6
LOREN
Sax led Monroe and me down to the lower level, the last fight had ended a moment ago. Everything felt more extreme this time, and I didn’t know if it was because I was more aware of my surroundings, was here with five gorgeous and slightly dangerous men, or because Wells was fighting this go around.
Perhaps it was all three.
My whole body buzzed, my skin sensitive to every touch and brush of fabric that caressed it, making me a panting mess. My nerves were so heightened, I felt everything tenfold, my pussy throbbing from each heated look and touch—to think I’d even orgasmed earlier.
Sax pushed open a door, and we walked out onto the first level. The sound exploded around us, and I stepped back into Monroe in surprise. Sax glanced back at me in concern.
“You okay, Spitfire?”
“Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting it to be so loud.”
“Ah.” He nodded, understanding on his face. “There’s a sound barrier upstairs to help block some of it. There are speakers in the walls to amplify the announcers, but the crowd is muted. Do you want earplugs?”
“No, I should be fine. I just wasn’t expecting it. I’m good.”
Sax linked our fingers, and I turned, holding out my hand for Monroe, offering him my other hand. He smiled, taking it, and we walked down the aisle toward some seats together.
“How’s Levi?” I asked Monroe. He’d stepped out a few minutes before we moved down here to say goodnight to him. One of the neighbors who was on the approved list was watching him tonight. She had a young boy his age, and they got along well. Levi had been excited about seeing his friend, helping relieve some of the guilt Monroe felt for leaving him so soon.
“He’s good. Barely even wanted to talk to me.” He chuckled, not upset about it. “They were watching some YouTube videos and playing Roblox. So, basically, he’s having the time of his life, and I just need to quit worrying.”
“I like this plan.” I smiled over at him, squeezing his hand. Sax directed me to our seats, and we found ourselves in the front row a few seconds later. I’d been expecting some steel folding chairs, but the ones down here were luxurious. Sitting down, I was pleased with how comfortable they were, and I knew Atticus had gone through all these details himself. Sax leaned over as we waited, his arm going to the back of my seat.
“What were you and Atticus talking about earlier?”
“Oh, um, nothing really. He needed a distraction, so I helped. It was actually a good conversation.”
Sax’s lips lifted up, but before he could retort, music started playing, and the emcee stepped into the octagon ring, pumping up the crowd.
“Alright, ladies and gents! Are we ready for our next fight? We have Crash versus Berserker.”
“Fuck,” Sax cursed, peering down at me and then to Monroe. “Don’t go anywhere unless there’s an emergency before I get back. Stay with the golden boy, or grab a guard. Trust no one else unless it’s someone you know. Do you understand, Spitfire?”
Nodding, I swallowed, his fear palpable as he spoke. “Is Wells going to be okay?”
He didn’t answer, gritting his jaw, and I knew it was his way of not lying to me. “I’ll be back. Stay put.”
“Okay.”
Monroe pulled me closer, and I curled into him, the excitement changing to fear at the way Sax had acted. Peering up at him, I watched as he looked around, trying to assess danger.
“Do you know this other fighter, Berserker?”
“No, but I’m guessing that wasn’t who he was supposed to fight.”
“Oh, shit. Jude and Immy!” I turned, forgetting Sax’s command in the chaos and wanting to make sure they were fine.
“Ssh, they’re fine, Lo. Atticus, Nicco, and a whole slew of men with dangerous looks are up there.”
“Ah, yeah.” I blushed. “Thank you.”
“You know, you’re really good at that mom thing despite not having done it before.”
The comment was innocent, but it hit my sore spot, and I stiffened, letting go of his waist.