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“On his opponent.”
“You got it, Trey,” Ritchie said, but Trey didn’t even acknowledge him. His eyes were on her.
The corner of her mouth curled, and she leaned closer. “You know that means you just upped my payout.”
His lips twitched, and his eyes softened, showing a playful glint. “Only if he wins.”
There was no missing his taunting tone and arrogant confidence that Kyle would not be victorious. Trey turned and walked down the line. Even with a clear path of a few feet on either side, the men in line stepped back. His security followed him out without even giving her a second glance.
His security detail was odd. They were the same men she’d seen at the club. It seemed over the top for a nightclub owner to need bodyguards. True, the Bowery was a high-end, lucrative business, but was security really necessary?
“Got friends in high places, huh?” Ritchie asked.
Dahlia waved her hand, playing off the interaction. “He’s my boss.”
Ritchie furrowed his brows and shared a look with his partner.
“I work at the Bowery,” Dahlia said.
“That job comes with bodyguards?”
Dahlia laughed, waiting for Ritchie to join in. He didn’t, but his gaze shifted to the doorway, and Dahlia followed it. The man standing outside the door didn’t look in their direction, but she’d seen him at the Bowery and knew he was a member of security. Trey had left. There was no reason for him to stay. Unless… No.
“He’s not waiting on me.”
Right?
Ritchie flattened his lips and nodded but remained silent. Dahlia placed her bet and walked out, noticing a few looks from the men in line. It was different from the usual attention she’d gotten. When she passed Trey’s security, she smiled. It was not returned. But as she started down the hall, she heard heavy steps and slyly glanced back. Trey’s security was only a few paces behind her. What the…
The hallway opened up to the cage, and she rose up on her toes, looking for her friend. In the sea of people, Penny would be impossible to find. Still, Dahlia tried. As she scanned the room, her gaze shifted to the far wall. It was crazy to think how many times she’d attended fights and never noticed the separated area. She’d taken note of the balcony above but hadn’t paid too much attention. Until now. How had she missed it?
Timing, maybe. Dahlia glanced over at the elevated stands and immediately locked eyes with Trey. He was openly staring, which sent a tremble over her entire body. She needed a diversion. She glanced up at the balcony. There were several men and one in particular dressed in a suit, looking down at the cage. He was the last man she wanted to draw attention from. She averted her eyes away from Rogue and moved deeper into the crowd. She arched her neck, looking over to where Trey had been standing. He was still there with his gaze pinned on her. Is he watching me? Dahlia ducked her head, moving through the crowd to an opening. At this rate, it would be impossible to find Penny until after the fight. She shifted back and walked up the side, ironically closest to the elevated section. It wasn’t a purposeful move. She was just looking for a clearing. Getting caught too close to the cage often led to the rowdier crowd.
Dahlia stepped back, butting against the stand, and jerked forward. Her gaze caught Trey’s, who continuously stared back at her. He looked over her head and lifted his chin, gesturing toward her. Before she could follow what was happening, a security guard gripped her forearm. His grip was firm but not painful as he guided her up.
Dahlia steadied her feet, glancing down at the crowd. She was standing at the edge of the line, and in unison, all the members of security took a step back. Her line of sight was an unobstructed view of Trey staring back at her. He lifted his hand and curled his finger. She slowly slipped past all the men and walked down the line. As she got closer to Trey, her heart pumped harder, racing to the point of erratic.
She sidled up to the open spot next to Trey and glanced over at the cage. She widened her eyes and chuckled.
“Well, this is prime seating.” Dahlia glanced around, looking up at the balcony. “Only thing better is up there, huh?”
“Would you like to go upstairs?” Trey asked, but she heard the distinct tease in his tone.
Dahlia zoned in on Rogue, ducked her head, and peered up at Trey. “I’ll pass.”
His lips twitched, but he hadn’t fully committed to a smile.
“Thanks for letting me hang here. Almost got trampled near the pit.”
“Then maybe you should consider other forms of entertainment.”
Dahlia bit her lip, and before she could stop herself, she glanced up at him. Trey was stone-faced, looking over at the cage.
“Are you offering an alternative source of entertainment?”
Trey slowly angled his head, and his darkened gaze penetrated hers.
“I’m open to suggestions.”
