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)
Though, based on the fading love bites on Ari’s neck and chest, maybe they wouldn’t care at all.
“I’m not some bastard looking to rob you blind.” I set down the pen, the contract still unsigned. “This is a lot of money when you don’t even know if we’ll make it to the WCC.”
“We have a backup plan.” Ari smiled and tapped the line. “We want you here. More than, say, Perk’s Gym.”
“Oh, they won’t be a problem. They weren’t too happy when they found out I bet on Smiley’s to win.” At Frankie’s surprised expression, I grinned. “Can you blame me? It wasn’t like I threw the match. I just had a feeling.”
“That Bones would win?”
“No, that you would win. And that Jace would get his ass handed to him. At least one of those things came true, though I would have preferred the second more, honestly.”
“Is that why you’re here and not at your other suitors?” Frankie crossed his arms and leaned back in his leather chair.
“My suitors?” I chortled. “What is this, Victorian England?”
Frankie narrowed his eyes at me. Rather than intimidating, it was kind of sexy, actually. “Answer the damn question.”
“Frankie.” Ari sighed.
Clearly, me joining their gym had been a point of contention. I couldn’t see why, but hey, Freakshow had never been all that agreeable, in or out of the ring.
I leaned back and matched his pose. “What do you want to know?”
“Why you disappeared for a few years, mostly. And why you’re back like a fucking herpes,” Frankie said.
I whistled and crossed a leg in my lap. “Damn. Compared to an STD. What’s next, the Black Plague?”
“If the shoe fits.”
“Frankie, knock it off already, for fuck’s sake.”
I waved Ari off. While I appreciated her ire—and found it extremely attractive how she was already going to bat for me—Frankie had a point. Normally, people didn’t leave the underground unless they were forced out. But I had stepped out on my own and made the choice to reappear after a small hiatus.
Maybe herpes really was a good description for me.
“Look, I got a sister and two young nephews. And my sister has an ex-husband who liked to play pool then come home and break the stick over her head.”
Ari winced. Frankie’s angry mask slipped slightly.
“I’m sorry to hear that, River,” Ari murmured.
I shrugged. “He got what was coming to him.” A few broken bones and nonfunctioning dick would change any man. “So I had to help her get back on her feet. That’s all. Now she’s doing all right, so I’m back.”
The best lies had kernels of truth. This was no exception. I had helped her out—did the legit thing, working for some douchebag in a suit. Her asshole ex had been corrupt and dirty enough; she hadn’t want my dirty money along with it. But when the sales dried up, and I lost my job, I strolled back into the underground to reclaim my rightful spot.
Sis wasn’t too happy about that one. I could still hear her yells if I concentrated hard enough. Forget River, my new nickname could have been “Shit Stain,” her favorite moniker for me lately.
“I want to be a legit contender,” I finished. At least that was the full truth. “Most other suitors didn’t give a shit about me as a person. Seems a little different here.”
Ari and Frankie shared a look that gave me a glimpse into their relationship. It was one of those “I can say everything with my eyes since I know everything about you” looks. I thought that shit was only in romcoms and bad dime store novels my mom used to read. I couldn’t contain my laugh.
Ari cocked her head. “Are you really laughing after telling us a sad story?”
“Nah, not that.” I gestured between the two of them with my pointer finger. “I’d love to hear about you two, though. An eye for an eye, right?” My finger landed on one of the darker hickies on Ari’s throat. “Or maybe a mark for a mark if you want to share that, too.”
Her cheeks colored. So did Frankie’s, but not in the same way. “Watch your mouth before I rip up that damn contract.”
“Hey, I'm just wondering if there’s any extracurriculars I can look forward to joining.” I eyed Frankie, dragging my gaze down to his sharp Adam’s apple and broad shoulders. “Looks like you don’t have any. Want to change that?”
“He has some.” Ari’s grin grew too sexy and too dangerous. “But you’re not going to see where.”
“Unless I sign the contract?” I tapped the pen against my name then used it to scratch at the bun fastened at my nape. “Is there a clause in here about fucking your boss?”
“No? Why would there be?” Color rose to Ari’s cheeks. That little flush looked good on her.