Stand Of Redemption(51)

Zane shook his head. “This isn’t going to turn out well. The longer you’re involved with her, the more likely it’s going to get out. We’re both headed to jail when it happens.”

“Like I said, it’s under control,” Nick said with finality.

“Dammit, Nick, find somewhere else to stick your dick. There are plenty of willing women that you can throw to the side once you’re done with them.” Zane raised his voice. “It’s what you do. Don’t do the same with Ria. She’s had a rough time as it is.”

“I like her, asshole!” Nick snapped back, regretting the words immediately.

Zane’s eyes widened. “No shit?”

Nick rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. “No shit,” he replied quietly.

“You’re in a fucked-up place, man. I don’t know what to tell you except I don’t think it’s going to end well. I don’t see her being too accepting once she finds out. And I personally don’t want to serve time, but that will be the least of my problems. The cartel might change its mind and want revenge, and then Melanie might be in danger.”

“She isn’t going to find out, Zane,” Nick promised.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. I never intended for Melanie to know about working for the cartel to protect your family, but secrets have a way of coming out, and that’s when the shit hits the fan,” Zane stated.

“She won’t find out,” Nicholas repeated stubbornly.

Zane stood up to leave. “I’ll tell Melanie the good news. She’s been waiting for a woman that could rip out your heart. And by the way, you’re going to be my best man.”

Nick grunted, “Okay.”

Zane let himself out and Nick locked the door behind him.

“Fuck!” he yelled out loud.

Zane was right; it wasn’t going to end well.

* * *

Nicholas woke up and ran the two miles he did every morning to clear his head, Zane’s words repeating in his mind.

He had seen the look of disappointment on her face when he’d said it would be an early night, but the guilt had kicked in when he finally recognized her car. He’d known it looked familiar the first time he’d seen it. It was Matthew’s old car. He recalled Matthew getting out of it the day he and Zane had been waiting for him. He couldn’t believe the car was still running after all these years.

He’d instantly known he had to get away to clear his head after recognition had dawned. He was aware that his judgment was clouded when he was with her. He was tired of the conflict of emotions; one moment wanting her, then the next trying to convince himself to end it. He had been in a deep freeze so long that he didn’t know if he was making the right choices anymore. Was he endangering Zane and Melanie? He didn’t want Melanie or Ria hurt because of his actions.

With Alejandro living, he would never have released Zane, and he would have been a constant threat to Melanie. If they had turned him over to the police, their lives would have been worthless. They’d had no choice. Yet, would Ria see it that way?

* * *

Nick walked up to the pit wearing a t-shirt and shorts. The rules were simple: don’t step out of the pit, use your fists, and go for the KO.

The audience tonight was large. It was only a matter of time before word got out what he was doing. The last two times, he had managed to tell everyone his face had been messed up sparring with Marco, and Marco had backed him up. Melanie had given them both hell. He didn’t think it would be so easy to lie this time when he looked at his opponent.

Ace Barros was a cutthroat fighter who did what it took to get the win. Nick had actually seen him fight a couple of times before he had been banned for illegal maneuvers.

Nick took his t-shirt off when his name was called. Raising his arms in the air, he stepped into the pit, walking around the small, circular space to the cheers and hisses of the crowd.

When Ace’s name was called, he ripped his t-shirt apart before stepping into the pit. The hisses were louder above the cheers, but the response was just as deafening. He arrogantly strode around the pit, throwing murderous glares toward him.

Yep, this one is going to be hard to explain.

After the bell sounded, they went at each other. If this was a ring fight, Nick would be trying to take him down for the win. Here, he was going for the KO; thus he went for Ace’s head. He had spent the time since his last fight building his strength by lifting weights and using the punching bag. He felt the difference since his last fight, but the punch Ace landed nearly knocked him out of the pit. If it hadn’t slanted downwards, he would have.

He needed this win. If he lost, Ria would be going out with another man during the next fight. That wasn’t fucking going to happen.