The Complete Rockstar Series (32 page)

Without another thought, I grab my thin gloves and yank them on. “Fine. Do we need a ref?” Shaun prefers to fight ‘street style’, meaning without rules or referees. He hates being told what he can and can’t do.

Predictably, my brother’s eyes narrow and he steps up into the cage. “No.”

Certain I’ll regret this come morning, I follow him up the stairs, slamming the cage door behind me.

Shaun grins from his corner, smacking a fist into an open palm. “Sure you’re up for this? Your fight is in what… a week?”

“Nine days,” I snap. Not that I’m counting.

“Hold up!” Shaun laughs. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist. Dad’ll murder me if I injure you so you can’t fight. I’m just wondering how hard I can hit your tender face, that’s all.”

“Fuck off, Shaun. Are we going to have a chat over tea or are we going to fight?” I move towards the center of the ring with my fists up.

Shaun shakes his head, smiling. “Always a glutton for punishment, aren’t you? Fine, on three…two…one.”

We both come out swinging.

It’s the shortest fight either one of us has ever had.

K
ate

“
W
here is this place
?”

This is so cocked up. I have no idea what I’m even doing here. I’m so frightened, I can’t even answer Tasha’s question. A quick glance around at the neighborhood that surrounds us has me shivering in fear. Each street is getting scarier than the last.

I feel exposed and vulnerable in this part of Hackney. It’s not known for its friendly atmosphere, that’s for sure, and after dark isn’t the time for a couple of girls to be wandering the streets. We’re actually disturbingly close to the street known as Murder Mile.

Briefly, the image of Dax holding me close and keeping me safe while he fights off criminals flashes though my head. Another shiver wracks my body, but I’m certain this time it isn’t from fear. No, it’s definitely desire that has me shaking. That and my superhero fantasies.

Even though he’s walked me home every day for the last week, Dax hasn’t tried for another kiss or anything else. Honestly, I wish he would. All that talk of him being such a big ladies’ man must be just that—talk. Otherwise, he would certainly have made a move on me by now. Unless… maybe he isn’t interested in me in that way.

Maybe he was in an experimental mood that night. The thought is damn depressing. Or maybe the massive split lip and bruised chin he was sporting earlier this week kept him in check. Who knows?

Reaching into my pocket, I fish out the scrap of paper with the directions scribbled out. Directions.
Ha!
It’s a bloody illegal fight club. You’re not supposed to know where it is. There’s not exactly going to be a big sign out front now, is there?

“Second building after Parson’s Laundrette,” I mutter, feeling significantly less confident about this plan than I was a few minutes ago. One kiss and I’m bloody stalking a bloke in the worst part of town. Hell, he probably kissed me out of pity—threw me a proverbial bone.

“This is so crazy, Kate. I can’t believe we’re doing this!” Tasha glances around nervously as we walk, but I can hear the excitement in her voice, feel it in her step. She always wanted to be the rebel, the bad girl. Now she’s getting her chance. I’ve given her the perfect excuse to let loose and embrace her inner wild side by mentioning the club. Hell,
she’s
the one who suggested we find it.

We come to a stop in front of a large, abandoned brick structure. It’s completely dark, not a single light is on inside.

My head swivels around, looking for any signs of humanity. Nothing. Just the eerily silent night, mocking my desperation with its darkness. “This can’t be it.”

“Maybe—” Tasha’s thought is cut short by a man’s voice. We quickly huddle behind an overturned rubbish bin.

“Oi! Joe! Get yer arse in ‘ere!”

I whip around just in time to see a bright light shine out of a crack on the bottom level of the building. A man ducks inside what appears to be the outline of a door then it closes behind him, plunging us back into blackness. Fear grips me—hard—slithering down my spine in icy, probing tentacles.

We should not be here.

“Why did I let you talk me into this, Tash?”

As much as try, I can’t blame Tasha for our situation. After spending the last few weeks getting to know Dax, as Ellie’s best friend of course, I want the chance to see him one on one, without Adam and Ellie around making me feel like I’m on a supervised non-date. Naturally, when I confessed my thoughts to Tasha, she came up with this brilliant plan.

Tasha and I had heard the rumors of Dax’s involvement in illegal fighting over the years—and on more than one occasion seen the bruises on his face and hands. So she persuaded one of our less upstanding classmates to tell us how to get to the fight club and what nights we could find Dax there.

“Do we just—knock?”

Tasha shrugs. She doesn’t know any more than I do. She just knows how to act the part. Bolder than I could ever be, her arm thrusts out past my shoulder to bang on the metal door, the loud clanging piercing the silence.

“Bloody hell, Tash. What the—”

My words die in my throat when I find myself face-to-chest with a wall of solid muscle. Tasha takes my elbow and pulls me back a step.

“What do ya want?” The large man looks mean, terrifying actually, and a small, condescending smile lifts one corner of his mouth. Strangely, when I look at him, I’m reminded of Dax. Except this man’s brown eyes are cold and unwelcoming whereas Dax’s are slightly warmer and friendlier. The reality of where I am and what I’m doing takes hold, causing my stomach to cramp with anxiety.

“I-I-”

Tasha gracefully steps in front of me, slithering right up close to the huge man. I let her take over. My nerves are shot to shit. It’s quite clear—I’m not cut out for illegal activities.

“We’re here to see Dax.” She says it so casually that even
I
believe she has every right to be here demanding to be let inside.

An odd look passes over the man’s handsome face, then it lights up with some sort of understanding. He looks us up and down lustfully, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. His scrutiny makes me feel as if I were naked and splayed out in front of him. I feel cheap and more than a little pissed off.

“Of course you’re ‘ere fer Dax. ‘Nuff said, yeah?” He smiles, opening the door wider, letting us enter. “Two, eh? Dad’s gone all out tonight. Dax will be quite pleased, I’m sure.
If
he wins that is.” Big and Creepy lets out a deep chuckle, sending another round of goose bumps across my neck.

Tasha plays the part perfectly, going along with whatever he says. “Yes, he will.”

The man grins and I have to hold in a gasp. He really does look just like Dax. One of his brothers, maybe? I know Dax has several. I just don’t know their names, not that I’m about to introduce myself to Mr. Scary.

He nods his chin toward another door at the end of a short hall. “Thanks,” Tasha tosses over her shoulder, walking confidently towards the door, swaying her hips as we pass.

“It’s me pleasure, or should I say, Dax’s?” He gives us one more lecherous look and winks before returning his attention to the entrance.

“Creepy, but hot,” Tasha whispers. I nod, still too frightened to speak. Behind the next door we can hear the dull roar of a large group of people. Tasha reaches out and grips the doorknob, pulling it open slowly.

As we step through, the crowd howls with delight. It’s so loud I have the urge to cover my ears with my hands. The place is packed with people, every one of whom has their full attention on the elevated ring in the center of the room. The ring is brightly lit with spotlights, standing out in the sea of darkness surrounding it.

My senses are so overwhelmed I’m not sure what to do first. Thank god for Tasha. She grips my arm and pushes me forward.

“Right. C’mon, then. Let’s watch your man fight.”

Her words break me out of my trance, as does the constant jostling of the other patrons as we make our way up front. “He’s not
my man
, Tash.” Not for lack of wishing.

“Well, not
yet
anyway,” she says, smiling as we weave in and out of the lively crowd. “Maybe by the end of tonight.”

Great. Now I feel all awkward and pressured to make an impression on Dax. It’s bad enough that not only did I sneak off to an illegal fight club, but I also let Tasha do me up like some tart in order to make Dax think I’m desirable. I run a nervous hand down the tight-fitting shirt and jeans she made me wear, hoping to hide my overwhelming anxiety. What if I vomit? God, that would be just like me, ruining everything with a bout of sick.

“Look! Dax is fighting next. We almost missed it!”

We’re finally close enough to see what’s going on in the ring—honestly, it’s more like a cage than a ring. Elevated a few meters off the cement floor is a boxing ring, but there’s some sort of tall, black chain link around the perimeter, extending up a good ways above us.

“This is so awesome!” Tasha bounces up and down on her toes, clapping like a kid in a candy store.

“Awesome?” I stare at her incredulously. “This is going to be barbaric!”

“Pfft, lighten up Kate. It’s hot to watch two built guys fight.” She glares at me reproachfully. “It’s sport, no different than our footy matches.”

Not wanting to argue the blatant differences between football and illegal fighting, I stand in place gaping, my eyes glued to the cage. Tasha has gone mental. There’s nothing hot about this. Scanning the area, my eyes find Dax, standing in one corner, rocking his head back and forth on his shoulders. He bounces around on his bare feet while punching the air in front of him. And he’s doing it
shirtless
.

Watching his sinewy muscles stretch and flex with each movement does something to me. Fiery heat licks up my body, starting from the bottom of my feet and traveling all the way to the top of my head. Suddenly, it’s very, very warm in here.

Tasha laughs. “See, admit it. It is hot. You’re blushing so hard right now!”

“Shut it, Tash,” I grumble, attempting to look unaffected. Who am I kidding? Of
course
I’m affected. It’s Dax! A nearly naked Dax—every muscle of his perfect body on display for my viewing pleasure. I lick my lips at the thought of tasting that tan skin, from his ripped shoulders down to the glorious six-pack that tapers on his waist.

“Ladiiieees and gentlemeeennn! Tonight is your lucky night. Right now, we have a great fight for you! Most of you know that tonight is our welterweight championship fiiiiight!”

Everyone around us explodes with excitement, cheering and yelling and whistling in response.

“In the blue corner, weighing in at one hundred ninety-nine pounds we have—” he pauses dramatically, “Noaaaaah Bakerrrrr!”

Half of the large crowd boos and the other half cheers excitedly. We’re jostled about as the punters scramble to get a drink or put in their final wagers. We get more than our share of lewd stares from pervy blokes who are much too old to be looking. Even I have to admit, Tash and I stick out in this club like a nun in a brothel. Especially with our tight clothing and Tasha’s liberal use of makeup.

“Now, in the red corner, weighing in at two hundred and one pounds—our own Dax Daaaaavies!”

“Oh my god! It’s starting!” Tasha is so excited she’s practically pulling me to the ground.

“Shhhhh, Tasha, I can’t hear.” I wave her off, annoyed at her for distracting me.

“Kate, it’s loud as hell in here. Me talking isn’t going to change whether or not you can hear. You just don’t want me interrupting your ogling.”

“Whatever,” I snap, knowing she’s exactly right.

The referee finishes up describing the rules and sounds the bell, starting the fight.

Dax and his opponent circle each other slowly. I can’t take my eyes off of Dax, his body arching and gliding like a lethal jungle cat. Even from several rows back, I can see the primal instincts glinting in his dark eyes as he watches his enemy. Without warning, Noah strikes out, two quick punches that Dax deflects easily.

They continue this dance for a while, Noah advancing, Dax rebuffing. I’m beginning to wonder when the actual fighting will start when it happens. In the blink of an eye, Dax lets loose a series of jabs, knocking his opponent back.

Once the man is pressed into the chain links of the cage, Dax pounces—striking Noah over and over with his fists, raining them down all over the man’s head and torso. Somehow, Noah regroups and is able to push Dax off right as the bell sounds.

Oh. My. God.

Now I see what Tasha meant about watching two men fight being a turn on. My skin is tingling with heated desire and a knot of pleasure begins swirling low in my body, begging to be let loose. A big blonde bloke that looks exactly like the one who let us in the front door wipes down Dax’s face and squirts some water in his mouth. Dax nods as the man speaks in his ear. Before I know it, the bell sounds again and the men are back on their feet.

The crowd is clamoring for more, their shouts and whistles so loud I can’t hear anything else. But I’m so entranced by Dax’s smooth, sweaty skin, my eyes taking in every single bare inch, that I don’t notice the noise. I don’t notice anything, actually, until Dax’s opponent is on the floor and the announcer holds up Dax’s hand in victory.

“Winner, by knockout, the new light heavyweight champion of the London Underground fighting circuit, Dax Daaaaavies!”

Tasha grabs my arm. “Did you see that, Kate? That was incredible!”

I blink rapidly, not understanding what just happened. “No. What?”

Her eyebrows pinch together. “Dax just pummeled that guy to the mat. You didn’t see it? How could you not?”

Certainly, I’m blushing again. Or I would be if my skin weren’t already flushed from staring at a half-naked Dax and his gorgeous muscles.

“Oh, I see,” Tasha smirks. “Too busy getting an eyeful of Mr. Davies’ arse to watch the action.”

I huff in protest. “No. I was watching the action. I just didn’t comprehend what was going on.”