, in body and spirit, and the shit was starting to take an emotional toll.
Calm the fuck down! he chided himself.
Calm the fuck down!
Ace kept trying to coach himself to a calmer state, but those inner voices were falling on deaf ears.
Come on, Ace! Fuck!
Ace took a few deep breaths and looked away from Dario and his entourage. The time they were taking to get to the ring had him going crazy. It was deliberate. Dario was trying to make him wait. Dario was trying to show him that the arena belonged to him. He was showing him that the show couldn’t even begin until he got there! Ego! It further fueled Ace.
He decided to reel it. Have some self-control. So he stood still. But as soon as he did that, something began tugging at him to search the crowd. He didn’t know why, but the pull was really strong. Then, as though it was some kind of radar, Ace’s eyes landed right on Shane Michaels! His antenna shot straight to the sky, and stood erect.
What the fuck is he even doing here?!
A two-second glance away from Shane, was Wayne Chapman. They were sitting right next to each other. Something’s not right. Everybody who was anybody knew who Wayne was—Dario's manager.
What the fuck is happening right now?!
In the midst of Ace’s brain storm, Dario finally made it to his corner. Much to Ace’s dismay, Dario’s corner was full of support. He closed his eyes to shut them out. He had too much riding on this fight to be worried about what was going on with Dario’s corner, or what the fuck Shane was doing there with Dario’s management.
Dario was glaring at him. He wanted to get to Ace, just as much as Ace wanted to get to him. The hunger and anger in Dario’s eyes could be felt by Ace, even with the space in between them. Ace understood, but he didn’t give a fuck. As far as Ace knew, the man’s woman was safely stored. Or was she? Shit, if Dex was missing, then the possibility existed that . . .
Oh fuck, Ace thought. What if?
No, he wouldn’t be here at all if something had happened to her. But . . . fuck!
Regroup, Ace! Focus!
With great effort, Ace shook the thoughts off. He couldn’t let any of that deter him. Caivano’s woman wasn’t his problem. As much as he didn’t agree with Dex’s methods, they all knew that Caivano wouldn’t have taken this fight otherwise. So, what was done needed to be done.
My only concern is Jakoby. It’s all about my bro!
Ace set about jumping up and down in place, his hands flailing on the sides of him, getting his circulation to a healthy flow.
Yeah! That’s what’s up! Let’s get it! he inwardly urged. You got this! Nobody can take you off ya game! Fuck everybody! You walkin’ away the champ of this shit!
The referee appeared in place at the middle of the stage, signaling both men to join him. At the meeting spot, the referee extended his arm on either side, to ensure that a safe distance was adhered to. The men stared each other down, neither blinking, each with something different going through their minds.
“Where the fuck is your corner, man?” Dario whispered. “You need somebody to throw the towel in . . .”
Out of nowhere, and to Ace's surprise, his trainer, Rick, reappeared at his side. He didn’t acknowledge Ace, just went right to work, shaking hands with Dario's trainer. Immediately after, both trainers retreated to their respective corners, leaving their boxers in place.
“Man, that corner! Lookin’ kinda—!”
“D.C.! No talking!” the referee shot, leaning near Dario’s ear. “Both of you got your instructions in your dressing rooms, right?!” the referee asked. Both men nodded their heads, in response. “Okay. I expect a clean fight and to protect yourself at all times! Let’s touch gloves and good luck to both of you guys!”
Ace was prepared to be a sportsman and touch gloves. However, it was Dario who mouthed, “Fuck you,” before walking off.
Now, all he wanted to do was thrash Dario for being disrespectful, and the ringing of the bell had given him permission to do that. Making his way back to the middle, Ace thought he heard his name come from the crowd, and quickly yanked his head in the direction of the voice. What he saw, stunned him. Left him confused.
Nah! That can’t be! he thought to himself. Can’t be!
He re-shifted his focus in just enough time to see Dario’s punch coming for his face. He managed to dodge the swing, then threw a left jab of his own that landed against Dario’s shoulder. Dario shook it off and laughed out loud at his opponent, as he bobbed around Ace.
“My shoulder?! Really?!” he yelled, striking a powerful body jab.
Ace was shaken off his game. He wanted to believe that he was seeing things. That it wasn’t her in the audience. But the more he thought about it, the more thoughts of foul play began to magnify. Ace decided to look in the woman’s direction, again, and that’s when it was confirmed for him. It was her. The same woman from the club—Dario’s woman!
The same woman that wasn’t supposed to be returned until after their fight!
Thrown off, Ace scanned the area closest to the ring, looking for Dex. Maybe they struck a deal that he didn’t know about. Maybe that’s why Dex had disappeared. But maybe he was there now! Or . . . or, shit! Maybe something had happened to Dex.
“You here to fight or what?!” Dario hollered out, simultaneously, sticking him with another body jab. “This is what you wanted! Come get it, Hit Man!”
Ace shook off the stun of the strike he’d received and tried to rebound. The fight ensued, but so did his rampant thoughts.
Something was horribly wrong! Was his brother even okay at this point?! So many thoughts were going through Ace’s mind he didn't know what to do. If Dex was gone, and Shane was there, then perhaps the police found out that they were behind setting him up. Would he be arrested after the fight?! What the fuck was going on?!
Having made it through the first round, Ace sat on the stool in his corner, plagued with fear and doubt. Emotional exhaustion had targeted him. He felt as though he’d already lost the fight. His brother was at the forefront of his thoughts. After tonight's fight, he was supposed to be able to send money to someone to provide protection for his brother for the next year that he had to do. And now, he wasn't so sure that his brother was even safe.
This is all bad!
CHAPTER 79
Dario
“Dario! You gotta calm down!” Disco warned, as he tried wiping my forehead.
“Calm down for what?! It’s a fight!” I hollered, jumping around in place and pacing against the ropes. They were using this minute to let us regroup, but I didn’t need it. I hadn’t even broken a sweat in that first r
ound. If I did, I didn’t feel that shit!
“Pace yourself!” he advised.
Ignoring his words, I pounded my gloves together, and motioned to Ace to, “Come here . . .”
I watched Ace’s gaze move to the side of the ring. He had done it a few times. At first, it didn’t really dawn on me, but then I got it. He saw Chanel. He saw her and was probably wondering what the fuck she was doing there. That shot an even higher dosage of energy into my system! Reminded me of the night he called her ‘Sweetheart’ . . .
“The fuck you lookin’ at?!” I yelled right as the bell rang out again.
Blood, is what I was after.
Going into the second round, I wanted to just lay Ace out. I was trying to hold back a bit, so that I could give the fans something to come out for. Give them their money’s worth and go, at least . . . at least five rounds, so that they wouldn’t feel cheated. But I had too much rage inside of me.
I didn’t wait until Ace reached me, I went straight for him with blinders on. The first blow landed right at the bridge of his nose, with a second one in his left jaw.
He stumbled backwards, and shook off the sting. “Come on, bitch!” I yelled out to him, wanting him to give it his best, so that I’d have a reason to knock him out. “You’re fightin’ like a girl!”
After he rebounded, he came for me, again. The punches that he threw had some heat to them, too bad they didn’t land with any kind of threat.
“That’s all you got?! The shit you say outta your mouth makes it seem—”
“Fuck you, Caivano!” he said, throwing out a left jab, that I managed to block. “Where the fuck is Dex?!” he managed, while we circled each other.
“Enough talkin’, Hit Man! Hit sumthin’, bitch! Hit sumthin’ bitch!”
But I knew that Ace wouldn’t be landing anything of substance, in this fight that he wanted so badly. He was thrown off his game. Because now that he’d seen Chanel, and Dex was nowhere around the immediate area, he was realizing that they’d made a fatal mistake.
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