Free Slam: A Bad Boy Romance by Leah Holt Page A

thoughts.
    “Don't worry, doll. I'm always ready.” Pressing forward, he walked on air. His form light, as he weightlessly glided through the crowd.

Chapter Seven
    Quinn
    T he Macro had twisted his hand around my balls, forcing me to do what I had walked away from years ago. The blood boiled inside my veins, burning to break the surface.
    I had come here to see Cadence. She had been the only reason I stepped through those doors.
    Her father had offered to pay me; and as much as I could use the money, it wasn't an option. I made a promise to never step back into the ring. A promise made to a friend, a best friend.
    But, this changed everything. I'm not a coward, I won't back down from a challenge.
    That's one of my biggest flaws. I'm not going to run with my tail between my legs, hide in the corner and hope I can sneak away, unscathed.
    I was on a war path now, demanding respect.
    He wanted to call me out, see what I could handle...
    I hope he's not throwing another top guy at me, because he'll be down by two.
    This man, he might run the Ground Game, he might have control over his fighters, but I'm not his fucking puppet.
    I'll never be under his grasp, I decided my own fate.
    The crowd surged with energy as I walked towards the ring. People barked in my direction, spit flying across with the screams.
    Louis bared his teeth, a shit eating grin sat on his face. If I ever get the chance, I'm going to knock that smile so far down his throat, he'll be tasting his own ass.
    He wasn't a man, he was a cruel, lifeless beast, who didn't deserve to breath the same air as his daughter.
    It was hard to believe a woman of her beauty was born from the same seed, shared the same blood that spread through his body.
    I'm going to make sure she knows how special she is, how fucking sexy she is. My cock would make sure every inch of her body trembled.
    I wasn't going to look like a scared puppy dog and reject this taunt. Cadence needed to know her father couldn't scare me.
    The ring was small, barely raised four inches off the floor. It reeked of sweat, the metallic taste of iron fell over my tongue as I inhaled through my mouth. There's been a lot of blood spilled here.
    Slipping through the ropes, I stepped in close to the Macro. “This fight, doesn't mean shit. This doesn't mean I work for you. For your sake, I hope this asshole fights better than the last bitch.” Clenching my fists, sweat dripped over my knuckles.
    A twitch pulsed next to his nose, lip curling in anger. “I'm hoping you walk away from this, for my daughters sake.”
    My muscles shook with rage. What the fuck does that mean? He's a ruthless piece of shit, motherfucker!
    The hatred and turmoil over what he said was visible all over. The veins in my neck bulged as I swallowed, my eyes furrowed down, each muscle cocked back ready to strike.
    Louis' grin split wide across his round face. Raising the microphone, he spoke, “You both know the rules, let the blood bath begin!”
    The room churned, wild panting and cheers rattled against my skull. The crowd reared up, cramming together like a can of sardines, every eye gawking, waiting for the slaughter to begin.
    Turning back to look over at Cadence, she chewed on her fingers, brows arching up, fear and uncertainty painted across her face.
    I wanted to hold her, let her know she doesn't have to worry about me. I'm a trained killer of sorts. I watched the other fights, even watching Nico bob back and forth like a fucking fairy, made me realize these guys don't know shit.
    They fight with their fists, but they don't use their heads. Could they take out your average guy? Sure. Could they take out a professional?
    Not a chance in hell.
    Even with the promise I made to stay clear from the ring, my adrenaline had already begun to pump the moment the Macro called me out.
    Violence had been my only lust.
    But, Cadence had begun to fill its place, every piece of her was worth tasting, worth drowning in.
    She started a fire inside I