Page 112 of Bastard

“Are you drunk? You’re a trained fighter.”

“Just taking the piss. I’m not going to hurt her.”

I watch their exchange. He loves her—it’s in every word, every gesture. He must drive herloco.

“I don’t understand what’s happening,” Madelyn interrupts. “He’s going to piss ... where?”

“Your best friend is about to teach McDuff some manners,” Kylie replies.

McDuff chuckles. “Not too late to back down. Yer far too beautiful to be getting into a scrap with a fella like me. Though I’ve got to say, you know where to shoot a man where it counts.”

I toss the stray locks of hair from my shoulders and flash the Irishman my sweetest smile. There’s a simultaneous intake of breath. “I’m not a fighter, not like most of you.”

Diego rolls his eyes.

“But I suppose I should warn you, Shamrock. Don’t let my looks fool you.” I bat my eyelashes at him.

He snaps his head back like I bared my teeth at him.

Someone laughs, then there’s dead silence.

It’s highly unlikely I’ll succeed. I never managed to do so on the yacht. But I’ve been around dangerous men my entire life. Enough to know you never admit defeat when faced with a worthy opponent.

I’ve already won the biggest battle—my husband’s love.

Now, I aim to win his respect.

Everyone visibly stiffens. I don’t need to turn around to see who’s finally joined us. I wait, until he draws up beside me, a harsh scowl marring his beautiful face.

“What’s this?” His tone is flat and unyielding.

“This,” I gesture between McDuff and myself, “is me proving I can do what you personally trained me to do.”

“Aw, feckin’ hell.”

“Too late now, McDouchebag,” Diego laughs. “Did you think a Romero could be taken down so easily?”

“She hasn’t proven anything yet,” Hayden says.

I glare at him. “He sent away my first trainer. ‘Family issues,’ is the excuse I was offered. Admit it—you were jealous.”

Laughter erupts around us. “How does she get away with it?” Kylie asks.

My husband nuzzles my neck. “Don’t you know it. Now, direct that temper at Finn. Remember to watch for a sign, then get out ahead of him.” He raises his hand. “Ten grand. Winner keeps half and the rest will be split.”

“I haven’t been this excited in—” Kylie’s gaze falls on her husband and her cheeks flush pink.

Declan hands Madelyn a roll of cash before gently kissing her on the forehead. For a scary man, he’s sweet to my best friend.

“Luciana, are you sure about this?” Aubrey asks.

I nod.

“Well, bugger me blind. Hayden has met his match, hasn’t he?” This is from McDuff. Who else besides my brother would have the nerve to address Hayden in such a personal way?

“McDuff?”

The Irishman suddenly looks nervous. “Yeah, Boss?”