Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
“You guys have a taste for anything in particular?’
“Yeah, I want to try a chop cheese,” Ciarán says before I can stop him.
Vega chuckles. “Sure, shortie. I got you. Harlem is the home of the real chop cheese. You’re in good hands with me.”
“Cool, are we in Harlem now?”
“Nah, we’re in midtown, but the good news is you guys will live right next to the original spot. I own the new developments around there.”
“Wow. This is so cool.”
“Thanks. I appreciate everything you’re doing for us,” I speak up.
“True story, you’re good. I’m happy I can help, especially with your situation.
“You’re with family now. Daliah has been one of the best things to come from my father’s marriage. If you’re a friend of hers, you’re a friend of mine,” Vega says.
I swallow hard as I realize Daliah has shared more about me than I thought. My heart races and I wonder once again if coming here was the right thing to do. Daliah reaches to squeeze my hand from the seat next to me in the third row.
I turn to her and give her a weak smile. She knows how much my little brother means to me. I know she wouldn’t tell anyone my truth, knowing I could lose him if we’re found.
I give her a nod and relax. We’re here, we’re in New York and I’m going to get on a team and win that tournament.
Breathe, Cee. Breathe.
I sit silently as Ciarán excitedly asks a million and one questions. Vega answers him good-naturedly. I tune in to the conversation when Ciarán begins to ask her about the gyms here.
“Ah, yes, Daliah said your big sister is looking to join a gym. The fight scene here is huge. There’s something for everyone.
“Underground or the legit stuff. We have it all. I’d love to see what you’ve got, Ariel. I’ll be able to point you in the right direction once I see you in action,” Vega says.
“But what about the Irish gym? Are we far from there? I have a good feeling about them,” Ciarán says.
“Ciarán, be polite. I’ll be lucky to find a gym to take me in. Vega knows the scene. Be patient.”
Vega snickers. “Nah, he’s cool, ma. Shortie has good taste. He’s talking about the O’Brien’s gym.
“Roaring Irish gym is fire. If you’re going to go big, they’re neck and neck with what I have to offer. You better be able to fight though.
“Other than that one chick who has to be fucking someone or related to them or something, all their fighters are A1. There have been some changes around their operation, but the gym and its team are still solid. Excuse my language, kid,” she says.
“They’re Irish?” I ask as my thoughts go to my dad.
“As Irish as it gets. Fine as fuck too. I never mind when I have to deal with the O’Briens. We’re actually on good terms. I coordinate events with their uncle’s underground fights.”
“Underground fights?” I lick my lips as I think of my options here.
Vega turns in her seat to look back at me. She gives a laugh. “Yeah, I thought so. I know that look. We’ll talk more when there are fewer ears,” she says, looking pointedly at Ciarán.
Yes, I’ve become desperate enough to fight underground. However, more than anything, I want to fight. I think I should shake the rust off before I head to Roaring Irish.
“Hey, handsome. Let’s get you that chop cheese,” Vega sings as the SUV comes to a stop.
Ciarán nearly climbs right over me to get out. I shake my head and allow him to get out first. Daliah hangs back and places a hand on my arm as I try to follow the others out. I note the driver remains in the car.
I’m assuming he’s Dimitri. I heard Vega call the other two Nashawn and Ross. All three look scary and like they could snap someone in two.
I look to Daliah. “I told her the truth because of who my family here is. I couldn’t tell you much before we left San Diego. You are safe here.
“My stepuncle is a wealthy man, but his brother … Vega’s uncle and mentor, he’s something else. No one is going to fuck with us—at least they’re not going to live to talk about it. You have a ton of options here.
“I knew if I got you here, I could get you and Ciarán everything you need. I would never put either of you in danger. You’re my family now,” she says with a smile on her lips.
I tug her into a hug. She has no idea how much I needed those words or her friendship. She’s the closest thing to family I can remember ever having.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t you dare. You don’t have to thank me. I’m right here with you. We’re going to raise our little guy and find our happy while we’re at it.”