Page 28 of The Catalyst

Two questions run through my mind at Ronan’s explanation. How did Nigel get to train with this Michael guy, and why wasn’t he training his brother? But I don’t have the chance to ask before Ronan adds to his previous thought.

“Don’t tell Nigel what just happened.”

My eyes widen in shock. “Why not?” Ronan is Nigel’s friend. They’ve been close their entire lives, and he wants me to lie to Nigel for some reason.

“Because if you do, he’ll kill Martin. That will put everyone in a bad situation.”

They have their rules and one is not to kill people, but if Judy said they are vigilantes, wouldn’t Nigel be exempt from that rule?

I don't want him to be put in harm’s way because of me. If that’s what Ronan is referring to, I don’t want to take the chance.

“Butterfly.” Warm arms wrap around me from behind, and I nearly jump out of my skin from the unexpected touch, but I don’t whirl around because only one person calls me that.

“Hey. That was quick.” I turn and lose myself in those captivating eyes as they stare down at me with affection thick in them. A pleasant buzz settles through my body, and I know it's not from the beer in my hands.

“It’s not my first rodeo,” he jokes.

My eyes fall down his exposed torso and settle on something just below his navel.

A small blue butterfly tattoo, shining from how fresh it is, peaks above the hem of his shorts, and my heart races.

He told me weeks ago that tattoos should have meaning, and that’s why he didn’t have any, so this piece of ink, however small, says a lot.

I mean something to him. I’m his butterfly, and he has me inked on his skin.

Tears prick the backs of my eyes, but I hold them in. I can’t cry right now, even if this is the most romantic gesture anyone has ever given me.

At least it’s not my name, just something symbolic.

When my eyes meet his, Nigel gives me an all-knowing smirk, trailing his fingers along my jaw.

“When did you get that?” I ask, redness filling my cheeks.

“Right before I picked you up.”

I’m such a damn sap. I can’t get over what he did. If it were any other guy, I would tell him he’s insane, but I know Nigel thought this through before he committed to it.

I reach up onto the tips of my toes and kiss his lips, one I know pushes this further than it should be at this point.

I shouldn’t feel so many things concerning Nigel. Maybe it’s lust, but I don’t think so. That was all Shawn and I had, but this…is different.

“Come on, butterfly,” Nigel rasps as he pulls out of the kiss and grabs my hand, pulling me along with him.

Judy’s fingers wrap around my other wrist so she can follow me. Nigel pulls us through the throngs of people and we break through just as one of the men in the circle in the middle of the room falls on his face, out for the count. My eyes widen as the other man cheers, screaming for his victory. Sweat and blood trickle down his body as the referee helps his fallen adversary, who is still out cold. The ref hands him off to someone who has to be one of his friends as the champion hurries out of the circle, probably intent on a drink to celebrate.

Across the inner circle, Martin Gray steps through the crowd, his greenish blue eyes full of dark intent as they hone in on me. Not Nigel, but me.

“Kick his ass,” I say as Judy and Ronan move to my side, offering their support. Judy may have a vague idea of how nerve-racking this is for me, but no one fully understands. I’ve already lost one boyfriend to a sudden death. I’m not ready to lose another.

Just as Nigel walks into the circle chalked onto the cement, Martin looks me up and down flirtatiously, knowing that Nigel can see what he’s doing.

“Your girl is a hot piece of ass. What I wouldn’t do to take a big bite out of her tits.”

My heart slams into my stomach as his words sink in. Does this fucker have a death wish? Nigel has proven how territorial he is over me, and this idiot just openly ogled me in front of Nigel.

“Don’t look at my woman, Gray,” Nigel growls his warning as his fists clench in anger.

“Come on, man. You know I’m just playing with you,” he laughs, but then the playfulness leaves his expression. “Why would I need a bite of her when I’ve already had a nice handful of that delicious ass?”

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