Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(52)

He looked the same as he did the last time I saw him, closely shaved blond hair and gray eyes. Crossing my arms, I pursed my lips before breaking into a grin. “I should be, but I’m not. If you didn’t tell Ryley, I doubt we’d be together right now. So, in other words, thank you.”

He winked. “You’re welcome. Kacey’s out in the car waiting on us. We’ll drop you off at the hotel so you can both get ready for tonight.” As far as I was aware, no one knew about the incident with Camden, except Gabriella and Colin. Ryley could barely keep his anger in check when the subject would come up, so I tried to keep from talking about it. His control hung on the edge, but he did good keeping calm.

“We appreciate it,” Ryley insisted, throwing his arm across my shoulders. “My baby’s momma probably needs to relax just a bit before the festivities begin.”

“Oh, dear Lord, don’t call me that,” I laughed, smacking his arm. “I can’t stand it.”

When we got outside, Tyler led us to his shiny, black truck where Kacey stood waiting on us. Her golden blonde hair was pulled back off her shoulders, and she was dressed in a pink tank top and shorts. She waved when she saw us and I waved back. I didn’t know if she’d like me or not, being that I was Gabriella’s best friend.

“Hello Ashleigh, I’m Kacey,” she said, extending her hand. “Congratulations on the baby.”

Before I could reply, Ryley chuckled and hugged her. “I think you mean babies. We’re having twins.”

“Oh, hell,” Tyler joked. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He opened the back door to his truck and Ryley slid our bags inside, his jaw firm.

“I would have, but things have been a little f*cked up the past week. All I can say is that I’m ready to get tonight over with.”

“Have you talked to your brother?” Tyler asked.

Ryley helped me into the truck and glanced quickly up at me. “No, I haven’t spoken to him in a while. From what I hear, no one has heard from him.”

“Hmm . . . that’s strange. I wonder what the f*ck he’s doing?”

Ryley hopped into the back with me and leaned down toward my ear. “That’s what I’d like to know.”





TIME SEEMED TO fly by. When we got to the hotel, I only had enough time to take a quick shower and get dressed before it was time to go. It just so happened I had a royal blue tank top with Team Ryley on it, thanks to Gabriella. She sent a text saying she was going to meet us at the arena, since we were going to be riding over there with Tyler and Kacey. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too weird sitting with them all. I couldn’t abandon Gabriella just because Tyler and Kacey were my escorts.

Ryley was quiet the entire time on the way to the arena. Tyler understood and didn’t bother him. He needed time to get his mind focused. No doubt about it, he was ready. My only concern was of him letting his anger and vengeance cloud his judgment. By the time we got to the arena, the whole place buzzed with excitement. I wanted to be excited, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease creeping up my spine.

Danny met us by the door as soon as we entered the arena, while Tyler and Kacey left to get their seats. “It’s a madhouse here tonight,” he exclaimed. “All everyone’s talking about is the fight against your brother.” He led us down the hallway until we got to Ryley’s room. He too wore a royal blue shirt with Ryley’s name. What would be amazing is if the whole crowd had shirts like that to show their support.

“It’s going to be a bloody one,” Ryley growled. “But it’ll be a good show.” I sat in the corner and pulled out my phone so I could surf the internet while he got ready. He didn’t know I was listening when he spoke next. “I’m going to have Ashleigh walk out with us. I don’t want her walking anywhere alone.”

Danny returned the quiet gesture. “Do you think someone will try to do something to her?”

Surely, Camden wouldn’t be stupid enough to do that.

“I don’t know,” Ryley whispered, “but I’m not taking any chances. Tyler will be there to sit with her once she takes her seat.”

“Knock, knock,” Gabriella chimed, opening the door. “Can I come in?”

“Um . . . it looks like you’re already in,” I said, turning off my phone. Sure enough, she was wearing one of her Ryley shirts with her dark hair pulled high into a ponytail.

She opened the door wide and strolled in. “You about ready to go get our seats?” she asked.

“Actually,” Ryley began, tightening up his gloves, “she’s going out there with me. I don’t want anyone messing with her.”

She scoffed. “And you think someone’s going to mess with her while she’s with me? I do know how to kick some major ass, Ryley. No worries though, I’ll just walk out there with you too. You’ll have your whole crew there, including your mini me’s,” she said pointing at my stomach.

With the mood Ryley had been in, I expected him to blast on her, but he actually smirked. “And how can I say no to that?”

Gabriella scrunched her nose and shrugged. “You can’t. But anyway, it’s almost time. That’s why I came to get Ash.” She came to my side and bumped me in the shoulder, noticing my tension. “It’ll be okay,” she whispered in my ear. “Ryley’s going to handle this the way he needs to. Camden deserves to get his ass kicked.”