Page 18 of Bought By Torch

“But my girl’s dad is going to be an owner of this place.” He wraps his arm around her waist, and I watch as her shoulders stiffen again. “So, doesn’t that give us special privileges?”

It gives her privileges to everything. But not this dipshit.

“Caleb, can you please stop using me and my father to get your way?”

Finally, she’s putting her foot down with the jerk. I was wondering when she was going to hit her breaking point. Since they showed up, this one’s been using her name to get everything he wants. He’s even been using it at the bar, saying he’s Hemsworth’s soon-to-be son-in-law in order to get himself free drinks.

“Why are you in such a bad mood?” he asks.

As if she didn’t just explain her case.

“Do you want me to answer that?” I smirk.

“You know what…” She pulls out of his hold. “I’m going back to my room. You two have fun at the show tonight.”

She turns and starts stalking off toward the elevators. Tweedledum huffs before he goes to follow her, but I stop him.

“You need to give her space.”

“Why? So, you can swoop in and try to steal her from me? I knew you fucking had the hots for her. I saw it in your eyes the minute you saw her. She’s mine. I’ve paid my dues for an entire fucking year. I wasn’t even getting laid for half of it. There’s no way I’m letting you take her from me so I can lose my grand payout. Even if she makes me sign a prenup, I’ll still get millions.”

I should kill him now. I should wrap my hand around his throat and squeeze the life from his lungs. I knew he was only after her money. Too bad Evie wasn’t here to witness his confession.

“I’ll tell you what.” I grit my teeth, breathing through my nose to calm my anger. “I’ll pay you a hundred grand for you to walk away right now.” If he wants his big payout, I’ll give him one. “You go back to the room, pack your shit, and I’ll have you on the next flight out of here.”

“Did you not just hear me? I’m not settling for a hundred grand when the girl is worth a hundred million,” he scoffs. “Besides, I have a fight to win this weekend. That shit is going to put me on the map. Then everyone will want to come and train in my gym. I’ll be fucking famous because I took down a Steel Sinner.”

The kid is going to die in the ring. I’m going to pummel him, hit after hit. Kidneys, liver, jaw, eyes, nose, dick. Everything is going to hurt before I take the final blow, crushing his skull. He no longer deserves to breathe the same air as that girl.

“She’s never going to marry you. I can promise you that. You should take the money and get on a fucking plane. It’s your only chance for seeing a dime.”

He steps in closer, and I see Roller closing in behind him. I signal for my brother to back off. This piece of shit is mine.

“Do you really think she’s going to want you after she finds out you tried to pay me off to get me out of her life? My girlfriend’s not for sale.”

I know she isn’t. But he is.

“Do you really think she’s going to want you after I leave you crippled in that ring? They don’t call me The Exterminator for the fuck of it.”

His nostrils flare, as those eyes go round. “You’re The Exterminator?” I take it he’s heard of me.

“Yes, I am. The one and only. Does that make you want to change your mind?” I cock my brow. “Still think you can take me down?”

“I… Um…” Looks like the dipshit isn’t so sure anymore. “I’ll make you a deal. You let me win the fight, and I’ll walk away. She’ll never hear from me again. I’ll be out of her life for good.”

“Or… I kill you, and you’ll be out of her life permanently.”

“If you kill me, she’ll hate you.”

He’s got me there.

“Here’s a different offer. Let’s see if you’re man enough to take it.” That seems to bristle his shoulders. “I’ll give you a hundred grand to go take a seat at that poker table over there and keep yourself occupied for the night. Meanwhile, I’m taking Evie out for the evening. If she still wants to be with you when we return, I’ll lay down my sword and claim you the victor. But if she chooses me, you accept your fate and pack your bags and leave town.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, brother.” He holds out his hand. He’s no brother of mine. But I’ll shake on that agreement. And come morning, he’ll be out of the way.

He laughs, mockingly, shaking his head. “You just lost yourself a hundred grand, my man. It took me six months to get that girl in my bed, and another six to get her to live with me. She has a chastity belt around her heart, and a few hours won’t break it open. “Besides, she doesn’t trust your ass. She told me today about how she overheard you talking to some woman about how you couldn’t sleep with her because you had an important client to deal with. She thinks the only reason you’re being nice to her ass is so her dad signs the contract.”

So that’s why she’s been giving me the cold shoulder all day. I merely said that shit to appease Angora. Didn’t need that woman causing trouble for me. But now it all makes perfect sense.