Since the Heathens are regulars in the championship, Jeremy made it blatantly clear that I’m not allowed here.
The last time he found me, he escorted me out before I even watched any fighting and put me under house arrest.
So I had to sneak in this time. I made sure to wear an oversized hoodie, hide my hair, and even put on sunglasses.
My vision isn’t the best, considering it’s nighttime and the glaring lights, but it’s better than being kicked out before I can watch Creighton fight in the semifinals against none other than Nikolai.
The same Nikolai who always appears ready to fuck up someone’s face and end another person’s life.
“Have you guys tried to stop him?” I ask the girls with a half-spooked voice.
“No one can stop Creighton from fighting,” Cecily says.
“Not even Uncle Aiden.” Ava gets on her tiptoes to get a better view of the crowd. “And Uncle Aiden is, like, the most ruthless person I know, no kidding.”
“Maybe he got his ruthlessness from his father?” I ask, catching a glimpse of Creighton talking to Remi on the side of the ring, or more like listening as Remi does all the talking.
He’s only wearing black shorts, putting his physique and the spider tattoo on display. And I can’t help watching it closely, getting lost in the striking details.
I’ve seen more models than I could count, but in my eyes, Creighton is the most beautiful man alive.
And yes, I’m biased.
“Nope,” Cecily says. “Uncle Aiden isn’t violent. Not even close. He’s just calculative and methodical to a fault.”
“Totes, but he can become violent if need be. Dad always says he can’t believe Creigh is Uncle Aiden’s son. Like, he’s so sweet and well-mannered and actually fits Dad’s personality.”
Sweet? I stare at Ava, dumbfounded. Are we talking about the same Creighton or does he somehow have a twin?
Cecily smirks. “Yeah, your father obviously prefers Creigh over his older brother.”
“Shh. Don’t bring up bad mojo when I’m having fun.” She points at Cecily’s T-shirt that says, Violence isn’t the answer. Violence is the question, and the answer is yes. “And you totally came here for fun.”
“You’re the one who bought me this.”
“Looks perfect on you.” She grins. “I should’ve made that wuss Glyn wear it. Can’t believe she ditched us again.”
“Doesn’t she hate violence?” I supply.
“More like she’s more interested in Killian. I’m rooting for her, though. That girl needed to get shagged a long time ago.”
“Still wish that she’d gotten with someone other than a student from The King’s U,” Cecily mutters under her breath, then smiles at me. “No offense.”
“None taken.” I wave a hand absentmindedly while focused on Creighton.
On the other side of the ring, Nikolai flings his arms out and tilts his head back, eyes closed.
His black satin robe flies wide open, revealing his red shorts and the extravagant tattoos covering his chest.
It’s like he’s doing a satanic ritual.
The silver lining is that both Jeremy and Gareth are by his side, so I can keep an eye on them and bolt if they come in this direction.
My brother is scheduled to fight against Landon in the second semifinal match next week, and I’m definitely not going to be around to watch that.
Nikolai’s eyes flash open and stare directly at me.
Shit.
I half hide behind Ava, but his gaze remains the same. If he tells Jer I came here despite his clear warnings, I’m doomed to another episode in the ivory tower.
Wait.
I move sideways and Nikolai’s gaze doesn’t track me.
It’s on…
I follow his line of vision to find a stiffening Brandon who’s standing behind us. His hand pulls at the back of his hair as he meets Nikolai’s savage gaze, lips pursed, eyes hard.
It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him look so upset, so…perturbed.
“Bran!” Ava jumps him in a half hug. “What are you doing here?”
His expression reverts back to normal and he drops his hand from his nape. “Remi begged us via the group chat.”
“He did?” Cecily asks. “How much do I have to bribe you to show us that?”
“No need for a bribe.” He fishes out his phone and scrolls to a group chat called Lord Remi’s Sidekicks.
Remington: My favorite—and only, might I add—spawn will be fighting in the semifinals tonight! I’m going to need you all to come and cheer for our youngest little shit. I have tears in my eyes, I swear. When did he become all grown up?