Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78725 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78725 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“Then step in and try, shortstuff,” Teo mocked. “I’ve taken shits that are longer and bigger than you.”
“Can you guys knock it off?” Ari yelled. When she frowned, she looked more like me than I did. “We’re not here for a dick-measuring contest. We’re here for business.”
“I’m glad one of you understands how it works.” Lucien sneered at the rest of us. “I have half a mind to find someone else to support.”
“Then go ahead.”
“I think you might need us more than we need you.” Lotto wasn’t even looking at Lucien but clicking around on his phone. “Have a second sponsor asking for a meeting.”
Something flashed across Lucien’s face as quick as a KO punch. He took out his phone and shot off a quick text before stuffing it back into his pocket.
“No, you don’t. Or at least you won’t.” Lucien’s smirk grew when his eyes landed on Lotto. “Expect a call canceling that meeting.”
“Are you threatening us?” I was no stranger to threats in and out of the ring, but this took the cake. What was his end game? Why did he have such a hard-on for Smiley’s?
“Would I really threaten my meal ticket?”
“Yeah,” Bones called from the ring.
Ari shushed him. “Not threaten. Just make it so no one else decides to sponsor us.” She narrowed her eyes, mirroring my expression. It was almost uncanny how alike we looked. “The question is why.”
“I already told you.” Lucien shifted on his feet, the first sign of a shittily-hidden lie. The second was his nervous smile. “Expansion across the coast. I have big dreams and need a big team to fill those shoes.”
“Beatbox Fitness is down the way.” I shrugged. “Could ask them.”
“I have no idea who they are. I want proven champions.”
“So you did see us at Heathens Hollow.” Lotto hummed, his lips pulling into a frown. Even he looked like me today. What, was this ‘look like Frankie’ day or something? “That’s probably why you want us so badly.”
“You can take it or leave it. Though you won’t want to leave it. If I walk out of this door without the promise of a contract, you won’t be picked for the Circuit at all.”
“Sounds like a threat to me,” River hollered, shrugging when Lucien glared at him. “Don’t take out your small dick energy on me, Lucien.”
“I’ll cry into my money about it—the same money I’ll save by sponsoring someone else. Choose.”
Ari looked like she would rather dig her own grave than be subject to Lucien Fritz’s whims for the next few months. I was right there with her. This one meeting was already a damn headache.
But if his threats were true, and he blocked us from getting any other sponsor, we wouldn’t be able to join the Circuit. We’d be stuck relying on Troy Godwin and also be without River. There was no way he would stay with us if we went back to Heathens Hollow—the clause in his contract stipulating “fair” and “legal” means spelled that out pretty clearly.
Basically, we were on the ropes and relying on a little weasel to bail us out.
Fuck me.
“Can we—” Ari blew out air from her nose and glanced at Lotto, who shook his head slightly, his sign of shit being no good. She sighed and turned to our three fighters in the ring. “What do you think?”
“I think our opponent isn’t in the Circuit at all, but standing there in an ill-fitted suit.” River shrugged. He pushed off the ropes. “But you’re the boss.”
“We’ll do whatever you choose, Ari.” Bones glared at Lucien when he added, “Since you’re the owner and the one we answer to.”
“I’m always outvoted anyway, so why are you even asking me.” Teo smacked Bones’ arm with one of his gloves. “I just follow whatever this big lug says so he doesn’t kick my ass.”
Even with the team’s agreement, Ari didn’t look convinced. She had the weight of more than six people’s livelihoods on her shoulders, and not just that but her father’s legacy, too. It was a big burden to carry and one she couldn’t carry on her own.
I set my hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “Let me.”
She visibly relaxed, shoulders sagging and tension evaporating. Her nod was choppy yet grateful. If shit went south, I could take the blame for this one. It was my way of protecting her and the Smiley’s crew. I’d learned my lesson last time not to put my body on the line to keep us safe. But my wallet, my reputation, my ass? Those were fair game.
“I turned to Lucien and snapped my fingers. “You got a contract ready?”
“Sure do. Ready to sign back at my office.”
“Lotto, let’s go.” If anyone knew fair contracts, it was Lotto. He nodded and rounded the front desk to join me. I glanced back at Bones, River, and Teo. “Keep practicing. Ari, watch over them. We’ll be back soon.”