Page 33 of Shifting Gears

But before she could speak, the two bodyguards on either side of the man she was in a confrontation with made to step forward.

“Try it. I could go for another fight,” I growled at them.

Kaito held up his hand, and they stopped in their tracks. Looking at him to see what his next command was.

“Let’s not escalate this beyond what it needs to be tonight,” Kaito said as he smirked at me.

It’s men like this that could really use a crossover to the nose. Too bad we aren’t alone, or I’d be happy to smack some sense into him.

I wasn’t about to back down. I didn’t give a fuck who this guy was. Besides, Raven said she needed someone to be her rock tonight. Well then, call me a boulder because I wasn’t moving.

CHAPTER 12

RAVEN

“Like I was saying,you were very fortunate, my lovely fiancée. Your substitute did well. However, he was not the fighter we had agreed on originally, and as such, the agreement will go back to the original terms. Once you and I are wed, your family’s property title will go to your sisters,” Kaito said with a sneer as his eyes left AJ and rested back on me.

This is unbelievable. How can he back out of every agreement he makes?!

“Wait a minute. What do you mean? You aren’t giving me the deed tonight? My fighter won!” I asked as I reached out and grabbed his arm in desperation. “Kaito, this is wrong. You made the agreement. You can’t keep?—”

He yanked his arm from my grip and raised his hand. “I can do whatever I want, you stupid whore!”

I flinched, bracing for the impact of the back of his hand. But it never came.

I opened my eyes, and my breath caught in my throat.

AJ had grabbed Kaito’s hand and stopped him from swinging, and now, two handguns were pointed at his face from the two bodyguards on either side of Kaito’s shoulders.

The entire room had gone dead silent, no one moving a muscle at the scene unfolding before them.

No, this can’t be happening. I have to stop this from going any further. I can’t let AJ get hurt, or worse, because of me. I can’t lose another man I love to Kaito’s terror.

I stepped in front of AJ, facing Kaito.

“Kaito, please. I’m sorry. It was wrong of me to speak to you in such a way. But don’t let the rash actions of the man who fought on my behalf cause your men to create a scene in your most popular fighting den. You don’t want to give the police any reason to come looking into your business. Please, I will do anything if you let him walk away right now. He doesn’t know this place or its rules and who you are. Don’t let the blood of a foreigner be on your hands.” I kept my gaze soft, and I gently placed my hands on his body—one on his chest and the other on his arm that was still raised.

“Release him. This is my fiancé. He was within his rights to discipline me after the way I behaved tonight,” I said as I glanced back over my shoulder at AJ.

My eyes pleaded with him, and at first, I thought AJ wouldn’t let him go, but then he loosened his grip and pulled his hand away, taking a step backward.

The men didn’t lower their guns, and I felt myself panic.

“Kaito? Please, I’ll do anything,” I whispered, and as much as it turned my stomach, I gently slid my hand up to his cheek and drew his eyes down toward me.

“Get him out of my ring before I change my mind about putting two bullets in his skull,” Kaito snapped, and the men lowered their guns.

I let out a sigh of relief as the surrounding crowd went about their business again. That was, until I felt Kaito’s hand slide around my waist and his other hand wrap in my hair, draggingmy body firmly against him. His hot breath was against my ear as he laughed, low and menacing.

“You’re such a handful. But don’t worry; I’ll break you of all these bad habits you have. Once you’re my wife, you will behave and not bring shame to me ever again. Is that understood? The only thing you need to concern yourself with after today will be our wedding preparations and, once we are married, to produce my children to carry on my family name,” Kaito muttered into my ear. “If you don’t agree to it right now, I will have that man followed when he leaves here tonight, and I will make good on my promise to end his miserable existence. Choose your words wisely, darling.”

My entire body wanted to revolt and shove Kaito off of me. The thought of having sex with him was completely repulsive. But the only thing that kept me from doing that at this very moment was AJ. He stood behind me, not having a clue exactly how dangerous Kaito could be—or maybe he just didn’t care. So, I did the only thing I could do.

“Thank you, Kaito. Of course, I will do all of my duties that you desire,” I said, and I really hoped he believed my lies.

He let go of me and straightened his clothing. “Then get him out of my sight.Now.”

I nodded and turned to AJ, but then it hit me. I couldn’t really trust Kaito to not have him jumped right away, but if I could at least get him to his car, he should be safe. I just needed a reason to leave with him as well. I quickly thought of a plan and faced Kaito once more.

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