Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I’m going over to Loren and give him a piece of my mind.”
I pat her leg. “You do that and make sure you put a lot of money on me. If I have to let Mark pummel me, I’m going to make him regret it.”
She grabs my shoulder before I head for the fight. “Will you give some thought to fighting a different way after tonight? I promise there are as awful and dirty people as Mark in my dad’s world.”
“I’m a hacker, Mel. What do I know about a business?”
“I only own a sixth of the company. My family will teach you what you need to know. I just want my dad out of there. I know you could take him down.”
Her eyes plead with me. I sigh silently. When she looks like that I couldn’t turn down any request even if it was to murder the next person that walked by. “Yeah. After tonight I’ll help you even if it means putting on a suit and walking into an office building.”
She throws her head back and laughs. “You look like it’s going to be worse than eating a bucket of worms.”
“Oh, is that my alternative choice? Because I heard worms have good protein.”
“I’d never kiss you again.”
“Suit and tie it is.”
Chapter 18
Melody
I watch as Brad moves through the crowd. They start to chant Bones the closer he gets to the chalked-out ring. This is going to be brutal to watch. I take my eyes off him, heading over to Loren to place my bet. Of course I’m going to bet on my man. I hope this Loren guy has enough in the pot to pay me when this is all over. Even though I’m nervous, I’m confident in my man's abilities. While I usually don’t condone violence, I can’t wait to see Mark laid out. He’s always been a lazy jerk.
“You know he’s gotta take some hits,” Loren reminds me as I strike up a deal with him.
“You taking the bet or not?” I pull my bracelets off my wrist and hand them to him. I only carry so much cash on me so these will have to do.
“My girl has always wanted one of these.” Loren eyes my bracelets. Cartier, most girls do love them. My mom has them by the dozens.
“Well, she’ll get three if I lose my bet.”
He laughs. “I’d sell two and only give her one. I don’t like her that much.”
“Jerk.” I shake my head, walking away from him as he pockets the money and the bracelets. I hope he doesn’t get used to them because he’s only going to have to give them back to me when this is done. I try and fight my way toward the front of the ring but I can’t get anywhere. Then the crowd suddenly parts and Brad is standing there. His toned body is on full display. He looks so hot with his hands wrapped that I have to fight myself not to jump him in front of everyone.
“Back to the freight boxes.” He takes my hand, leading the way. The crowd parts as he sits me on top of a stack of pallets so I can see everything but not get trampled.
“I wanted to be up close,” I tell him as my eyes roam all over his body.
“I’ll let you get as close as you want after I beat this asshole into the ground.”
I lick my lips thinking about what that means. “Promise?” I lift my lips for a quick kiss which he gives me. “Can’t I be just a little bit closer?”
“I don’t want Mark’s blood to get on your blouse.” I look down at my shirt that is covered in paint smears already. It’s worn out too. People often think it’s some new style when really it’s a shirt that I paint in but it’s super comfy so I go with it.
“I do love this shirt.” He kisses the tip of my nose before taking off. I sit on the edge of the pallet. I have to pull my legs up and cross them because I can’t stop kicking them back and forth. I want this to be over with. I know Brad is going to be fine but I don’t like anyone hitting him. It doesn't help that I know he’s only doing this for money to help his family. He’s willing to get punched over and over to make sure they have whatever they need. Brad is the definition of what a man should be. Someone that will do anything for his family. Unlike my father, who will use anyone, including his family.
I swallow as the announcer starts to call out their names. It’s still hard to hear with everyone chanting Bones over and over again. Mark has a cocky smile on his face where Brad’s face is unreadable because it’s completely blank. I purse my lips when I hear some girls call out his name. He doesn't even bother to look their way. I can’t blame them because his body is incredible. I’ve had the pleasure of touching and kissing all of it.