53.

BRYNN.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No. I’ll be fine. Thank you, Zade." I smile at him and when I see the worry in his eyes, I say, "I promise." He nods and I climb out of the car. I’ve never been to this part of the town before and it seems quiet compared to how I thought it’d be. I look to make sure the name on the board matches before I walk inside.

It’s darker when I enter, and I don’t see a boxing ring around. Instead, there’s a bar. An almost empty one filled with men and I avoid their glances—though I can feel every single one on me—as I walk to the counter.

A woman is standing behind it. She has short red hair, a nose, and lip piercings, with tattoos covering almost every inch of her exposed skin. She chews her gum as she looks me up and down. "Have you walked into the wrong place, princess?"

I hate how condescending that tone is, but I swallow my irritation, knowing this isn’t a place to cause a scene. "I’m looking for the boxing arena?"

She looks me down again and lau