Page 113 of Unbreakable Thread

He grimaces at his dad and Drake.

“Look at me,” I demand. “I’m proud of you. You kicked ass like always.” I point to the guys. “They kept an eye on me. So, how about we get out of here?”

His eyes soften. “Let’s go,” he says, taking my hand in his.

We take a couple of steps, then Max freezes. I turn to see what he’s looking at up the paved cement stairs. Nothing but hushed voices and heels clicking. Max shakes his head, and we keep walking.

We don’t get a chance to make it back into the room for Max to get his bag when Daniel steps in front of us. Like always, he has that smug face. I haven’t seen him since he captured me. Daniel runs his fingers through his dark hair. That profile of sin behind a handsome face and a charming smile. It has me wondering how he treats a woman of interest, maybe one he’d be in love with. Is he brutal, soft, or does his cold heart melt while cozies up to her? I want to snort at that. His intrigued gaze sweeps my body. His smile curls. “Rainey, nice to see you again…or should I call you…Sol?”

My brows dip. How does he know my other name? Or that I decided to go by that name? I guess I did mention to him about me being adopted. He must have put it together.

“We are on our way out,” Max interjects.

Daniel hands him a large, thick envelope. “You can’t leave without your winnings. Inside is today’s and last fight’s. I need you here for the next fight, which is next week.”

“I can’t have these fights back-to-back. You need to spread them out. I need to train, and they can’t see me fucked up every time. If WBA finds out, I’ll be kicked out.” Max’s voice is thick with anger.

Daniel gives a nonchalant shoulder shrug. “Not my problem. We have a deal.”

Max tightens his hold on my hand, his jaw flexing. “And I have been compliant. You can at least do that for me.”

Drake steps in front of us. “I’ll take his fights. Release him from the fucking hold you have on him. I know how to box. I’m damn good at it. I can make you money.”

Max shoves him out of the way. “What the fuck are you talking about? No, these are my fights. You don’t need to drag yourself into this. I started this shit from the beginning, and I’ll finish it.”

It’s the first time I’ve seen Drake give Max the eyes that could cut through glass. Like a big brother scolding his younger brother. Drake’s gaze drags back to Daniel. “This is not his life anymore. He has a baby on the way. Give me his fights and leave him alone. My brother deserves to have a life of happiness.” Drake points around him. “He needs to move on from all this. Max doesn’t need to have his family around this lifestyle.” Max tightens his grip on Drake’s shoulder. He ignores him and keeps talking. “Like I said, I’m a skilled fighter. Hell, I’m probably better than Max.”

Daniel watches Drake, then snaps at one of his men. “Bring Paco.”

A big guy comes out of nowhere. The man has some muscle, but I wouldn’t consider him a buff fit guy.

“Fight him,” Daniel says to Drake. “Show me what you got.”

In a flash, Drake tosses his shirt off, and it lands on Max’s face. All I can hear is a growl coming from Max.

They don’t even bother to get in the ring. Drake goes for a punch to the jaw, and the guy fumbles back. It’s not a weak punch, that’s for sure. It’s powerful enough to cut the skin. The other man throws a couple of strong punches, but they’re not even close to Drake’s. His stance and moves are all there. He knows how to fight. Now, would I consider him better than Max? Probably not.

Drake’s fist connects with the underside of the man’s jaw, dropping him to the ground. The guy, Paco, groans on the floor, and one of Daniel’s men drags him out.

“Impressive. I think we have a deal.”

“No, we don’t have a deal,” Max seethes.

“We do,” Drake cuts in. “You have to make a deal with me that you will never seek Max and Sol.”

Daniel peers at Max for a little too long. Then to my baby bump. “We have a deal.” He extends his hand.

They shake.

Quiet settles over us as we sink into our seats in the car. Max roars the engine back to life, then twists to peer at Drake. “What the hell were you thinking? I took on these fights for Leo. It wasn’t your responsibility. You didn’t need to get yourself involved with these men. Now they will have you by the balls.”

“Sure, I did. Who’s going to look out for you, huh?”

“I will take care of myself like I always have. You were there for us when we needed you. It’s my turn to take care of everyone.”

Max grips the steering wheel. Nobody speaks for a moment.

“That’s where you are wrong, little brother. Have you heard the saying ‘blood is thicker than water’? I find it to be false. We may not be blood-related, but years ago, I vowed that when I found my brother again, I would do everything and anything to protect him. The night I ran away, the look on your pleading face haunted me. I should have taken you with me. I’ve lived with so many foster siblings, but you…you’re the only one I’ve ever loved as a brother. So don’t take that from me. I’m here now. Let me take that burden off your shoulder. You have a family to care for now.” He shrugs. “It’s not like I have anything to do, anyway. I could use it as a way to release pent-up anger.”