Uncaged (An MMA Stepbrother Romance) (52 page)

She points a finger at me. “You’re an idiot Pierce, if you believe it’s only going to be
one
time.”

“Pen, it’s practically retirement money.”

“Oh,” she challenges, hands on her hips. “That’s what this is about, is it? Retirement?”

I grit my teeth, but say nothing.

“I thought so.
Retirement
. Fuck you, Pierce. Don’t get me involved in this.”

“The fight is next Friday. I need you there, Pen.”

“I don’t care.”

“Pen,” I say. I walk up to her, but she pushes me violently away. “Pen, I need you there. I’ll fight better if you’re watching.” What I tell her is partly true. But the other part of it is that I want her where I can see her. I don’t want them getting their hands on her.

“Well, this is a fight I’m not watching.”

“Why?”

“Because you didn’t listen to me. You didn’t even consult me before accepting whatever shady deal they gave you. I don’t care how much money it is, it’s all dirty.”

“Consult you?” I ask. I can feel my temper starting to flare. “Why the fuck should I consult you?”

Penny stops her exit, and turns around. “Because you want me there. Because you want me.”

She leaves, and slams the door.

And God fucking damn it if she isn’t fucking right about that.

I do want her.

It might just be that I need her.

Chapter Twenty Four