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“Please, excuse us while I accompany Mr. Antonio’s wife to the VIP section he arranged for her.” He placed his hand on top of mine.

Her jaw ticked but before she could speak we stepped past her and I couldn’t help the soft chuckle that fell from my lips as I looked up at him.

“You’re evil.” I laughed and he smiled. “And, you don’t have to lie for Antonio, you know.” I tightened my arm around his and he looked down at me with his brows pinched together. “He can do whatever the hell he wants.”

Kiryl shook his head. “I wasn’t lying.”

A speck of relief settled inside of me and I looked ahead.

“Oh, how I’d strangle her until her eyes were bulging out of that brainless skull she carries on her shoulders.”

Kiryl smirked. “I’ll make sure no traces are left behind.” He assured me and I grinned up at him.

“Please, take me to your boss,” I said and he nodded.

He led me to the room Antonio was in but when I opened the door, he wasn’t inside. But of course Samantha was lounging back, showing all 32s as she held a half empty glass.

She was speaking to Koren, and when their eyes landed on me, they both rose to their feet.

I crossed my arms over my chest as she lowered her glass to the table. “What is it going to take to get rid of you?” I asked and she stopped in front of me.

Kiryl headed over to his brother, both idly assessing the situation.

Samantha merely looked me up and down. “The only reason I haven’t knocked you on your ass is because Antonio would have my head on a silver platter.”

“And the only reason you haven’t been fired is because I haven’t been around.” I stepped closer and our faces were barely inches apart.

“I can’t stand you.” She murmured through clenched teeth and I smiled, slightly tilting my head.

“You’re no walk in the park either.”

Her eyes dropped to my lips. “Is this the part where we kiss?” She leaned closer and I could feel her breath against my lips

“You wouldn’t know what to do with me even if the instructions smacked you in the face.”

“You wanna bet?” She whispered. “And, let’s be honest… with that dress that leaves little for the imagination.” She leaned in, her lips grazing my ear. “We’ll be doing a lot more than kissing.” Her hand rested on my lower back as she pulled me up against her chest.

My hands fisted at my sides as she looked at me with a devious smirk and I narrowed my eyes.

“I’d rather use an actual pair of scissors.” I yanked free from her hold and she faked a pout. The door behind me opened, forcing her a few steps back.

“Samantha.” Antonio warned and she grinned at me before bumping her shoulder to mine as she passed.

“You only have ten minutes,” she said to Antonio, and Kiryl and Koren both excused themselves as well.

I turned to find Antonio shirtless, wearing black gym shorts as he wrapped the white tape around his hands.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Thought she liked men.”

He nodded without looking at me. “She did.”

My shoulders slumped. “Well? What changed?”

He seemed amused. “After I beat her lover in the ring she was reminded—her words, not mine—how embarrassing men could be, and hasn’t gotten into bed with one since.” Fair enough.

I swallowed, remembering the last time I watched him fight. “You’re seriously doing this again?” The last time I watched him fight it was apparently because these cavemen bet on their women.

“Scared?” He grinned, stepping closer.