Page 121 of The Obvious Check

“Get the fuck off me.”

“Please.” Another muffled and strained cry from Savannah.

Luke watches her with no emotion on her face. “It’s cute that you think you’ve got any say in this, sweetheart. You never did. I just let you think it.” Then he looks at me. “Your fiancé here is the one with the real power. Not you.”

Luke leans back against the bar. “Now, like I was saying… there’s another option.”

I hate the way he just dismissed her. I hate that I can see Savannah struggling and I’m powerless to do anything about it.

I glance at Savannah. She’s still now. The fight has gone out of her body, but not her eyes. Her eyes are still on me.

I lift my chin, staring him down. “What is it?”

“One more fight.”

My stomach drops. I knew it. I fucking knew it. I knew coming anywhere near this place would leave us fucking trapped.

“I told you,” I grit out. “I’m done. I don’t fight anymore.”

“I remember.” He taps his finger on his temple. “But if you want to save her. This is the only way. One night. One fight. You win and she’s clear.”

“No.”

“Well, then I guess Savannah can pay her own debt.” Luke signals to Cal. “Since he doesn’t want to play ball, you can take him out.”

“Who do you want me to fight?” I ask, my voice tight. Luke doesn’t set fights unless he’s sure of the outcome. He’s not just looking for entertainment, he’s looking for blood.

Mine, specifically.

“You’ll find out on the night, but I think Savannah will be very excited by the opponent.”

The fuck does that mean?

My mind races, clawing for another way, another option that doesn’t put me in the ring at the mercy of whatever monster he’s lined up for me. There has to be something else. A way tooutmaneuver him, to shut this whole operation down, and make sure he never lays a fucking hand on Savannah again. But with the weight of his goons holding me back and with Savannah being choked to her last breath, I can’t see a way out that doesn’t end in blood.

“Take her upstairs, Mark. He’s not interested.”

Savannah sucks in a harsh breath as Mark lets go of her throat and manhandles her.

“I’ll do it,” I bite out with closed eyes. I shouldn’t have said it. I shouldn’t havefuckingsaid anything, but I can’t think of any other way of getting Savannah out of this. “One fucking fight, and you leave her alone for good.”

“Cade. No,” Savannah yells.

I don’t listen and when Luke holds his hand out, I accept, staring him down. “Glad to do business with you. You’re going to make me a lot of money.”

I don’t listen.

I don’t look at her.

I look at Luke and take his outstretched hand, committing to a deal I have no intention of honoring. I just need him to believe it so I can get Savannah the fuck out of there and safe. Once she’s at home, I’ll be able to think clearly enough to figure out a new plan.

“You can let her go,” Luke commands, and Savannah drops to the floor and hauls herself upright on shaking legs and stumbles to my side.

I wrap my arm around her, thankful that she’s in my arms, and lead her to the door, not looking back. I’m getting her the fuck away from this asshole if it’s the last thing I do.

“Oh, and Cade. There’s one other thing.”

“What?”

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