Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105679 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105679 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
I opened my mouth to respond, but Matteo answered for me.
“I invited her,” he said smoothly, letting my hand go before taking a seat. “It seemed appropriate that she understood all aspects of our... business interests.”
Damon’s jaw clenched. “I was speaking to my sister.”
Matteo waved a hand dismissively. “You’re here. She’s here. You’re her chaperone. So it’s not breaking any rules.”
“She’s not supposed to be here, in a place like this. She’s too inno—”
“Innocent?” Matteo chuckled. “Your sister isn’t as fragile as you think she is. I wouldn’t have brought my future wife here if I didn’t think she could handle it.”
“Men either come here to make money or to die. She has never witnessed death before. Why do you think she can handle it?” Damon’s voice rose and I could see he was getting visibly more irritated, his words punctuating with protective rage.
I reached out, gripping Damon’s arm in an effort to calm him down. “It’s okay. I was curious too.”
“Everyone has to witness death at least once in their lifetime and no one is ever prepared,” Matteo drawled as he stretched his legs out in front of him. “Maybe she will stare death in the eyes tonight, who knows.”
He looked at me before motioning toward the seat next to him. “Sit.”
My gaze flickered between my brother and my fiancé. Damon’s chest rumbled with a low growl. “Fine,” he spat out. Except it was anything but fine.
Shit, I really think I’m in trouble.
I let go on Damon’s arm and I sank into the chair gracefully, my legs trembling beneath me. Giulia settled beside me, her face uncharacteristically pale.
Damon sat next to her, arms crossed. He looked straight ahead at the fighting cage, his expression tensed.
I slowly looked around, taking in our “more” private surroundings. The entire VIP section was conspicuously empty despite the packed venue. It was clearly reserved for us.
Scantily clad women carrying trays of drinks approached us but Matteo waved them away. “No need for tonight,” he said casually.
I watched them saunter away, their lips curving with a devilish grin and for a moment I almost felt… inadequate. These were tall, beautiful women and they knew how to seduce, how to serve, how to carry themselves with confidence I didn’t possess.
If Matteo was surrounded by women like them, how was I going to capture his attention?
“Look over there,” he said, fingers grazing my bare arm. Goosebumps scattered over my skin and my spine quivered with an involuntary shudder.
We were to be married soon and I still couldn’t find myself comfortable with his touches.
Yet…
The image of Adrian’s lips on mine flashed through my mind.
My heart catapulted to my throat and I blinked, forcing the thought away. I looked at where Matteo was pointing.
From where I was sitting, I had the perfect view of the cage.
Two men were being dragged out—one unconscious, the other barely standing, blood streaming from a gash above his eye. It was obvious who won.
God, this place was barbaric. Medieval.
I inhaled and the stench of sweat and blood grew stronger making my stomach churn. I pressed my fingers to my lips, trying to steady my breathing as the cage cleared.
A voice boomed through hidden speakers and it was impossible to pinpoint where it was coming from with how dark The Pit was. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special treat tonight.”
My heart thudded.
The crowd’s roar intensified, a deafening sound that vibrated through my bones. I flinched, my hands almost coming up to cover my ears before I caught myself in time. My fingers gripped my dress tightly instead.
“The Reaper returns!”
The familiar name sent a shiver down my spine, almost like a zap of electricity sliding through my body.
“The Reaper versus Stone! Let’s see if The Reaper still has what it takes!”
The crowd erupted into a frenzy, their screams and chants merging into one primal sound. Money exchanged hands frantically, bets being placed at a feverish pace.
My heart hammered against my ribs as the cage door opened.
Thud.
A hush fell over The Pit as a figure emerged from the shadows of the tunnel entrance.
And then, there he was…
Thud. Thud.
The Reaper.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Adrian prowled into the center of the ring.
The crowd roared.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
He wore the same black shirt and pants he had on when I had seen him at the stable, sleeves rolled up to reveal those intricate tattoos curling around his muscular forearms. His dark hair fell across his forehead, slightly damp with sweat already.
With the way he was dressed, he looked entirely out of place amid the bloodthirsty crowd—too refined, too controlled. Yet somehow, he commanded the space as if it were his own personal kingdom.
He walked around, his movements fluid and predatory. Confident and deliberate. He belonged here.
I couldn’t look away.
Matteo leaned closer to whisper, “Adrian has quite the reputation here. They call him The Reaper because he never loses.”