Page 51 of Surrender
He sneered, grabbing for her wrist.
She twisted out of it fast, catching his pinky and bending it back just enough to make him yelp. The pub gasped in unison.
“You want me to break it?” she asked sweetly.
He stumbled back, muttering curses under his breath. She thought that was the end of it until he reeled back to throw a punch.
At that moment, Sophie burst into the kitchen. “Keefe!”
He looked up from the stove, holding a hot skillet in one hand and a spatula in the other. “Yeah?”
“Fight. Out front. Ruby’s in the middle of it.”
Keefe dropped both and bolted after her.
But once he saw the fight, he didn’t rush in.
He stood near the threshold, arms folded, watching.
Because Gwen had this.
By the time they got there, the punch was already mid-swing.
Gwen moved first.
Her fist connected with a loud crack, sending the man stumbling backward into a chair that promptly gave out under him. He hit the floor hard and groaned.
“Calm the fuck down,” Gwen growled. “Now feck off home to your mammy before I call her to pick you up in a booster seat.”
That landed. The whole corner cracked up, and the pub broke out into applause.
Keefe was still watching, grinning now. Arms crossed. Proud. In awe. He winked at her before escorting the two men out.
Gwen brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before picking her tray back up.
Keefe finally approached, sliding up beside her as the noise of the pub resumed. He took the tray from her. “You all right?
Gwen arched a brow. “Took you long enough.”
He smirked. “Didn’t want to get in the way of the show.”
Gwen turned away from the lingering stares and headed straight for the bar. Her hands were still shaking, but only slightly, and only because the adrenaline hadn't worn off yet. She reached for a bar rag to give herself something to do.
Keefe followed, quiet behind her until they were tucked into the little alcove near the taps. Close enough for privacy. Close enough that she could feel his gaze on her cheek before she turned.
“You all right?” he asked again, voice low. Different this time. Rougher. Like he already knew the answer and didn’t care—he just wanted to hear her say it.
Gwen leaned back against the wall and blew out a breath. “I’m fine. Bit of a buzz, honestly.” She grinned. “I haven’t bent a man’s pinky like that in years.”
Keefe huffed a laugh, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “Remind me never to piss you off.”
“I’d say it’s in your best interest.”
He stepped closer. “That was impressive,” he said, eyes warm, voice going gravel-soft. “You handled that like you’d done it a hundred times.”
She tilted her head. “Maybe I have.”
“Should’ve warned me I was falling for a one-woman riot squad.”
