Page 48 of Vanishing Legacy

The woman was beautiful. Alana couldn’t shake the feeling that this woman knew Cash, and Alana was an outsider.

“Am I interrupting something?”

“Of course you are, Bailey,” Cash said. “Why are little sisters always so pesky?”

This knockout of a woman was Cash’s little sister? Great. Perfect way to meet the family. Oh, hi. I’m the complete stranger kissing your brother even though my agency is providing personal protection for your niece.

Oh boy. What was that anyway? She couldn’t go around kissing a client. What had gotten into her? Her cheeks burned. In fact, heat radiated from her entire body. She could play it off as overexertion, right? She removed her headgear and ran her fingers through her dampened hair, trying to tame the sweaty locks.

Cash stripped off his gear and tossed both of theirs into a nearby bucket in a clatter of plastic on plastic. His hand was warm on the small of her back as he led her out of the ring. Electricity still sparked at his touch.

Bailey strode over to them and planted a kiss on Cash’s cheek. “Looks like we’ve got someone else to keep you in line, Cash.” Her eyes flicked over to Alana, and she offered a polite smile. “This must be the woman I’ve heard so much about.”

Cash’s smile faltered for a second. A flash of confusion rippled across his face. “Um, yeah. This is Alana.” His hand lingered on the small of Alana’s back. “Alana, this is Bailey.”

Bailey extended her hand. “Nice to finally put a face to the name, Alana. I’m Bailey, the baby sister who usually keeps him in line. But by the looks of it, I think you’re doing a pretty good job. Nice sweep.”

She shook Bailey’s hand and searched her eyes for any hint of disapproval or suspicion. “It’s nice to meet you too, Bailey.”

“Listen, I have some information. But we can’t talk here.”

“Let’s go in the office.” Cash led the way, and Bailey fell into step beside Alana. They weaved their way through the crowded gym. The air was thick with the sounds of grunts and the clanging of weights.

“I hope my brother wasn’t too hard on you in the ring,” Bailey said.

“He gave me a good challenge, but I held my own.”

“That’s what I like to hear. It’s good to see him enjoying life.”

They came to a stop beside a tall, dark-skinned man wiping his brow with a towel. When he finished, he glanced at Cash and flashed a smile. “Hey, if it isn’t the Thomas twins.” He locked a grip with Cash and pulled him in for a man hug with a hearty thump on the back.

Twins. That’s right. She remembered reading the shared birthdate in the file.

Cash returned the hug. “Atlas, good to see you, my friend.”

“Bailey, it’s been a while.” Atlas gave her a gentle hug, and Bailey kissed his cheek. “Look at you, girl. You look incredible.”

“Thanks,” Bailey said. “All in a day’s work.” The brief look they shared said Atlas knew something Alana didn’t.

Atlas turned to Alana. “And who is this fury?”

“Easy now,” Cash said with a chuckle. “Alana, this is my buddy, Atlas Shaw. He owns this place.”

Atlas wasn’t a large guy, but he was muscular. With his chiseled features and rugged jawline, he was the kind of handsome she’d rarely seen outside movies and magazines. Warmth and kindness burned behind his intense gaze, and a controlled power emanated from his stance—like a coiled spring ready to unleash.

“I saw you in the ring with this guy.” He nodded to Cash. “You’re agile. Very fluid motions.”

“Thanks, I had fun.” She didn’t want to talk about her past life as a fighter. Her eyes roamed the busy room and noticed four teenagers working the heavy bags. “You’ve got a great gym. Get a lot of kids in here?”

Atlas exchanged a look with Cash. “I bring in kids from the rougher neighborhoods and give ’em free classes. Teach ’em some discipline and give ’em somethin’ to strive toward besides gang life.”

Alana raised an impressed eyebrow. “I knew a guy out in California who did something similar. I’ve seen firsthand how one person can make a difference in a young person’s life.”

“He’s basically saving lives,” Bailey said.

Atlas smiled and patted Alana’s shoulder. “You’re always welcome here if you want to join me in the life-changing, life-saving business of mixed martial arts.”

Cash cut in. “Hey, man. Can we use your office to chat for a bit?” He nodded. “Privately.”

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