He stares at me for a minute and then a look that can only be described as evil crosses his face. “I had a feeling you would say that.”
He turns from me and walks to the door. For a minute I actually think he’s going to leave, but I should know better. Why don’t I ever know better? Some would say that it’s a good thing I haven’t given up hope, I don’t know if they’re right or not.
“Please come in here,” I hear him say and then to my surprise Theresa walks inside the apartment. She looks as nervous as I feel and her eyes dart from me to Ryan.
“Hello, Sutton,” she says quietly.
“Come on, let’s go,” Nico says to me.
I don’t move.
“What’s Theresa doing here?”
“You and I are going for a drive. Theresa is going to watch him until your return.”
I hesitate. I don’t want to leave.
“He will be fine, Sutton,” Theresa says to me softly. I see the remorse in her eyes. How she wishes just as much as I do that she could refuse him. I know she’s trying to reassure me in the only way she knows how.
Looking at Nico once more I can plainly see he’s losing patience. Every second he has to wait for me to do what he tells him to do is clearly only riling him up more. Not wanting him to say or do anything in front of Ryan, I nod my head and grab my purse before walking to Ryan.
I move the headphones from his ears and say, “Little man, mommy has to run out, but Theresa is going to stay with you and I’ll be back, okay?”
He looks from his movie to me briefly and smiles and nods while readjusting the headphones. I consider going to him and holding him to me. Squeezing him tight and kissing him all over, but I don’t want to worry him. Suddenly, a horrific thought occurs to me.
“Nico, I’ll be right there, let me give Theresa a couple instructions for Ryan first.”
He glowers at me, “Two minutes and then I’ll be coming after you. Don’t make me do that.”
I nod and once he walks out Theresa joins me in the kitchen, “I’m so sorry, Sutton. I don’t know what’s going on. He just showed up in my home.”
“It’s okay, I know how he is. But, Theresa I need to ask something of you.” She nods and I can’t keep myself from reaching out and taking her hands. “If something should happen to me-”
“Oh, dios mio, do not say such things.”
“I have to. Please listen to me.” I swallow heavily, “If anything happens to me, I need you to give something to Zane Moreno for me. He’s the fighter that I’m seeing,” she nods her head knowing whom I’m speaking of. “There’s an envelope underneath my clothes in the top drawer of my dresser. Please make sure he receives it if something happens, okay? It’s Ryan’s birth certificate.”
She nods her head, understanding entering her eyes, “Si, si, of course. I will. Do not burden yourself.”
“Thank you,” I whisper and with one more look at Ryan I walk out toward Nico’s car.
He’s pulled up to the door of the apartment waiting for me. I hurry to his car and slide inside. Once inside I immediately feel like I’m suffocating and want to be anywhere but here.
“Where are we going?”
“To the casino.”
“Why?”
“I want to introduce you to someone.”
Remaining quiet after his comment, my mind starts playing various scenarios as I wonder what is happening. I sit and listen as he takes a few business calls and for the millionth time I wonder how I ever got caught up in him. I mean, I know I was blind to him initially, but it still amazes me how when you’re desperate, anyone’s kindness can be appealing and how blind the eyes and heart can be.
When we finally reach the casino he pulls to the back and parks in the spot next to the back entrance where his office is located. He steps out of the car and waits for me to join him.
We immediately walk into his office where there’s a large glass window that he can see out of, but no one can see inside. He appears to search the crowd for a few moments before spotting something – or someone. “Come with me.”
Following him without a word, my eyes scan my surroundings as we walk out onto the casino floor. For a weeknight it’s still pretty busy. I know all about this life, having counted cards for him for so long.
Some people around us have already given up their life savings, their families, friends and homes for one more run at the table hoping this time they’ll hit it and win big.
They could too. They could win big and make all their money back and more, but the sad thing is it becomes an addiction so easily, that they’ll be back here again and they’ll lose even more this time. It’s such a vicious cycle and it sucks a person dry. If they’re lucky enough to lift their head up and realize what they’ve been doing, it’s usually too late. They’ve lost everything and everyone.
I remember seeing people at casinos day after day – sometimes even wearing the same clothes telling me they had been on a bender. I used to laugh at them and think they were so stupid and too bad they couldn’t learn a neat trick like me. Now, I realize how immature I was because all I feel as I look around now is sadness and regret.
I want to get out of here as soon as I can. There is no longer an inkling of desire within me to be here.
We approach the bar area in the center of the room and Nico places his hands upon the bar. Not caring for a drink or whatever the hell he’s getting, I stay turned away, my eyes on the room. “Mateo,” he calls, “Send the newbie over here to take my order.”
“Yes, boss.”
Rolling my eyes at what a kiss up Mateo is I’ve finally had enough, “Nico, what are we doing here? I want to get back to Ryan.”
Before he answers me I see someone walk up to us out of the side of my eye and Nico smiles. I almost turn back around again in annoyance to stomp off. Almost.
“Sutton?”
Turning to whomever said my name, when I see him, my mouth falls open. “James? What are you doing here?”
James used to be one of the orphans at the house. He left when he turned eighteen – state mandated – but we keep in touch via email.
He smiles widely, “I work here now,” he seems proud. “I’m so glad you’re here, I’ve been wanting to thank you.”
“Thank me?” I say shocked. “For what?”
“For helping me get this job. Nico said you recommended me and when he approached me with a job the offer was more than I could refuse. Much better than what I was making at the hardware store.”
“But, you’re not even twenty-one. He’s not twenty-one, Nico,” I say frantically. I don’t want James working here. I don’t want him anywhere near Nico.
“Nico said he has special permissions and it’s okay as long as I don’t serve alcohol or step on the casino floor.”
Looking at Nico his eyes are hard, almost as if he’s daring me to challenge that. Just when I think this can’t get bad enough, I’m wrong.
“Brian! Look who’s here!”
Oh god. Brian. He was also at the orphanage. James and Brian were the same age and left within weeks of each other. They became roommates with the money they had saved up from working while in school, they got jobs, were even attending some college classes. I love these boys. I’m proud of them. I want the best for them and this, this is not it.
“Sutton!” Brian grabs me into a hug. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen you in person. Emails aren’t good enough.”
“Brian, it’s so good to see you too. You work here as well?” I ask lamely knowing his uniform is a dead giveaway.
“Yeah, isn’t it great? Thank you so much for asking Nico to give us these jobs. We are so lucky. You really are the best.”
My smile is weak. I open my mouth to tell them I had nothing to do with it. To tell them that working for Nico is the worst thing they could possibly do. That they have no idea what he’s involved in or what kind of man he really is. Somehow I know if they stay here that eventually they’ll find out for themse
lves.
Before I can utter one syllable, Nico takes my hand and squeezes it so hard I’m sure the bones are going to snap.
“I need to get Sutton back to her son, but I wanted to bring her by so she could be surprised when she saw you in action.”
“I’m so glad you did. Come back again soon,” James pleads.
“Yes, we’ll serve you… a diet coke or something,” Brian says with a laugh.
“Okay, I will. You two be good and stay out of trouble.”
They grin and simultaneously say, “Yes, Sutton.”
Nico pulls on my hand and with one more wave in their direction, I numbly walk alongside him back to his office. He wasn’t kidding. He’s threatening my kids – all of my kids.
Once we’re back in his office he grabs me and backs up until I’m smashed against the one-way window. He holds my jaw tightly in his hands and I’m afraid his fingers will leave a mark. His other hand is tight around my upper arm and he squeezes making it burn with pain.
“I warned you what will happen if you do not adhere to my wishes, amor. You tell me you no longer want to question Zane, that is not acceptable. You tell me you love him and don’t want to betray him, I don’t fucking care.”
I pull against his arms and he only squeezes me tighter. His legs purposefully push mine open and a fear of an entirely different kind oozes over my body in sick waves.
“You will do what I say, when I say, and how I want it, or Brian and James are going to have an unfortunate accident. Do you understand me?”
“All of this over wanting some money? I don’t get it.”
“Because I am tired of not getting my share,” he screams in my face. “All the shit I do and the percentage of my take is fucking weak. I’ve had to come up with various ways for years to make my own money. Fortunately, you’ve helped me with that more than once. We make quite the team, you and I.”
He presses his hard erection against me and I freeze.
“Don’t,” I say but it sounds weak and frail. Not at all the way I want to come across.
“I won’t, if you do what I tell you to do.”
He stares at me and waits. I nod jerkily.
“Alright, here’s the plan...”
It’s fight day and for the first time in a long time, I’m nervous as hell. I don’t know if it’s because I want the title so much and want this to go well, or if it’s because Sutton was supposed to be here a half hour ago and hasn’t arrived.
I tried to call her but she didn’t answer. I’ve texted her multiple times and nothing. I’m beginning to worry. I’ve still got some time before the fight begins, but I’m not about to go out there without my woman. I need her here.
We were supposed to get together a couple days ago. She had called me and asked me to come over, but the next morning she cancelled on me. Said she found out when she got to work she was going to have to work longer than anticipated. I understood, but had been hoping I’d at least see her before today, but that hasn’t happened.
“Will you quit pacing? Save the energy for the octagon,” Jax says. “Plus, you’re getting on my damn nerves.”
“I can’t help it. I’m all keyed up.”
“Now listen, I heard talk that Oscar is feeling some pain in his knee. Rumor is when he’s exercising he’s been wearing a brace.”
“What? No way,” I say of Oscar ‘One Punch’ Rodriguez. The man is solid as a rock. It’s very likely he could kick my ass. He’s certainly capable of it, but I’m going to fight like hell for it not to happen.
“I’m just telling you what I heard, so we’ll keep an eye out for that.”
“Alright,” I nod.
“Todd,” Jax calls to the new guy. “Get started on Zane’s shake.”
“I don’t want one man.”
“You always take one. Besides, you need something - even just a couple sips.”
Sighing, I ignore him. Where the hell is she?
“Zane?”
“Yeah?” I realize Jax said my name more than once.
“I wanted to tell you that I’m really proud of you.”
“Jax-”
“No, shut the fuck up and listen.” He waits for me to comply. “I know you’re used to Gil coaching you and it sucks that he’s not been here, but you let me step in and take his place no questions asked. I’ve loved it. Loved every minute of it. I know things can get frustrating at the gym sometimes, but hell man, doing this with you has made me think about how long the two of us have been hanging out and, well, I guess I’m trying to say that I wouldn’t want to do any of this shit without you. It’s been one hell of a fucking journey, and win or lose tonight doesn’t matter a damn to me. It’s been one hell of a ride and I can’t wait to keep going.”
I stare at him for a minute. He’s not really known for this sentimentality shit. “Dude, what the fuck? You been hanging out with Levi?”
“No, goddamn it, shut up. This is what having a woman in your life will do to you. So laugh it up, but you’ll see soon enough.”
“I’m just giving you shit. You’re a great coach, Jax. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He nods.
I nod.
This is awkward as hell.
He looks away.
I look away.
Then Sutton walks in the door. “Thank, Christ.”
She hurries over to me, “I’m so sorry I’m late. Work ran over, I had to change, Ryan’s sitter was late, I swear I hit every light here-”
Grabbing her face I shut her up by placing a kiss on her mouth. She relaxes into me and kisses me back.
“I was worried and I tried to call and text.”
“You did?”
She pulls her phone from her bag, “Oh, I’m sorry. My volume must have been turned down too low or something.”
Taking her into my arms again, I sigh, “It’s okay, I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
“I missed you,” I tell her honestly.
“I missed you too.”
“If we had time, I would take you into the bathroom so we can get reacquainted.”
“You would, huh?”
I shrug, “Sure. I mean, it can be our thing. Christening bathrooms at each venue I fight in.”
“You’re crazy.”
“For you.”
Her face turns serious and her lips pucker just a bit, “Tonight, can we talk? I mean, if tonight will be too crazy after you win-” I smile widely at her confidence and she smiles too. “Then tomorrow is fine, but I want to talk to you soon, okay?”
“Of course. Everything okay?”
“I want to talk to you about Ryan and me.”
“Okay,” I nod not wanting to push her now all to aware we’re surrounded by people.
“Okay,” she smiles.
Moving us over to the couch, we sit down and Jax and a few others greet Sutton. Jax picks up coaching, once again going over our strategy with me. I get my shoulders massaged, this time by Rick, our physical therapist and I almost laugh out loud when I see Sutton’s approval.
Before long, Jax is putting my gloves on me and then I’m kissing Sutton goodbye when Dylan comes in to show her to her seat.
“Good luck, lover,” she says softly.
“Thanks, cupcake. And be ready.”
“For?”
“One hell of a celebration tonight,” I wag my eyebrows at her and she laughs as she walks away.
Todd approaches me and hands me my shake, I take one sip, two and that’s all I can stomach. It’s stupid to take too much, I don’t care if it does settle my stomach a bit. Too much and I’ll heave it all over the octagon and crowd. Talk about a fight to remember.
Sliding into my robe, I start jumping around and loosening up my body as we begin walking down the hallway to go to where my entrance into the arena is located. I feel my pulse heighten and a bit of a warm flush, but assume it’s just an adrenaline surge and try to ignore it.
Suddenly, my tongue feels like it�
��s too big for my mouth and I try to breathe but find it more difficult than expected. I try to settle myself.
The crowd sounds insane when Trey is announced. Thousands of people are here – the arena sold out. The ground practically trembles.
Continuing to hop around, for a minute I feel generalized tingling, my vision goes blurry and I stumble a little.
“Dude, you alright?” Jax asks.
“Fine,” I tell him but my mouth feels funny.
The doors open cueing my moving forward waiting for my music to start and the spotlight to shine. I was asked at the weigh in last night if I had a different song I was playing for my entrance. My answer, no. You don’t change things up when they’re working. So when the familiar notes start to play and the light flashes on, I start to make my way down.
Suddenly I begin wheezing and cough. I try to cover it up, not wanting to appear weak or sick, but it only gets worse. And then, I can’t cough at all.
“Zane?” I hear Jax.
Turning to him frantically, I motion to my throat.
I’m wheezing loudly.
My throat is closing.
I can’t breathe.
I collapse and fall to the floor. I hear people yelling and screaming all around me.
Jax’s face appears above me. He’s talking to me, but I don’t know what he’s saying.
I can’t breathe.
The edges of my vision are becoming black.
We’re moving, I can feel I’m being taken somewhere and cool air hits my skin suddenly.
The ambulance that’s always here during…am I on a stretcher?
I feel a sharp pinch in my thigh.
The lights go out.
The last forty-eight hours have been the longest of my life. Seeing Zane collapse was horrifying. It was complete chaos after it happened. Thank god for Zane’s friends because they were the whole reason I was able to get out of there so quickly and to the hospital with the rest of them.
The wait was agonizing.
It appears to have been an allergic reaction and he went into anaphylactic shock.
He’s been in and out of it during his stay, but seems to be getting better and better.
Fighting Greed Page 19