Page 71 of On the Edge

I looked down at my watch—it was going on nine. I wanted to go for a run and throw a few punches to prep for tomorrow. The night before a fight was supposed to be low-key, but I needed to do something. I was way too edgy to see Anna tonight, which is why I’d told her I was booked until Sunday.

I should never have gotten involved with her, and yet, I couldn’t imagine keeping my distance. She didn’t deserve someone like me, though. Hell, after what she had gone through with her ex, she needed someone who could lift her up. I would just drag her down.

“I need to make up for lost time,” I finally responded. “Before the fight tomorrow, I’m arranging for you to go to my place in the city. I haven’t been staying there, so it’s fine.”

“I don’t like this.”

“Well, I don’t want you in your low-security flat where Donovan’s lackeys might pay you a visit. When the fight is over in November we’ll figure everything out.”

“And if Donovan doesn’t let you off that easy?”

He sounded like my sister. I hung my head. Thank God Da’s trip had been prolonged another week. That was a conversation I was dreading like something fierce.

I ignored his question. “See ya, Les.” I started for the door, but the vibration against my leg had me halting in the doorframe. I pulled my phone from my pocket and stared down at the text from Anna.

I hope you’re having fun with your friends. I’m at Hannigan’s, and I’ve drunk two whole beers! Well, okay, I’m thinking about you.

“Feck.”

“What is it?”

I tightened my hand around my phone. What the hell was Anna doing at Donovan’s pub?

* * *

I pushed open the door of the bar, scanning the crowd of fighters, criminals, and basic lowlifes. Where the hell was she? If Donovan had so much as touched her . . .

My jaw clamped, and my body wound tight as my eyes fell upon one person I didn’t want to see talking to Anna.

Frankie.

He was nudging a beer in Anna’s direction, but she was holding her hands up, shaking her head no.

I moved through the crowd as fast as I could.

“McGregor!” someone hollered.

“Shit. It’s feckin’ Adam McGregor!” A guy grabbed my arm, but I jerked free of his touch.

I spotted Rick joining Anna’s side. He was coming to her defense.

Then Anna’s eyes found mine, and her shoulders shrank. A look of relief flashed across her face.

“Back off, Frankie,” I roared as I approached him.

Frankie’s shoulders arched back, and he slowly turned around. “Well, shit, Adam, what the hell brings you here? I didn’t know she was your girl.”

“Leave her alone.” I leaned in toward Frankie. “Donovan’s banking on our fight, but I have no problem taking you down right the hell now,” I whispered in his ear, my words slow and deliberate.

“Like you could,” he said, but he took a step back from her anyway. “See you around, sweetheart.” Frankie smiled at Anna and turned away.

“What was that all about?” Rick asked.

“I was in the neighborhood,” I lied. “I spotted you guys over here, and I realized that arsehole was bothering Anna.” I tipped my head Anna’s way. “This really isn’t the best place to be hanging out.”

I heard whispers of my name coming from around the crowded pub. I was going to be made and fast. I needed to get the bleeding hell out of there.

And Anna did, too.

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