My eyes found hers, and tears poured like rivers down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Emma. It has to be this way.” I gently pried her fingers away with my other hand and held her back while I shook Scar’s hand, sealing the deal. Emma’s face turned blood red, and she jerked out of my hold. She might not forgive me yet, but I’d make up for it later.

  Scar nodded at Nikolai and motioned toward Emma. “Take her to the living room. I need to talk to Reynolds.”

  Emma’s daggered glare shot to Scar. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Nikolai took her arm, and she pulled it out of his grasp. I despised him touching her, but I didn’t want her in the room. “Emma, please. It’ll only be for a minute,” I promised.

  Huffing, Emma threw her arms in the air. “Fine. I’m out.”

  Scar exploded in laughter as Emma stormed to the door and swung it open with Nikolai right behind her. The other two goons stayed in their positions on opposite sides of the room.

  Scar shook his head. “She’s a spitfire.”

  “Just a little,” I agreed.

  Once the door was shut, Scar moved around to the back of the desk and sat down. “If you want to take Emma’s debt, you can do it by working for me. I need good, strong fighters.” I already had a feeling that was what he wanted.

  “You want me to fight for you?”

  “Not for me, per se,” he replied, his dark eyes gleaming in the light. “I need a winner, and that’s you. Someone who isn’t afraid of going all in, if you know what I mean.” I knew exactly what he meant.

  “I have to kill.” It was more of a statement than a question.

  Scar’s evil leer was answer enough. “Do you have a problem with that? If so, there’s another option.”

  My jaw hardened. “And that would be?”

  Grabbing his cigar, Scar leaned back in his seat and took a long drag, the smoke billowing out as he spoke. “Recruit for me.” He nodded at a piece of paper on his desk, and I reached for it.

  It was a list of names: Ethan Jameson, Ripp Jameson, Braden Emerson, Kase Rushing, and Hunter Andrews.

  Brooks’ name was scratched off.

  “What the hell is this?” I countered, holding up the paper.

  Scar pointed at the list. “I want them all. Well, except for the other Jameson boy. I know he’s part of the FBI. I don’t want his kind in here.”

  After crumpling up the paper, I tossed it on the floor. “I’m not recruiting my friends for this shit.”

  “That’s fine,” Scar said, shrugging ruefully. “You just have to be willing to pay the price. Think your soul can handle it?”

  “I’m not worried about my fucking soul. Their freedom is not something I can give. Put me in the ring, and I’ll do what you want.”

  Scar nodded once. “You can sign the contract here tomorrow. I’ll have Nikolai pick you up.” He leaned forward in his seat. “And Reynolds, it needs to be you and you alone.” That was fine with me. I didn’t want Emma anywhere near this place.

  “Are we done here?”

  He waved toward the door. “We are. You’re free to leave.”

  One of his men opened the door, and I charged out. Emma was alone on the expensive white leather couch while Nikolai sat across from her on the matching loveseat, holding our blindfolds.

  When Emma saw me, she jumped up and rushed over. “What was that about?”

  Grabbing her wrist, I pulled her to me and whispered, “Later.”

  Nikolai tossed me my blindfold and went to stand behind Emma, slowly sliding hers down over her eyes, his menacing gaze taunting me.

  “Keep it up, Michelson,” I growled low. “At the rate you’re going, you’ll be the first one I kill.”

  A sneer pulled at Nikolai’s cheeks. “I’d like to see you try.”

  Chapter 22

  Emma

  It took all I had to bite my tongue on the way home. I was angry at Carter for what he did, for offering himself up to God knows what.

  “Brrr, it’s a little cold in here,” Nikolai teased. “You two have a wonderful rest of your night.”

  Jerking off my blindfold, I tossed it in the seat and got out, slamming the door hard. I was hoping the window would break, but that was foolish thinking. Carter followed behind me, and I didn’t look at him when I stepped out of the way for him to unlock the door. The second we were inside, and away from prying eyes, I let him have it.

  “What were you thinking? I know what that bastard wants you to do,” I snapped.

  Carter sighed and walked past me to the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of tequila out of his liquor cabinet along with a glass and poured a big shot. “I did it for you,” he said, his serious gaze pinned on me, “and I’d do it again.” He tossed the amber liquid back and poured even more into his glass.

  When it was apparent he wasn’t going to stop there, I stormed over and jerked the tequila bottle away from him, slamming it down on the counter. “What did Scar say that I wasn’t privy to? And don’t lie to me or give me half-truths. I need to know what this is costing you.”

  Carter fiddled with his glass and looked away. “Scar wants a fighter.”

  I knew it, but it still didn’t stop the knots from coiling in my belly. “What kind of fights?” I asked, wanting to hear him say it.

  Carter faced me, his gaze unwavering and hard. “You know the answer to that.”

  He had to kill, to fight to the death. That was what Scar was all about. I never should’ve let Carter come with me; I should’ve figured out a way to go to the meeting alone.

  “You’re not a killer, Carter.”

  Carter focused on his empty glass. “No, but I can do this. Pax, Camden, and my aunt all fought for Scar. They came out okay.”

  “And look where we are now,” I argued. “They crossed him, and now we have to look over our shoulders because of it.”

  Grabbing the bottle of liquor, Carter poured another shot. “It’s better than the second option.”

  My stomach plummeted. “What second option?”

  Leaning over on the counter, Carter tossed back his shot. I could tell the tequila had started to take its effect. “I won’t have to do as much if I recruit other fighters.” His gaze snapped up to mine; the color was darker than his usual greenish amber. “He gave me a list, Emma.”

  He didn’t have to tell me who was on it because I already knew. “Ethan was on it, right?”

  “And Ripp, Braden, Hunter, and Kase,” he added. “I can’t do that to them. I’ll sacrifice my own freedom.” Carter’s phone beeped, and he pulled it out of his pocket, eyes blazing when he looked at the screen. He slid the phone across the counter, and it fell to the floor with a loud thunk.

  “Who was it?” I asked.

  Carter snarled his lip. “That stupid cunt who can’t keep his eyes off of you. He’s picking me up tomorrow morning, said we have a long day.”

  “Of what?” I inquired hesitantly.

  “Fuck if I know.” Coming over to me, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into him. “While I’m gone, I need you to stay with your brother and the others. Promise me.” I could hear the desperation in his voice.

  Laying my head on his chest, I breathed him in. “I promise.”

  His arms wrapped around me, almost as if he was afraid I’d run away. I wasn’t going anywhere. “Why do I feel like you’ll fight me when things start to change?”

  I didn’t want things to change, but what Carter was about to endure would no doubt turn him into someone else. “You can’t take all of this on yourself,” I murmured.

  “I can and I will.” Then, grasping my arms, he gently pried me away so he could cup my face with his warm hands. He kissed me softly at first, the pressure growing harder with each passing second. Then, he nipped my lip and rested his forehead on mine. “Let’s go to bed. I need you right now.”

  “You have me. You always will.”

  As he took my hand and led me down the hall to his bedroom, all I could feel was helpless. Carter was risking his life to save my family and me, and there was nothing I could do to help him. There were no words that could make everything all right.

  Once in the bedroom, Carter kept his raw gaze on mine as he took off his clothes, and I did the same with mine, minus my bra and underwear. Reaching behind me, Carter unclasped my bra and tossed it to the floor. Bare from the waist up, I heard a rumble of satisfaction growling in his chest when he looked at me. He picked me up in his arms and set me down on his bed, spreading me wide once he slipped off my underwear. I glanced down at his thick length and shivered, my body growing wet at the sight.

  He kissed his way down my leg to the inside of my thigh and slid his tongue down my slit. My body jerked, and I gasped, wanting more. Entering me with his tongue, Carter fondled my clit with his nose and breathed me in. He replaced his tongue with his fingers and pushed them inside with ease. Holy hell, I wanted to feel him inside me, to feel the connection. I was so close to losing control, but he pulled back before my orgasm could peak.

  Trailing his lips up my stomach, he latched onto a nipple, sucking it greedily. I arched off the bed and whimpered. Chuckling, he flicked his tongue across a sensitive peak before hovering above me, the tip of him pressing against my opening.

  “I know you were close.”

  I waved him off. “I’d rather you be inside of me when I come.”

  Lowering his body onto mine, he circled his cock in my wetness before pushing. “I can do that.”

  My body instantly clenched, wanting more of him … all of him. He glided in slow, almost as if he was afraid he’d hurt me. “I love you, Emma.” Delight swelled in my heart, and I had to catch my breath. I hadn’t heard those words from him in a long time. A part of me wondered if I’d imagined it, but Carter gazed down at me, his hand softly against my cheek. “Did you hear me?”

  Eyes burning, I nodded quickly. “Say it again.”

  He kissed me tenderly on the lips. “I love you. Always have.”

  Lips trembling, I cupped his cheeks. “I love you too.”

  His body rocked gently back and forth until he was fully submerged inside of me. I moaned with the pleasure and pain of it, and he groaned, picking up his pace. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I held on tight as he made love to me. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I fully opened up to him, letting him in. Our bodies moved perfectly in sync. My orgasm built, and without warning, it exploded from within. Clutching his arms, I rode wave after wave of pleasure until he released inside me, all warm and thick. His breaths came out deep, almost like growls as he regained his composure. I didn’t want him to see my tears, but he saw them when he looked down at me. He turned my face to the side to be sure and swiped his fingers along the wetness.

  “Why are you crying?” He slowly pulled out of me and laid beside me, resting on his elbow so he could see my face.

  I shrugged. “There’s just so many emotions right now. I’m happy we’re together and don’t have to fight those feelings anymore, but on the flip side, I’m angry and terrified.”

  He nodded in understanding. “I get that. But I need you to promise me you won’t tell the others what happened tonight. They don’t need to know.”

  My conscience battled inside me, and I didn’t want him to see it. I disagreed with him. Our friends needed to know what was going on. “Don’t ask me to make a promise I don’t know I can keep, Carter.” He sighed, and I wrapped my arm around his waist, resting my head on his chest. “But I will promise that I won’t tell them unless it’s absolutely essential.”

  Carter kissed the top of my head. “At least you were honest.”

  Tilting up my chin, I looked right into his eyes. “No lies, Carter. That’s all I ask. Don’t lie to me, and don’t keep me in the dark. This won’t work if you do.”

  His lips spread into a grim line. “You’ll see me differently, Emma. If I have to kill someone, to fight to the death ….”

  Shaking my head, I cut him off with my words. “I’ll still love you. The only monsters around us are Scar and his people, not you.” I could see the doubt in his eyes, and it killed me that he didn’t fully trust that I’d still love him. Whatever happened, I’d be by his side, no matter what.

  Nothing could turn me against him, and I’d prove it to him.

  My nerves were shot, and I couldn’t sleep, so I got up to watch the sunrise and made breakfast as if it was a typical day. I could almost imagine Carter and me spending the afternoon on the beach, laughing and enjoying our time together. Only that wasn’t going to happen.

  Carter’s phone was still on the floor from where he threw it, so I picked it up and set it on the kitchen counter, shocked that it wasn’t damaged. There were no calls on it yet. Nikolai was supposed to get Carter sometime this morning, and I didn’t want him to leave. Unfortunately, I had no choice.

  Everything was quiet as I glanced around at Carter’s home. I remembered the day it went on the market and how excited Carter was to put an offer on it. He’d changed the inside to more masculine gray colors instead of the earthy tones it came in. That was Carter’s style: sexy and serious. He wasn’t your earthy, laid-back type of guy. Not only did I pick out the comforter in his bedroom, but I helped him choose the living room furniture as well. Everything was the same. The black leather couch and chairs barely looked sat in. Guess he was telling the truth when he said he didn’t spend much time at home.

  The second I sat down at the table to eat my scrambled eggs and bacon, Carter walked in, freshly showered and dressed in jeans and a dark blue T-shirt. The scruff on his face made him look rugged and unpredictable, like there was a wildness to him. I could already feel a shift in his demeanor; he had to be hardcore in whatever game Scar had him playing.

  “I made breakfast,” I called out.

  Carter fixed a plate of eggs and bacon and sat at the table with me. He gave a thin smile, and I could tell he was preoccupied. But at least he ate, which made me happy.

  I picked at my food and studied him. “What are you thinking about?”

  Blowing out a heavy sigh, Carter met my gaze. “Honestly? No fucking clue. My mind’s a blank right now.”

  His phone beeped, and he dropped the fork on his plate. “Here we go.” He walked over to the kitchen counter to look at his phone. The muscles in his jaw tightened when he read the text. “They’ll be here in ten minutes.” He returned and picked up his plate, setting it in the sink. “You can use my car today.” I watched him snatch his car keys from the key rack, and set them down beside me. “You promised you’d stay around your family. Text me when you get to the gym, so I know you got there safely.”

  Looking up at him, I nodded. “I will.”

  I finished eating quickly and washed up the dishes. I wanted to be gone before Nikolai arrived. Once I had my tennis shoes on, I grabbed my gym bag, and Carter walked with me into the garage. He pressed the button to open the garage doors, and there behind his silver Range Rover was Nikolai’s SUV, blocking us in. Nikolai hopped out of the driver’s side, and the behemoth of a man with him got out from the other. Nikolai wasn’t in a suit like last night but dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt. The giant with him had on an expensive suit with his gun tucked away in the holster under his jacket. I’d seen several mafia movies in my time, but I never thought I’d be trapped in one.

  “Good morning Emma,” Nikolai said to me, completely ignoring Carter. “Where you off to?”

  Carter stepped in his way. “That’s none of your fucking business. You’re here for me.”

  Nikolai scowled. “Unfortunately.” He nodded toward his vehicle. “The blindfold is in the backseat. Let’s go.”

  Dismissing him, Carter turned to me. “Be careful.”

  Swallowing hard, I nodded. “You too.”

  He kissed me quickly and disappeared inside the SUV. I couldn’t see him through the tinted windows. Nikolai grinned at me as he backed out of the driveway, making my uneasiness worse. From here on out, every time Carter left, I’d never know if he’d come back.

  Opening the door to Carter’s car, I tossed my gym bag across the seat and hopped in. I backed out of the driveway and pressed the button to shut the garage door. I could see Nikolai’s SUV a little way down the road, and fought the urge to follow them. If I were in a different car, I would. Next time, I had to plan better.

  The drive to Fightanium didn’t take long, and everyone was already there when I arrived. Before going in, I texted Carter just like he requested so he’d know I was safe. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to message back, I slid my phone into my gym bag and headed inside. My dad was in one of the fighting rings with Ethan, Ripp, and my uncle Camden. Reagan was in the other with Braden and Paxton. The second they all looked at me, it was as if time stood still. Since the meeting was just last night, Carter and I hadn’t had the chance to speak with them. I wanted to tell them the whole truth, but I couldn’t yet.

  My dad leaned over the ropes and smiled. “You training with us today?”

  Plastering on a smile, I nodded. I could use all the fighting practice I could get. “Yep.

  He waved for me to join him. “Come on then.”

  After I climbed up into the ring, I went straight to Ethan, leaning against him while I pretended to fix my shoes. “What happened?” he asked, his voice low.

  I whispered back, “I promised Carter I wouldn’t say anything unless it got worse. I feel that’s going to be sooner rather than later.”

  Ethan grumbled under his breath. “Fucking shit. We knew this was coming.”

  “Yeah, we did. We’ll talk later.”

  I’m ready for the day to end.

  Chapter 23

  Carter

  I tried to concentrate on the different turns with the blindfold on, but I couldn’t keep up. Nikolai and the guy up front, whose name was Wheeler, talked about football the entire time. Wheeler was only a couple of years older than me and Nikolai and had closely shaved blond hair and a thick British accent. I was hoping they’d talk about something important, but that didn’t happen.