Page 9 of Savage Salvation

“You know what I mean, Gage. I might not be in the fight, but I have something to lose too. I take care of everything outside of the match, so all you have to do is show up.”

“Exactly. And that’s what I’ll do. When it’s time, I’ll show up. Ready to fight. And I’ll lock up the win.”

The tight expression on his face tells me he isn’t thrilled, but he has no choice. I might put up with his stupid ass, but he knows there’s only so far he can push me. And lately, it’s felt like I’m near my limit.

“She’s gonna fuck you over. Even if she lets you fuck her, she’ll fuck you over. Don’t let her start tonight.”

My fist clenches around the glass to keep it from wrapping around Ryan’s throat. I’m not near my limit. I’m fucking there. And the only thing that helps me rein in my fury is that Ryan strides away, leaving me to watch Kinsley.

She’s angrier than shit, too, and some of the uneasiness she’s radiating transfers away from me when she quickly glances in the direction Ryan walked off in. Holding up my glass to her when her eyes meet mine again, the unease leaves altogether, and her rage takes over.

Kinsley doesn’t realize that while I might have stood by and allowed some shit to take place over the years, I’ve saved her more times than she knows. And more times than I can admit to anyone, even myself. Because then, I’d have to admit why. And the little boy who wanted to protect her isn’t ready to admit anything to the worthless man standing in front of her today.

7

Kinsley

Finally. The show’s over. The first part was great until I spotted him and his minions. From that point on, I braced myself because I wouldn’t put it past any of the jackasses to do something ridiculous like climb onstage to stop the show just to announce that all eyes should be on them. Especially the main ass who’s used to having everyone’s sole focus on him. And while I get why girls, and some guys, melt at the sight of him, I can’t be one of them.

“Did you know he’d be here?”

“Who?” Isaac asks, but something tells me he knows exactly who I’m talking about.

“Hawthorne.”

His head shakes as his eyes fall to the floor. “No. But half the crowd attends Sacred Creed. This wasn’t exactly a closed event.”

“Sure.” Why is Gage Hawthorne making me question someone who is supposed to be my friend?

Isaac seems to have some renewed energy as his hands clap together, his head swinging side to side. “All right. Birthday girl, let’s do this.”

“Um. Do what?”

“Celebrate.” Isaac flashes a smile as his arm drapes over my shoulder, pulling me to him.

“Yeah. No. I’d rather not.”

“Please.” There it is. His stupid, pleading look. But it’s not working.

“No, Isaac. I just want to go home.”

“The record shop isn’t home.”

Wow. That hurt even though I know he didn’t mean anything by it. “I know. But sleep is there, and that’s what I plan to do.”

He stumbles a little, my hands automatically reaching up to steady him. “How much did you have to drink?”

“A little?”

“How much is ‘a little’?”

“A little lot.” Isaac laughs at his ridiculous declaration. “Cruz and I figured we’d start celebrating before the show. And during the breaks. And on stage.”

“Was I the only one drinking water?”

“Probably.”

“Great. Come on. I’ll drive you home.”