Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78725 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78725 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
We would rearrange our puzzle as many times as needed, as long as it meant River was here with us.
Chapter
Nineteen
LOTTO
My phone skidded across the desk and fell to the floor with a clatter.
I already knew the answer before I’d called the adult toy company, but the conversation went worse than I could have imagined.
In exchange for their sponsorship, Smiley’s would have to advertise their business in any way possible. A massive strap-on logo wasn’t enough. They wanted social media posts for their Viagra knockoffs. Interviews after fights holding up their famous Dragon Dick mold. Hell, they even mentioned starting a Smiley’s OnlyFans because “if the boxing didn’t work out, at least we’d have toys to enjoy for a little extra cash.”
So, now our choices were to become full-fledged prostitutes for some flight tickets and equipment, or go with the neighborhood felon who could give Troy’s crimes a run for their money.
All my other leads dried up. No one from the underground wanted to sponsor us. Not if it meant going against the biggest name in the scene. They all said the same damn thing. They’d bet on us in the ring, but what happened outside of that was “none of their business.”
Figured.
Troy and Lucien had made sure we were up shit creek, and they’d stolen our paddles to keep us trapped.
Was it even worth it to keep going? One month left. Ninth place. Shit sponsor choices. Comments on our social media posts trolling us for Lucien’s bullshit. This wasn’t the “exposure” I’d been hoping for when we signed with the Circuit. I’d known it would be a mess, but I was willing to take a chance. We all were.
Now that chance was a big neon sign that flashed “DUMBASSES” at every turn.
A soft knock sounded on the door, and River stepped inside before I answered.
“You think you own this place or something?” I spat.
“Ooh, someone has a bug up their ass.” River tilted his head, his smile full of mirth. “Is that any way to greet your family, Lotto?”
“If you were hoping for a welcome home kiss, sweetie, you’ll be awfully disappointed.”
“Damn. Not even a welcome home hug?”
“What do you want, River?”
River stopped in front of the desk and crossed his arms. “Ari said you’d be calling the sponsors.” He glanced at my phone on the floor. “No dice, huh?”
“Are you looking to be the face of Dragon Dick Magnum?”
“Not exactly. Though that does sound pretty fun.”
“Then congratulations. The only choice left is a felon.”
River’s face dropped immediately. “You know how I feel about dirty money.”
“Well, what the fuck do you want me to do about it?” I yelled.
I was losing control—I knew that—but my restraint had been slipping ever since Lucien had first walked into Smiley’s and wrecked everything. He might as well have bulldozed the gym like that fucking tree. Same effect in the end.
“And the Circuit won’t let us sponsor ourselves?”
“With what cash, River?” I slammed my hand down on the desk. “It’s not in the contract but they sounded pissed that I asked. Said they’d ‘hold a meeting and get back to me.’”
“When was this?”
“Four days ago.”
River whistled. “That’s a no, then.”
“If we had an actual place to support us in name and use our own cash behind the scenes, we might be able to convince them, but who the fuck is going to bother with a ninth-place team with the worst boxer in the entire damn country?”
“Hey now, I take offense to that. I’m not that bad.” River laughed.
Usually, his laughter made me feel better, but not right now. It pissed me off even worse. How could he be so nonchalant when our entire career was imploding?
“If you don’t have any other business, then get the fuck out.”
“Calm down for a sec, Lotto. You said we need an actual company as a front?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you secretly own some business.”
“No, I’ll leave the company part to you. I’m sure there’s some business out there willing to put their names on our shirts, but I can help with the ‘supporting ourselves’ part.” He drew a breath and shrugged. “I’ll hop back in the cage.”
“No.”
“We can make big money this way. I still get calls from old friends. More from enemies. People are chomping at the bit to take down a ‘washed-up champion,’ Lotto. A few fights and our problems are solved.”
“I’m not letting you do that.”
“Don’t be an idiot—”
“If anyone’s an idiot here, it’s you, you fucking prick.” I reached over the desk and grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer to me. “You’re the one who gave us shit about going legit, and now you want to go back?”
“For the good of the family.” River narrowed his eyes and tried to push me off, but I held firm. “Unless you want to get out there? Or are you too much of a pussy to fight for yourself?”