by Ginger Ring
Stephanie took a sip. It was thick and milky but it filled her belly.
“I saw Roman leaving.” Madison kicked her shoes off and spread out on the couch. “Did he tell you about Dominic?”
“You knew and didn’t tell me?” It hurt to be the only one who didn’t know of his past but she could see why. The scars that man had to deal with were many.
“It wasn’t my story to tell.” She sighed. “I thought it better for Dom to do it. Roman asked me if you knew and I said I didn’t think so. He must have decided it was the right time to tell you.”
“I’m so confused right now, not to mention being scared to death.”
“That’s understandable.” Maddy swung her feet back to the floor and took a sip of her wine.
“I have to see Dominic and tell him how I feel.”
“Not now. He’s with Jasper. They have to get things ready and are negotiating terms of the fight.”
“Terms?” Maddy and she should be talking about dresses and weddings or other things involving work, not rules and negotiations for a fight. “It’s to the death. What else is there to talk about?”
Madison frowned. “Do you really want to know?”
“Yes. I do. I have to be brave for him tomorrow. I don’t want to do anything that will distract him or add any more stress to the situation.”
“They are still talking about locations, weapons, seconds.”
“Wait, what?” She placed her chin in her palm and fought the urge to cry. “I know I grew up in a crime family but I know nothing of these fights.”
“Basically, it has rules and no rules.” Madison really had become the mob boss wife. Drinking wine and talking about a duel like it was a country club event. It was all too much. If only she could just fall asleep and have this be a dream.
“The location has to be approved by both. No one wants to walk into an ambush made to look like an accident. From what I understand, there will be no weapons for the first five minutes. After that they can grab anything that is around—there will be weapons, except for guns, on the floor to use. As for seconds, if one of the main fighters doesn’t show up, their second will take their place.”
Stephanie held the cool drink to her forehead. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Do you want me to get the doctor?” Her friend set her glass on a table and reached for her phone.
“No, there is no cure for this.” That’s why she had to write her story down. No one would believe this, and if she did end up leaving with Maksim, Stephanie wanted everyone to know about the hero who gave his life for hers. But she couldn’t think like that. Dominic was going to win. “I know Dom will be there, but who is his second?”
“Jasper.”
That made sense.
“And Maksim? Who is his?”
“From what I understand, Maksim is the second.”
“What? That can’t be. He’s the one who suggested it, from what I understand.”
“He was, but everyone knows Dom would kick his ass. We don’t know the man yet but it’s a good bet it will be a very tough opponent.”
“I can’t believe this nightmare.” Her head spun.
“After tomorrow, it will all be over. You can start planning for the rest of your lives together,” Maddy reassured her. “I’ll design your dress.”
“What dress?” As much as she tried to be hopeful, the vision of herself in a black dress kneeling by his grave flashed before her eyes.
“Your wedding dress. What did you think I meant?”
She closed her eyes and let out a sob.
“I’m calling the doctor and getting you a sedative.”
“No. No drugs. I have to be strong and I will be.” Stephanie said a quick prayer, something that she planned on doing a lot in the next twenty-four hours.
***
Dominic
Normally, he’d have weeks of training for a fight, but there wasn’t much he could do in this short amount of time. Luckily, he maintained a good regimen of running and working out in the gym. Still, was it going to be enough?
He hit the punching bag that Jasper held in place. This was not how he pictured his life ending and he wasn’t ready to go yet.
“That pussy won’t even fight.” Jasper cut into his thoughts. “Who do you think you will go against?”
“The best prick he can find.” Dom kicked the bag and nearly took his friend off his feet. As much as he tried to dislike and distance himself from the guy, he was the first one to step up and be his second. Not that he needed one, there was no way he would miss it.
“Just so you know, no matter what happens, I have your back. Roman won’t tell how he’s going to take care of Maksim if you lose, which you won’t, but you have my word that man will not touch a hair on her head. I will keep her safe. Not because I want her for myself but because she is family and is yours.”
Dominic hugged the bag for a moment. There was a lump lodged in his throat. The last few days had been almost too much to handle. Emotions had run high, and his heart had grown almost too large for his chest. Nurtured with love not just for his woman but the family he’d been welcomed into.
Being his second was merely an honorary title, but Jasper meant it. Maksim took that spot for his fighter but there was no way he would bloody his face. The man was a coward, and the jury was still out on her father. Whoever he hired to fight would be there, no questions asked.
“Come on. Let’s do some sparing.” Jasper broke the tension. “Just don’t hit my face. The chicks love me.”
“That so?” Dominic smiled for the first time in hours. “Then I should give you a black eye, might improve your chances.”
“Nah, they love me just the way I am.” Jasper grabbed some gear and entered the ring. “You got this, dude. I know you do.”
“I know I do too.” No matter who it was he was fighting, Dom planned on winning. Losing wasn’t an option. His life and Stephanie’s depended on it.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Stephanie
The whole day moved in slow motion and yet the time of the fight had come too quickly. After finally agreeing to the sleep aid the doctor gave her, Stephanie fell into a fitful slumber. Her nervous stomach still couldn’t handle much food but Madison managed to get her to eat some soup and bread sent over from Firenza.
Dominic had sent her flowers. A beautiful bouquet of sunflowers tied with a red ribbon. There was no message but she looked up the meaning of the flower. They stood for loyalty, longevity, and adoration.
Arlo came to collect them at six that evening and take them to the fight. Maddy may have appeared calm on the outside but Stephanie knew she was just as distressed by it as she was. Roman was already there making sure everything was on the up and up.
It was a warm evening yet goosebumps dotted her arms. Madison was silent as they drove through the town. Tourists walked the street, oblivious to what was about to happen.
“Where are we going?” She couldn’t take any more of the unknown.
“It’s a garage we sometimes use with the Tribe.” Arlo glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
The man probably knew she’d been there with Dom. Everyone always seemed to know what was going on and who was where. “Is Dominic there?”
“Not yet. The fighters will arrive last.”
“I know this is crazy and the last thing either of us ever thought we would be a part of when I first ran into Roman at the coffee shop so long ago, but it is our lives now. Show no fear and no tears,” Madison advised. The last thing Stephanie wanted to hear was a pep talk but it was exactly what she needed.
“I’ll be fine. It will be fine.” And she said another prayer for the one she loved. It seemed odd to pray for the death of another but she was. Sometimes you didn’t have a choice in picking battles. This was self-defense as far as she was concerned. Payback for all the lives Maksim had stolen. Dominic had to win. He’d fought before to keep a loved one safe and he was doing it again. The man was a hero.
&n
bsp; Several black SUVs and a few motorcycles crowded the parking lot. The Mayhem Tribe was the so-called referee of the event. Sure, they were more on board with the Caponellis, but on such short notice, they didn’t have much choice.
Arlo parked and helped the women from the vehicle. Madison was dressed like the queen she was. Designer shoes and an elegant dark blue sheath dress. Stephanie wore a long, flowy, mustard-colored dress and a pair of sandals. It was something she knew Dom would like. They walked in silence to the building and it was quiet in there as well. Flipping her sunglasses on top of her head, Stephanie stepped into the shade of the building.
Arlo guided them to their seat. The women sat on two folding chairs while the men circled the border of the room. A couple bikers pointed her way, and she startled. They were there that night back in California. A bead of sweat ran down her chest and between her breasts. They smiled and she calmed the urge to puke. It made sense that they would still be keeping company with Maksim. That man made her skin crawl. Just thinking about her life if she had stayed and married him caused her to teeter in the chair.
“They’ll be arriving soon.” Arlo handed each of them a bottle of water. She’d need something stronger to get through the rest of the day. Her stomach was in knots. The whole thing was just crazy and she refused to even look in the monsters’ direction again.
“I thought only Mayhem members were to be here,” Madison said.
“I guess Maksim wanted some backup just in case. They just arrived. You’d think he’d have soldiers here but we’re starting to think members of his own family might not even know all he is involved in,” Arlo replied.
“You both don’t need to be here.” Roman showed up dressed like it was a day at the office and stopped in front of the ladies. At least he had shed the suit coat in the heat but still wore a dress shirt and tie. “I can make excuses if you want to leave.”
“No, I have to be here for Dominic. No matter what happens, I am here for him.” Her voice shook and so did her hands.
“It will start soon.” He nodded and then stood behind his wife.
A biker with a Mayhem cut strolled to the center of the room. “For those who don’t know me, I’m Forge, president of the Tribe of Mayhem. The fight will begin as soon as the fighters arrive.”
“I think they’re here,” a young man with a prospect patch announced from the open door. The crowd hushed and the sound of car doors shutting sounded from outside.
Dominic walked in first, followed by Jasper. They couldn’t have stopped her if they wanted to. She ran to him and hugged him tightly. His strong arms engulfed her. He kissed the top of her head and then framed her face. His lips touched hers in a kiss that would have to last a lifetime. It spoke of their past, their present, and hopefully their future. She clung to him until Arlo gently drew her away and guided her back to her seat. It was as if one of her books had come to life. The whole thing felt like a dream but it was real and happening right in front of her. Madison put her arm around her as Dominic and Jasper walked to the middle of the room.
Not until now did she notice he was barefoot and only wearing shorts. His long hair tightly braided and pulled back. Jasper stood behind him dressed in sweatpants and a tee. They both nodded to Forge.
Soon, another vehicle could be heard on the crushed rock parking lot. Anyone traveling by would have to wonder what was going on but they’d set up roadblocks on the seldom traveled side road. Doors slammed again and everyone in the room stretched their necks to see who the other competitor would be.
The prospect by the door looked up and took a step back. Her heart sank when she saw how big the guy was. He was huge. The man was dressed just like Dom. Barefoot, bare chest, and wearing shorts. As he neared, she could see he had even more scars than Dominic. This man was used to fighting as well.
When he neared the center of the room, the man stood a head taller than pretty much everyone. He was followed by Maksim, who wore a smirk on his face. The guy already thought he’d won. They both greeted Forge and stood in the circle in the middle of the room.
“Dominic,” the other fighter addressed him, “you’re smaller than I remember.”
“And you’re older,” Dominic remarked with a snarl, and then he said something only Jasper could hear. He nodded and glanced at Roman.
“Both are here, so let’s get this started. You are?” Forge asked the new fighter.
“Oscar,” the giant man stated.
Forge held the wrist of each fighter in his hand like he was at an official match. “The rules are, there are no rules. The first five minutes you can only use your body. Hits, kicks, knees are all fine. After I call time, you can use any of the weapons lying on the floor, but only those weapons.”
Stephanie’s vision blurred as she noticed the different tools lying around the floor. She’d ignored them at first as they were simple tools found in any garage. Items like hammers, chains, screwdrivers, a saw. A saw! She moaned.
“No guns are allowed.” Forge directed his comment to Maksim. “If we see anyone trying to hand one of the fighters a gun, or any other kind of weapon, you will be tossed out. Do both fighters agree to the terms?”
Both men said yes. Forge and the two men’s seconds stepped back.
Jasper traveled to Roman’s side and Maksim joined his group of bikers.
Forge had one of those old-time railroad watches attached to a chain. He checked the time and yelled, “The five minutes starts now.”
Both fighters held their hands out, making jabs to test the other. Dom took a hit to the jaw but it just nicked him. If it had been a direct hit, he’d probably have gone to the ground. Dom kicked his opponent in the chest. A normal man would have fallen backward, but this guy remained strong. The jabs and hits continued for a minute until Oscar rushed Dom and threw him to the floor. The sound of bone and skin hitting the cement caused everyone to cringe.
Stephanie bit her finger to keep from calling out. Her love had just missed landing on a rusty crowbar by inches. The last thing she wanted to do was distract him. The fighters battled it out on the floor, rolling around. Wrestling exerted more strength than being on your feet boxing. Dominic struggled to get on top and finally got Oscar in a chokehold. Oscar threw his head back and his skull connected with Dom’s nose. Blood ran from his nostrils and he lost his grip. Oscar flipped Dom over and they were a sweaty mixture of limbs for the next several minutes as they grappled to gain the upper hand.
Her heart raced a hundred miles an hour as she watched. It was horrible to witness yet she couldn’t look away. At any second, his life could be snuffed out like a candle. They were both bruised and bloody by the fourth minute. It felt like forty minutes to her. She wobbled in her seat. Jasper now stood by her side and kept a tight hold on her shoulder. If she passed out, he would catch her. It was a given that he was there to look after her at the command of Dom. He hadn’t looked her way since it started. There was no way he would be able to.
Oscar was a very fierce competitor but Dom was fast on his feet. Three times they ended up on the floor. Then they were back on their feet, punching with everything they had. Oscar took a punch to the gut that had him wincing. The more they sweat, the more slippery they were to hang onto.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Roman’s hands were on his wife’s shoulders. Madison was as distressed as she was.
“Who is this man?” Roman asked Jasper.
“He’s the man who trained Dom back in Italy.” Jasper spoke so only they could hear.
“Before or after he was captured?” she wondered.
“Both.”
Forge stepped near the men grunting and groaning again on the floor. “Five minutes are up. Choose your weapons.” The surrounding men kicked the tools bordering the ring closer to the center. Dom had Oscar in another good hold and swung him around. The man’s leg ended up in the barbwire. The barbs punctured his skin and blood spattered the floor.
Oscar slipped from the hold and grabbed a near
by bat. He wheeled it back and swung it straight at Dominic’s head.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Dominic
They say your life flashes before your eyes right before you die. Nothing flashed, but when he witnessed the horror in Stephanie’s gaze, he knew it was time to move. The breeze from the swing of the bat cooled his heated flesh. Never did he think he would be back fighting again. That part of his life was a closed door that was never to be opened again, but here he was. Not only that, but he was up against the man who had trained him. Fucking Oscar!
The man had been a friend, a mentor, and then when Dom found out why he’d been so nice to him, the devil. It had all been a plan to get him into that twisted fight club. When he refused, they took Angelia. Now he was fighting for a woman again, only this time he would win. But it wasn’t going to be easy. Nothing ever was. The brute knew what he was doing. His opponent may have been older but he knew every trick in the book. Knew every delicate pressure point on the body. All the spots that one poke, one jab, or one well-placed kick could knock a person to their knees.
But Dominic had been a good student and he remembered those spots as well, and Oscar was a big target. In no time they were both sweating and breathing hard. It was hot, humid, and emotions were running high. Emotions that sometimes caused mistakes. One of them would die soon. Some of his former battles had gone fast. Inexperienced fighters came out swinging before taking the time to study the weaknesses of those they were up against.
Oscar had a bad knee. It was the opposite of the one he led with. Dom had tried to kick it a few times but missed. The man was still quick on his feet, that was for sure. There were a variety of weapons and tools scattered across the floor but none appealed to him. Dominic preferred to keep his prey close. Objects needed to be swung with force to do the most damage, so keeping a stronghold kept the other from using one effectively.
His body was bruised and battered. The cool concrete floor was littered with dirt that stuck to his skin. The crowd yelled encouragements but it was just static. The main thing was to stay focused. Tune the rest of the world out. That was sometimes hard to do when his life was at stake but he still managed to slow things down at least in his mind.