Page 71 of The Two Halves of My Heart

“That’s not enough.” A few grand here and there wasn’t enough. Not by a long shot. I couldn’t prove to everyone how successful I was or provide for Grace and give her whatever she wanted if I had to string a few grand along between fights.

“You will get there. No patience. Now, go. Clean up. Enjoy.”

I was in a piss-poor mood, but what other choice did I have? I wasn’t going home to face Grace. Not yet. She knew I needed to cool off. She’d understand.

The party would be going for a while, so I went back to shower and shoved some clothes on that weren’t splattered in blood.

The Club was packed—wall to wall with customers who’d all bought a piece of the action. As I made my way to the top bar, people slapped my back and tried to shake my hand, but I wasn’t interested. I pushed my way to the front of the bar, and a shot of JD and bottle of beer were in front of me in seconds, courtesy of Joey.

My grand plan was simple. Numb the buzzing away. It had been a while since resorting to getting wasted had been necessary, but I’d take anything right now. The shot burned my throat but only in a good way, and the beer quenched my thirst. The combo did the trick and began to settle a part of me.

“Hey there.” The silky-smooth voice sounded from behind me, and I already knew who it was. Amanda was a regular at The Club, a try-hard with all the fighters who came through. I’d seen her routine when I worked the bar those first few months.

“Hey, Amanda.”

“Close call, Mads.” She sidled up to me and leaned her forearms on the bar top, giving Joey a splendid view of her rack.

“Not so much.” I took another sip of my beer.

“Want to get out of here?” She twisted towards me, shoving her fake lashes and inch-thick makeup right into my face.

“No. Why don’t you go find yourself another guy? Because this,” I point my bottle between the two of us, “is never happening.”

“Oh, don’t be like that. I can show you a good time.”

I had no doubt she could. I’d fuck her with none of the restraint I’d have to show Grace. Use her body for my pleasure and not worry about the bruises I might leave. My hand gripped the bottle of my beer as I pictured Grace leaning over our table as I fucked into her.

In the beginning, I thought she’d be able to handle what I liked, but after that night I knew the truth and it fucking tore me to pieces.

Amanda’s hand crept over my arm and pulled me back to the now. I knocked her away. “Don’t fucking touch what isn’t yours.”

“Fine. Go home to your mousey girl and enjoy your safe missionary sex.”

I downed the rest of my beer and watched her leave through the crowd.

Fuck it.

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