Unleashed (A Bad Boy Stepbrother Romance) (200 page)

“I
will
win.”

“And if you don’t, then you’ll
owe
me.” Fallon steps closer. “And trust me, mate, that’s not something you want. Especially since you’re a bloody yank.”

I grin at Fallon. “Must eat you up, huh? An American being the best fighter in your town.”

“I just want to make some money. I’ll send you a text to let you know the details.”

“You have my number?”

He sneers. “Of course I fucking do.” Fallon gestures at his goons and they walk off. Baldilocks shoots me a glare.

“Asshole,” I say, going back inside. “Penny?” I call.

“What?” she says, appearing from the bedroom. She’s put on some eyeliner, and has corralled her hair.

“We need to talk.”

“We’re not talking.” She spits the words at me, all venom.

“Why?”

“Because you just made a deal with fucking mobsters.”

“It’s only a fight.”

She points a finger at me. “You’re an idiot Pierce, if you believe it’s only going to be
one
time.”

“Pen, it’s practically retirement money.”

“Oh,” she challenges, hands on her hips. “That’s what this is about, is it? Retirement?”

I grit my teeth, but say nothing.

“I thought so.
Retirement
. Fuck you, Pierce. Don’t get me involved in this.”

“The fight is next Friday. I need you there, Pen.”

“I don’t care.”

“Pen,” I say. I walk up to her, but she pushes me violently away. “Pen, I need you there. I’ll fight better if you’re watching.” What I tell her is partly true. But the other part of it is that I want her where I can see her. I don’t want them getting their hands on her.

“Well, this is a fight I’m not watching.”

“Why?”

“Because you didn’t listen to me. You didn’t even consult me before accepting whatever shady deal they gave you. I don’t care how much money it is, it’s all dirty.”

“Consult you?” I ask. I can feel my temper starting to flare. “Why the fuck should I consult you?”

Penny stops her exit, and turns around. “Because you want me there. Because you want me.”

She leaves, and slams the door.

And God fucking damn it if she isn’t fucking right about that.

I do want her.

It might just be that I need her.