Page 34 of Dublin Brute

Because this is a Quinn Industries charitable event for street youth.

And because with Laine actively growing the next generation, Tag is more determined than ever to grow our legitimate businesses and keep the respect of the community.

So, pummeling the shit out of an old man while his trophy bimbo watches would be bad form. Bad Brendan.

I scan the crowded room, half-listening to Mr. O’Reilly drone on about his latest physical trainer and how she has him working his way up to doing a Tough Mudder event. Come on—the guy is seventy-two and walks with a cane—that ship has sailed…and sunk.

My attention snags on a flash of blonde hair across the room and my heart kicks against my ribs. Is that…

“I’m sure you’re killing it, sir, truly.” I signal for Laine to come over and continue the conversation. “If you’ll excuse me. I have to see to something…”

Or someone.But no. Why would Nora be here?

“Brenny! Over here!” A brunette in a skin-tight dress waves glossy nails at me. She bats her fake lashes, and I fight not to wince. I don’t know her and have no interest in getting to know her. I give her a polite nod but keep moving.

I shoulder through the mass of bodies, searching for my angel as the crowd ebbs and shifts.Fucking hell. She’s gone.

Was it really Nora?

The chances of her being at one of our charity fights are slim to none. She doesn’t strike me as the type to enjoy watching men beat each other bloody for sport. That’s why I didn’t bring it up or invite her here.

Well, that and the whole ‘Quinn’ thing.

I’ve been blacklisted by more than my share of women because of my last name, so I intentionally avoided going that route with Nora. She’ll find out soon enough, I’m sure. Is it a crime to want to have her all to myself for a little longer while I show her the real me?

“Mr. Quinn, could I get a photo?”

Another woman touches my arm.

“Maybe later.” I brush past her, still searching.

The room is packed wall to wall with Dublin’s elite. They’re all here to watch us fight and to write fat checks for our troubledyouth programs. Piper and Laine have Tag, Finn, Bryan, and me working the room and schmoozing with potential donors.

Sean is working security from the monitor room in the back—the lucky fucker. I don’t begrudge him the segregation. With his surly disposition, scars, and tendency to throw elbows, having him mingle with the high-brow is counterproductive to an evening of ass-kissing.

But tonight, the only ass I want to be kissing is?—

“Brendan!” Piper appears out of nowhere and even with her being a foot shorter than I am, she manages to look down on me and scowl. “What are you doing? You need to get in the back and get changed. First match starts in twenty.”

“Aye, I’m going. Did you see…” I trail off, realizing how obsessive it would sound if I asked about Nora. She isn’t here. She’s spending a quiet night at home reading her sexy vampire book.

“See what? Who?” Piper follows my gaze.

“No one. I just thought I recognized someone in the crowd.”

She tugs on my arm. “Well, unless you plan to fight in your suit, you need to get moving. Bryan’s already warming up. Focus, Brenny.”

I take one last look around the room. No sign of her. Of course not.

“Aye, all right.” I let Piper pull me toward the back rooms, but my mind stays fixed on blue eyes and golden hair.

For the first time in my fighting career, my head isn’t in the game. All I can think about is her. The way she wrapped herself around me on my bike. The way she tasted when we kissed. The way she?—

“Earth to Brendan!” Piper snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Get your head on straight. You’re taking on Paddy the Predator and I guarantee you, he’s here to win.”

She’s right. I need to focus or I’m going to get seriously hurt.

In the back hallway, half an hour later, I close my eyes and let my head hang heavily toward my chest. Shaking out my arms, I envision the match in five-minute rounds. First round, I’ll settle in and assess. Second round, I’ll make him work for it, tire him out, lull him in. And in the third round, I’ll drop the hammer.

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