Love Tap(58)

“Well, that’s where you come in Camden. If he does his job right, I think you’re more than capable, Tate. This fight could be big for you if you win. So many people will be there to see Kiki, but if you win, their eyes will turn to you.” Rubbing the back of my neck I watch the devil in front of me gleam with joy.

Debs doesn’t care about Tate, she cares about money. Which makes me wonder why she even agreed to work with Tate when she isn’t getting paid by the hour.

“How did you book the fight?” I ask skeptically. The United Front Fighting League is big stuff. A lot of the fighters that are in the UFFL go on to the MFC after that.

“Kiki was set to fight Momma Mateia. They had a sold out arena, and TV subscribers ready to buy the fight. However Mateia backed out last minute, and I worked my magic in getting our girl for the back up.” She smiles proudly, but my stomach sinks wondering what she actually did to get Tate this fight.

“So why would they want me? I don’t understand, I’m nobody,” Tate laughs nervously. She’s wrong, she isn’t a nobody, once they see what she has, and she’ll rise to the top fast. She just needs her shot to shine.

“Because, they think you’ll be an easy win,” I inform. I hate to be so direct, but it’s the truth. Tate’s eyes flash as if she’s accepting the challenge. Of course she is, she’s Tate. She never backs down, even if she should.

“Do you think you can train me in time? Do you think I’ll be ready?” Tate asks, her voice hopeful. This is all she’s ever wanted, and if Tate puts her heart into it… I think she could win. But if she loses, her career will be over before it started.

“When is the fight?” I ask.

“In a week and a half,” Debs informs. I nearly choke on my breath.

“That’s too soon!” My brows raise with surprise. No wonder Debs got the fight, nobody in their right mind would take it.

“I can do this Camden. I want to prove them wrong, let them underestimate me,” she whispers, her tone of confidence strong. I clench my eyes shut. In reality we shouldn’t take this fight, but since when do fighters do anything rationally.

Besides, I want to see the look on Tate’s face when she wins, and I was the one that got her there.

“We’ll give it a shot, but if I don’t think you’re ready, then we’re out,” I give in. Her cheeks turn pink, as her eyes smile. “Go clean up, and we’ll pull up some tapes of Kiki, see what she specializes in.”

She nods, wiping her brow of sweat before leaving the ring.

My eyes flick to Thomas, nervous of what offers they’re accepting for Tate behind my back.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I arch a brow at Thomas.

“Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of me,” Debs spits, throwing her hair over her shoulder like a prima donna. Stepping down from the ring, I pop my neck, my nails digging into my palms.

“I want you to run any and all fights through me first before you book anything for Tate. Do you understand?” I ask, my voice sharp and demanding.

“Not happening, you said it yourself. You’re training, and I’m making the deals. I know the people, and I know what will make her rich... Not you,” Debs sneers and I want to rip her f*cking head off. This isn’t about getting paid, it’s about respect.

Stepping into her space, I lower my face and glower at her. I know she’s chomping at the bit to get Tate in the most dangerous, profitable fight there is. The Underground. The CEO of The MFC has an underground ring, a secret society, if you will. Only certain people know about it, and they’re those of extreme wealth. Mafia, congress, celebrities. The fights aren’t like the ones on TV, they have no rules inside the ring, and are often set on unfair advantages. They place bets on who they think will win, and if it’s not entertaining enough they up the stakes and things get bloody. Thomas knows about it, so I’m sure he’s told Debs about it.

“The deal I know you’re dying getting a shot at, the answer is no,” I inform curtly.

She opens and closes her mouth like a fish out of water, her eyes darting to Thomas to interfere with my stare down.

“Alright, easy kid,” Thomas slides his arm in-between us, and I jerk it away.

“No, there is no discussion on this. She’s not to go in that underground ring.” I bark. Once you go in, you don’t come out the same person. No matter the history between Tate and I, I’d never let her in that ring.

“Not that I know what you’re talking about but if I did, you have no say so in this, Camden.” The number one rule of The Underground, we don’t talk about The Underground. Yet here I am, defying the rules. I’d put it all at risk to keep Tate out of that cage.

“I’m telling you, if you so much as—”

“Enough, both of you!” Thomas seethes, pushing us apart.

Debs nostrils flare as she looks me down. My fists clenched ready to throw her into a chokehold.

Thomas shoves Debs away, and shakes his head disapprovingly at me.

“Don’t look at me like that. You of all people know this is not a good idea,” my tone sharp. My nostrils flaring with irritation.

“Yeah I know, at least she’s fighting. Which is more than I can say for you.” He gives me a sideways glance, and I can’t help but laugh internally. The prick, I swear to God him and Debs are one in the same. Money, it’s the root of all evil.