Page 134 of Clinch'd

Who is this freak?

“Not my story to tell, honey bun,” he says.

“Hm,” I hum, my mind whirling with the possibilities.

Beast told me about the picture of me and Suit. He explained that this was the man who murdered Cooper’s father and sister.

I’ve long since gotten over my hurt regarding Cooper’s assumption that I was involved. Time has a way of making things easier to understand. Still, that little piece of the puzzle finally made it all right in my head.

I guess now, we’ll see if Cooper has come to the same conclusion. I hope he feels the same way I do. Gah.

When we pull up to the venue, I stare at the red carpet and line of photographers with a frown before hissing, “Are you crazy?”

“Nope. C’mon,” he says.

I’m still eyeing the walk dubiously when Beast opens my door and holds out his hand. “Now Iknowyou’re crazy,” I grumble.

Since I don’t have much choice and the fucking blinding light from god knows how many cameras are already focused on me, I take his hand and exit.

I’m a trembling mass of nerves and grateful for Beast who leads me through the throng and into the venue before releasing my hand.

The seats are already filling and as we make our way to the VIP seating, I glance around, asking, “Who’s he fighting anyway?”

I was pleased to hear from Beast that Cooper managed to restore his reputation through an eyewitness who hasn’t come forward publicly but recorded Jordan planting the drugs in his things.

Cooper was allowed back on a trial basis, and I wonder if he will truly stay in the business or ease his way out.

When we enter the private seating, Rafe and Cross turn from the bar and I grin, happy to see the big ass troublemakers.

“Minnie,” Rafe purrs, taking my hand while Cross shoves him aside and pulls me in for a big bear hug.

His eyes widen when he brushes my belly, but I shoot him a warning look and he nods with a twinkle in his eyes. Rafe looks between us curiously before pulling me away to the bar.

“What’ll you have?”

“Oh um,” I say, and Rafe raises a brow.

He doesn’t comment and says to the bartender, “Water for the lady.”

With drinks in hand, we settle in for the event. My heart is in my throat while the announcer does his spiel. The crowd roars for Billy Wyld and I gasp. He’s going up against that crazy fucker?

Billy dances around on his toes like a stripper about to jump on the pole but I’ve only got eyes for Cooper as the announcer calls his name.

He steps into the cage, and I eat him up, from his sexy abs to his glistening arms before I pause on his face. He looks amazing but…flat.

His lips curl in the devilish smirk I recognize but the void behind his eyes clenches at my heart.

The girls go wild, and I grimace. Don’t they see? He’s not right.

Leaning toward Beast I whisper, “What’s wrong with him?”

With a shake of his head, he says, “The same thing that’s wrong with you.”

With a huff, I turn back to the ring. Wyld continues to jump around like a weirdo, and I shake my head muttering, “I hate that fucker.”

Beside me, Cross chuckles and puts his arm around my shoulders. “You sure you want Jackson?”

Laughing, I shove him away.

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