Page 74 of Ruthless Lord

“Maybe it’d help you get used to the idea if you show up and make yourself watch.”

She’s quiet for a long moment. I don’t rush her. Let the girl process, and maybe she’ll make the right choice on her own.

I get what she’s thinking. Watching a man try to beat me to death with his bare hands probably doesn’t feel good. I’m getting used to the idea that she actually cares whether I walk out of the warehouse with my skull intact.

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

“I appreciate that.”

“But only because you want me to.” Her smile broadens. “And you asked so nicely.”

“I’ll get on my knees, but you’re the one that’ll be saying please.”

“Oh, wow, great line.”

“Thanks, I practice it in the mirror.”

She laughs, leaning sideways. I love that sound. Her tongue presses against her teeth, and I could drag her mouth against mine viciously if only I weren’t bound by this frustrating rule.

“Just when I start thinking you’re an unfunny and humorless old man, you surprise me.”

“I have that effect on people.” I finish my coffee with a sigh. “I gotta get back to work.”

“You just came home for that?” She nods at the mug in my hand.

I open my mouth to tell her the truth.I came home to see you.She gives me more energy and excitement than this fucking coffee does. But instead, I only grunt. “It’s better here.”

Chapter 22

Charlie

Instead of heading into the locker room, one of Albert’s guys heads us off in the back halls. He’s sheepish-looking and his nose is crooked. It takes me a beat before I recognize Big Boss.

“Mr. Morton asked that I take you two up to his private box for tonight’s fight.” Big Boss grimaces as Stefano steps forward, getting closer. “Also, I should apologize for my actions.”

“You should grovel on your fucking knees for touching my wife.”

“In his defense, I wasn’t your wife.” I touch Stefano’s arm. Big Boss looks like he’s about to shit himself from fear. “I have a feeling this is Albert’s version of a joke.”

“Mr. Morton can be real funny.” Big Boss’s voice is shaking as he gestures for us to follow. “Right this way, please.”

“Listen to him, all fucking polite now,” Stefano says, snarling, staring at Big Boss like he’s a starving dog.

“Easy there.” I take his arm and pat it gently. That seems to mollify him, or at least it’s enough of a distraction. “You should focus on the fight.”

Big Boss leads us to the last private box. We step into a luxurious space with a small buffet spread, a minibar, lush couches, several high-top tables, a quiet private bar, and tinted glass windows that lead out to a balcony overlooking the ring down below. Albert’s most important high rollers are shown to this room, and it shows. Everything is sumptuous and high-end.

“I’m tempted to beat that fucker’s ass just for a warmup,” Stefano grumbles as he tosses his faded old duffel down beside a chair that’s probably worth more than a midsize sedan. “What the hell are you grinning for?”

“I just didn’t know you held grudges.”

“He tried to kill you.”

“And you choked him out for it. I think everyone’s square. Besides, the guy was practically scraping his forehead on the ground and pleading for your forgiveness.”

“He should still be dead.”

“Easy, big guy.” I touch his arm again. I don’t know why I keep doing it. Something about the fight tonight has me on edge, and touching Stefano calms me down. “So what do you do leading up to the big moment?”