“Fiona!” called someone from downstairs.
“Coming!” she replied as she quickly pulled off her shorts and pulled on a pair of skinny black jeans that hugged her legs like a second skin. She slid off her top and snapped on a lacy black bra, topping it with a light pink top that was just thick enough to give the illusion of coverage.
She felt like being sexy tonight, despite her better judgment.
The house had filled with people; most of the family members were meeting there to carpool into New Jersey for the event. Many New York fighters made the trek, as New York had stricter regulations against the sport, banning it in most places. Seamus, Kieran, and Rory had gone ahead with Kane, needing the time to help him warm up. Nora, Casey, Clare, Quinn, and Dee were all in the kitchen when she went downstairs. The last brother, whom she was excited to finally meet tonight—Jimmy—was going to meet them there.
“Fiona, this is Kiera Finley.” Dee introduced a thin, young woman with bold red hair and big eyes. “Not to be confused with our Kieran, of course.”
“Yes, please.” Kiera laughed. “People in the neighborhood often tease us about the similar names.”
“I think I’ll be able to tell the difference between you two,” Fiona chuckled. “Thank you so much for watching Shea. I’ve written down her routine on this paper, as well as contact numbers in case you need me. She’s up in her room reading right now. She’s going to want dinner in about an hour, probably.”
“Sounds good to me. Don’t worry about a thing, I’ve been babysitting for years, and I’m in college to become a teacher. I just finished an internship working in a special-education class, so I’ve had some really great experiences and training with children like Shea.” Kiera smiled brightly, and Fiona noticed that Quinn was standing to the side looking over at her…with longing?
When Kiera followed her glance, she saw Quinn, and they both quickly turned away from each other. Fiona tried to suppress a smile, but seeing the heavily tatted and pierced Quinn blushing at this young schoolteacher was something she’d never expected of him.
“Perfect. We’ll be back pretty late, then, but her bedtime is eight,” Fiona said, and Kiera nodded.
“Everyone ready? Let’s get in the car!” Dee announced, pushing them toward the door.
The crowd dispersed, and Nora hooked her arm around Fiona’s elbow, giving her a reassuring smile as they climbed into the car. Fiona smiled back, but her nerves were crawling across her skin. There was an entire evening ahead of her that held promises.
She just wasn’t sure if she was doing the right thing.
—
The moment they got to the arena over the bridge in New Jersey, all the men abandoned them. Quinn went to join his brothers and father in the locker room, and the women were left to find their own seats and wait for the match to begin. Luckily, an area had been cordoned off near the front for family, and so they had a great view of the cage. Fiona was instantly intimidated by the entire thing, and Nora was right there with her.
“This is freaking giant,” Nora whispered to her as both women scanned the domed arena lined with bleachers, all facing in toward the middle stage.
It was at least five feet off the ground with stairs to get up to it. The octagon-shaped stage was fenced with thick crisscrossing material that had lowered down from the ceiling, essentially turning it into a cage with no way out. As the PA system alerted everyone to find their seats, the cage walls rose.
Fiona squeezed her friend’s hand as an announcer climbed into the cage and greeted the crowd.
“Ladies and gentleman! Welcome to the State Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight Championships! Tonight we’ve got up-and-coming Kane ‘Killer’ Kavanagh—”
The entire Kavanagh family jumped to their feet and hollered in excitement. Fiona joined them, smiling at the spirited support this family was known for.
“…versus last year’s champion, Nick ‘Nut Cracker’ Allen!” the announcer finished, his voice booming through the arena. Neither opponent had yet made an appearance. Fiona looked around, wondering where they were.
“Why are the guys not out yet?” Clare, who was sitting next to her, leaned over to ask.
“Beats me, this is my first time at one of these,” Fiona replied, looking over at Casey, who was next to Clare.
Casey shrugged. “They usually come out with the first announcement.”
“Ladies, shush! Pay attention,” Dee instructed, her finger to her lips and a mysterious glint in her eyes. They all quieted, exchanging silly grins and focusing once more on the announcer.