Page 46 of Timber's Line

We stay put until they both walk off.

“Don’t say it,” I warn London as we head out of the barn.

Sal corners us. “Oh good, you’re both here. Workout will have to wait. We’re starting early.”

“Early?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Yep. Gotta get this ball rolling so we can get to the good stuff.”

“What is the good stuff, Sal?”

“Drama and your tears,” he goads me. London puts a hand on my arm to warn me.

“Have you given any thought to be number twenty?” He doesn’t wait for an answer, just walks away.

“Come on.” London drags me toward the porch.

I watch Timber emerge from the house wearing jeans and a tank top, her hair in a simple braid. She smiles in our direction, and I wish it was just for me.

The guys from last week’s episode show up, and Ty waves at us before he and the others join us.

Even Noah, who I really thought would get the boot, comes and sits at our table.

“Have any of you seen the other guys?” Diego asks and we shake our heads.

“Sal likes to keep things on the down low, so to speak. He wants us and Timber to be surprised,” Memphis says as he sits down with us.

“This feels weird,” Ty snorts, “all of us at one table.”

“Only a few of us are enemies,” I glare at Easton, who only grins. That guy is a dick with a huge ego.

“Most of them will be like us, fighters or promoters,” London breaks the tension.

“Why?”

“Because Timber grew up around it in a way. She always watched me or Brick box, and she’s been to most of our fights. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, cares for everyone. She might not like blood and guts, but she supports those she cares about. She understands this job that we all love. She would be perfect for any one of you,” Memphis says, and I can hear the conviction and pride in his voice.

Most of the guys just nod and turn to where she’s standing, talking to Carlton.

I don’t have to get the guys today. They will all show up at once.

I can see she’s not happy. One guy, in particular, leans in and whispers something in her ear, the same as Ashton did, and I want to jump over the table. It takes most of them at the table to hold me back. The guy practically licked her neck, and I’m seeing red.

“You have a choice,” Memphis sneers. “You can try and get a grip, or I can put you down.”

He would put me down, and I would probably have a concussion and some broken bones if he did.

I sit back down and try not to lose my cool. I have one word screaming in my head, and I’m fighting it—MINE!

“I think you should take the slot.” Easton smirks.

“Why would you care?”

“I don’t. But she does.” He points at Timber, and another man puts his hands a little too low as she tries to discreetly back away. London has his hand on my arm, Silas’s is on the other. I can’t take this.

“Let me go,” I growl.

“Not if you’re going to do something stupid.”