Katherine rubs my back then re-knots her hands in her lap. “I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”
My fingers drum against the plastic seat of my folding chair, a furious beat that matches my racing heart. I scan rows of people surrounding the octagon. The crowd hums with anticipation, bloodthirsty. So close to the octagon floor, no doubt I’ll be able to hear the thud of fist on flesh at this distance. My stomach plummets.
I check the glowing digital numbers on the clock above the octagon. Eighteen minutes and thirty-seven seconds, thirty-six, thirty-five. They tick down, one by one, just like my freedom. Numbered in minutes. I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans.
A warm hand stills my twitchy leg. “Calm down, honey. He’ll be okay.” Katherine misinterprets my anxiety.
Watching Jonah get hit in the octagon will be difficult, but I’m more concerned with his acting skills than his fighting skills.
I nod, smile, and fix my eyes back on the clock. Where is Guy?
The seats in the arena fill up quickly as people return from their bathroom and concession stand breaks. The air is heavy with energy and aggression. It could be my imagination, but the smell of blood and sweat seem to linger in the air from the earlier fights. As the main event draws near, the arena comes alive, chanting.
“Assassin, Assassin, Assassin . . .” Over and over, ratcheting my tension.
I wonder if Jonah can hear this from his dressing room. I wish so badly I was with him now, allowing the warmth of his skin and soothing words to comfort me. My arms wrap around my body. He’d hold me close. Probably tell me to breathe and relax. He’d tell me everything is okay and he’s going to take me home tonight as his, for good.
Jonah’s corner is empty. No familiar faces in sight. I look up the aisle. They must all be in the back with him. The thought brings my heart rate down and the muscles in my shoulders ease up their grip. We’ll be together soon enough, but for now it’s good he’s surrounded by his team. I’d probably only make him worry.
Eight minutes, four seconds.
“Hey, Raven. This seat taken?”
My back stiffens at the grating voice. Candy. Swift air brushes my arm as she sits in the seat to my right. I turn to look at her, certain my face conveys my shock. My jaw falls slack as I take in her clothes. Not clothes, more like a modest bikini.
I’m speechless.
“Hello. Are you Raven’s friend?” Katherine reaches her hand across my lap towards Candy. “I’m Katherine Slade.”
Candy leans in, pressing her hard, fake boob into my arm, making me cringe and recoil. I stare in amazement as an angel and the devil shake hands. In my lap.
“Yes, I am.” Candy’s tone nauseates me. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Slade. I’m also friends with your son. We’re very close.” Her words are said to Katherine, but the way her eyes slide to mine, they’re meant for me. Bitch.
“Oh, really, you know Joey?”
“Yes, I do. We’ve been close for a while now.” Her saccharine smile and overly painted face lean towards Katherine. “As a matter of fact, I just left him backstage.”
My heart cramps violently. I lock my narrow eyes on her. She was with him?
“I don’t understand. You were with him just now?” Katherine sounds as confused as I feel.
A wicked smile stretches across Candy’s face, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had fangs. “Yes. He’s doing great. A little tense, so I rubbed his shoulders forever.” She draws out the last word as she rubs her hands and flexes her fingers. “My hands are killing me.”
Fucking bitch!
Shocked, I meet Katherine’s eyes. She looks . . . disappointed. She believes Candy. Well, I don’t.
With my elbows resting on my knees, I drop my head into my hands, rubbing my temples. This is not happening. If I get into it with Candy, that will only upset Katherine. But if I don’t call her out, then Katherine will think her son is a low-down, dirty dog. What do I do?
I love Jonah and I trust him more than anyone. Candy is lying. I bet she wasn’t even back there with him. For the first time, the familiar creeping doubt that normally seeps in is absent. He’s putting everything on the line for me tonight. Putting everything he’s worked for aside for me and our future. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Candy make him out to be anything less than the hero he is.
My shoulders relax and I sit up straight. I turn into Candy’s face as she forces an innocent expression, and fails.
“You know what, Candy?” I’m ready to unleash on the evil slut.
“So, Raven, what are you doing here anyway?” Candy starts talking as if I hadn’t even opened my mouth. “Jonah told me you weren’t able to come. Something about, hm, what was it?” She snaps her fingers. “Oh, yeah, something about getting a new job with your father? Dominick?”
Katherine gasps, and my jaw locks down, making my teeth ache.