THE CLUB WAS packed when I pulled into the parking lot. The adrenaline rushed through my veins as I mentally prepared myself for the inevitable backlash I would have to endure. It’d been two years since I fought, two years since I fucked anyone over. Time could help people forget, but in my case, they were all bound to remember. I was a legend back in my prime, but if you were to ask my enemies, I was a curse.
I parked my bike and took off my helmet just in time to answer my ringing phone. “Hey.”
“Are you there yet?” Megan asked.
I glanced behind me at the swarms of people. “Yep. Getting ready to walk up to the door. Are you sure Jake’s going to let me in?”
“Yes, I promise. We’re going to rehearse one more time and then I’ll be there to watch you. I’m praying there’s no traffic.”
Taking a deep breath, I started toward the door. “I guess I’ll see you when you get here. Wish me luck.”
“You got this, Kyle. I’ll see you soon.”
We hung up the phone and as soon as I met the bouncer’s narrowed gaze, he stiffened. He was the same size as me, with a shaved head, and a look that could kill. I guess it was a good thing I wasn’t afraid of him. Without balking, I continued my pace toward him.
“I know who you are,” he grumbled in disgust. His muscles tensed, ready for a fight, but I wasn’t stupid enough to challenge him. I’d be kicked off the property in a heartbeat.
I stood my ground. “Well, if you know who I am, then you’ll see me on the list.”
He put the notepad behind his back. “What list? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Clenching my teeth, I backed up a step and kept my calm. “Look, I don’t want any trouble. Jake agreed to let me come back. All I want to do is fight and go home.”
Luckily, Jake showed up at the right time. “You’re fine, Andrews. You can come in.” Without another glance to the bouncer, I stalked past him. Jake held out his hand and I shook it. “You did well. I didn’t know if you’d pass the test but you did.”
“What are you talking about?”
Jake nodded toward the door. “With Zane out there. I had him fuck with you on purpose. If you attempted to fight him, I wasn’t going to let you in the door.”
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
He chuckled. “I know, I could see it in your eyes. I must say you’re a lot different from what I remember.”
I followed him toward the back. “I’ve had a couple of humbling years, where all I could do was sit and think. It kind of puts things in perspective.”
“That it does. Tonight, you’ll be fighting a guy named Perry Baxter. He’s rough, but he also agreed to fight you. A lot of guys here remember your reputation. They don’t want to be on your bad side.”
I looked around the room, at the guys fighting in the ring and the energy circulating. I missed the way it made me feel alive.
“Follow me and I’ll show you where you can warm up.” He took me to a secluded corner where other fighters sat wrapping their hands and stretching. “You’ll be up in about an hour.”
I set my bag down and took a seat. “Thanks Jake. I appreciate this.”
“Thank Megan and Pax. They’re the ones who got you in here.”
I nodded, knowing he wouldn’t have let me in otherwise. Once he disappeared through the crowd, I got to focusing on the task at hand. I blocked everything out and cleared my head, concentrating on my breathing.
With my head down, I leaned on my elbows, taking long, deep breaths. My meditation was cut short when someone stopped right in front of me. I looked up at him and he smiled. He was tall and muscular, about the same height as me, with sweaty, dark brown hair and dark eyes. He must’ve just gotten done with a fight.
“I heard you were going to be here. I’m Grady.” He held out his hand and I shook it.
“Kyle.”
“Yeah, I know. When some of the guys saw you in here, I thought they were going to shit a brick. They’re all pussies.”
“And I guess you’re not?”
He chuckled and sat down beside me. “Nope. I like living on the edge. So who are you fighting tonight?”
I shrugged. “Some dude named Perry Baxter.”
His eyes widened. “I wish you luck on that one. He’s undefeated here. I’m going to sign up to fight him next week.” Nodding, I searched through the crowd, hoping to see Megan, but she wasn’t there yet. “So what are you doing after the fight? Do you want to grab some drinks with me and my friends at the bar?”
“I can’t, but maybe next time.”
“Ah, you must have a girl coming to see you. I get it. My last girlfriend dumped me so I’ve been on the lookout for pussy.” His gaze found a group of girls exiting the room and his eyes flashed. “I think I just found what I’m looking for.” Getting to his feet, he winked and started for the women. “Good luck with your fight. Catch you later.”
Shaking my head, I watched him put his arm around the girls and look back at me and wink. He reminded me of myself so long ago, not a care in the world and always looking for a piece of ass.
Time started to slowly trickle by and I knew it was almost time for my fight. Perry Baxter was announced first and I watched as he barreled into the ring. He had a black mohawk and arms the size of my thighs, but I wasn’t worried; especially when Megan rushed into the arena and her gaze met mine.
The announcer called my name, but Megan held up her hand and ran to me. She was out of breath, but she wrapped her arms around me and smiled. “I’m sorry I’m late. Go kick some ass.”
I glared at Perry who stood in the ring, smirking at me. “No worries, love. That tool’s going down.”