Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(57)

“What?” I grumbled. “You were taking too long. I don’t exactly have all the time in the world.”

About ten seconds later, the door opened and Paxton answered, his hair disheveled wearing only a pair of jeans. I snuck a side glance at Gabriella who’s eyes went wide, but then turned to stone when he looked at her.

“Did we interrupt something?” Gabriella asked snidely. “I’m sorry if we made your whore leave for the night.”

Paxton smirked and opened the door wide. “You’re too kind. But, no worries. She’ll be back later. By all means, come on in.”

She crossed her arms and shoved past him, leaving me uncomfortable, standing by myself at the door. “Hey, Paxton,” I greeted warmly. “Thank you for seeing us tonight.”

He motioned for me to enter so I walked in and he shut the door behind me. “So what can I do for you ladies?”

“First off,” Gabriella advised, “you can call your cum dumpster for the night and tell her you won’t be needing her services. You’re going to be busy with me.”

Oh hell, here we go.

Paxton lounged across his bed and lifted his hands behind his head. “What if I don’t want to be busy with you tonight? You’ve already made it perfectly clear that I don’t do it for you.”

“Guys, stop. This isn’t getting us anywhere,” I stormed, glaring at them both. When I turned to Paxton his smirk faded and his expression grew serious. “I’m the one who needs help, Paxton. As I’m sure you know, Ryley and Camden didn’t exactly get to fight tonight.”

“Yeah, I saw that. Never thought Camden would * out.”

“He didn’t,” I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “In fact, Ryley’s gone to fight him now and I don’t know where they’ve gone. I was hoping you could help me.”

Paxton sat up. “And how do you expect me to do that?”

Gabriella stepped in this time. “Because Kacey told us that you and Kyle used to be involved with that underground fighting bullshit. She recognized the behemoth who came and took Ryley away. We need your help to find him.”

“You can’t be serious. I’m not going to take you there, it’s too dangerous.”

“Please,” I begged. “I have to know he’s okay. What if something really bad happens to him? Do you think those savages will make sure he gets medical care?”

Frustrated, Paxton jumped to his feet and ran his hands through his black hair. “You don’t seem to get it. It’s too f*cking dangerous, especially for women like you. Do you know what happens if I break the oath?” I shook my head and Gabriella did the same when he peered over at her. “Well, let me tell you. If either one you so much as talks about the Dark Side to the wrong people, you’ll find me in an alley with a bullet through my f*cking skull. How does that sound? You still want to go?”

My mouth flew open and I shuddered. “Is it really called the Dark Side?”

He nodded and hung his head. “If you saw the place, you’d figure out why pretty quick. It’s not for the faint of heart.”

I knew I wouldn’t tell anyone about it, but it was still a lot to put on Paxton’s shoulders. Sighing, Gabriella got to her feet and approached him, her tension ebbing. “Pax . . . I mean Paxton,” she murmured. “I know this is a lot to ask, but we wouldn’t put you in this position if it wasn’t important. I’m sorry for the way I’ve been toward you, but I’m asking for your help. I think we can both promise we won’t say a word about it to anyone. I’ll do whatever you want, just please help us.”

His stare bore into her, and in that moment nothing else existed. Why did they fight it? For a moment I could see myself and Ryley in them. “Okay, fine,” he gave in. “I’ll help you, but you have to agree to my terms.” And this was where things would either go my way or go to hell.

“Just name them,” Gabriella agreed. “I’ll do anything.”

Paxton bit his lip and tapped her on the nose. “I’ll get to that in a minute, sunshine. Right now we have other things to discuss.”

Gabriella groaned and came back to sit beside me. “I have a strange feeling I know what his terms are going to be,” she whispered. For some reason, deep down I didn’t think she’d mind.

Pulling up a chair, Paxton sat down right in front of us. “To get into the Dark Side, you have to be willing to show proof of bids. You can gamble with money, women, cars, et cetera. Our only problem right now is that the banks are closed and I can’t pull out the amount I need to get in. The only other option is . . .”

“Us,” I whispered as the realization set in. “You would have to gamble with us.”

Regretfully, he nodded. “Yes, and whoever the winner is, you would go to them. The deal is that they get a night with you.”

“And you were a part of this?” Gabriella asked.

“A long time ago, but not anymore. I would only need one of you to gamble away. The other can stay with me as my guest.”

Before I could volunteer, Gabriella beat me to it. “You can gamble me.”

Paxton stiffened and clenched his jaw. He didn’t like it any more than I did.

“No,” I demanded. “I’m the one making us go. He can gamble with me.”