Twisted Ties

Untitled Episode..

Sebastian sent the location and other information for us to run a research, we were to meet in an underground boxing ring which meant there might be a bet, or we would be fighting personally. This is ridiculous.

Lucas found the schedule of the fight the day of the meeting and the fighter that had more affiliation with The Lobos, we placed our stakes well, called it a day, and waited for the night.

The arena was dimly lit, the air was filled with blood, sweat, and adrenaline. The roar of crowds echoed, cheering for their winning champions and accumulating profits. Underground rings were always like this, a staple in the city where deals were made, alliances were tested, recruits were found and power was lost and won in seconds.

My presence wasn't entirely unnoticed, several people nodded in acknowledgment. It was normal for me to be recognized as Chris Moretti unknown to the public. I walked to the section Pedro was seated in, he took a puff of the cigar between his fingers before he speaks

“Well if it isn't Moretti” he goes, a weird smile creeps on his face.

“Pedro, I would say nice to meet you but I'm a man who means his words so I rather not” I state in a detached tone. Pedro has always been a slimy fucker, looking for a way to usurp my place in the mafia world, but no evidence to back such speculations means no judgment.

“Ever the antagonist to my story” he chuckles darkly, taking another puff, “but shouldn't you be more accepting of me as I'm benevolent enough to give these firearms?” he questions, a rue smile on his lips, “the Moretti’s are giving you something in return the next time you want to use the word benevolence I suggest you check the meaning” I state calmly.

He chuckles again and signals to his secretary as she places an envelope into his hands. He drops the envelope on the table. “Those are my terms for the firearms to be released to you” Lucas picks the envelope up, opens it, and gives me the content.

“The firearms and others will be given to you if the odds are in your favor but if it's not, we take over the warehouse that got burnt down” that fucker, the warehouse might have been burnt down but there were still important inventories inside.

“What odds?” I question in a cold tone, and a wicked smile comes forward as he answers “A bet, the next fight is our odds” he signals again to the secretary, and another envelope is dropped in his hands. He drops the file and Lucas picks it up, he was predictable picking the fighter we believed he would.

The ongoing match comes to an end which means the time has come. Pedro’s grin widened, there was something wrong I could feel.

The announcer rises to the stage “Ladies and gentlemen the moment we have been waiting for… tonight isn't just a normal ring fight today it's a battle between two of our greatest sponsors!” the crowd roars in anticipation.

Wang is called up to the ring, he's quite a seasoned fighter, we saw that in the files Lucas gathered. His opponent was almost the same level as him so it was a good stake.

The room pulsed with energy as Wang flexed, I leaned forward as I noticed the other fighter and two ladies. I looked at Lucas who had the same perplexed look on his face masked with indifference, that wasn't who the stake was placed on.

The announcers called the second fighter up the stage, Chen?? That wasn't who was supposed to fight Wang, we've been tricked, I clench my hands in anger

Pedro was so proud of the stunt he pulled, his confidence infuriated me, he laughed loudly, “What's wrong Moretti? You didn't think I’ll make it easy for you right?”, he asked, expecting a withdrawal. He is insane to think that I never back down.

I turn to Lucas and back to Pedro my mind made up “Let's make this a death duel” I announce His smile falters, He wasn't expecting that. Lucas signals to the manager who brought the development to the announcer.

Across the ring, my eyes finally settled on a woman, she didn't look like she belonged there, she found my gaze and held it, not withdrawing for a second, intriguing.

The announcer states the change and the bet that had been staked in the fight earning a cheer from the crowd, Chen's eyes widen in surprise as he looks at the brown-eyed girl and the redhead. They are all unaware of how deep these things go, they shouldn't be here.

Her eyes find their way back to my gaze, The whole arena is buzzing with cheers. Chen and Wang engage in a face-off in the ring. The tension was thick. I could see the gear whirring in her head, I don't know why I cared but something told me she was a wild card, and I don't like wild cards

The bell rings, and the fighters circle each other, fists raised, eyes locked in a deadly stare. The crowd roared, their shouts blending in anticipation. I keep an eye on the match and the other on Pedro. He leaned forward, tension radiating from him as the fight unfolded, this wasn't just about the fight, it was about control, about who had the upper hand in this silent war between us.