Page 70 of Unbreakable Thread
He sighs, and Xander frowns.
“Not really. Of course, the money is good and all, but I don’t need it. Sometimes I just want to feel instead of being numb.” He shrugs. “Life sucks at times.”
“It does,” I agree. “That’s just life. It has its ups and downs.”
“Dude, you just need to get laid. That will have you feeling all kinds of shit,” Xander tells him.
We both laugh. “He’s not wrong. You need a chick. How about Bethany? You have a major hard-on for her.”
Leo glares at me. “How would you know?”
“You told me, and besides, did you forget I own a security company? I see you walk into Sol’s house. You give her fuck-me eyes.”
Leo snorts. “You and Xander are damn stalkers.”
Xander curses.
I jut my chin at him. “Who are you stalking?”
“Some chick who knows how to stir shit up.” I know he’s not seeing anyone right now, so my only guess is that it’s a woman he didn’t see coming. He better not be using the surveillance videos. I’ll have to ask him later.
“Let’s get the hell out of here, Leo.”
The door flies open. Leo’s sneakers hit the floor as he scrambles off the table. Daniel’s silhouette fills the doorframe, flanked by two broader shadows. His eyes remain flat and cold like always.
“Max, what a surprise.” Daniel’s mouth twists into something between a smirk and a snarl. “Or you came to watch your friend win his second fight?” He drags out the word “win,” his voice pitching higher on it before dropping low again.
I hadn’t even asked if he won the first fight after seeing his face. Something tells me this second fight is nothing like the first one. Daniel has kids as young as sixteen fighting. He could have matched him with someone at the same skill level, but offering him another fight means he has a large audience paying to see it. He only has them fight twice when money is involved.
I stand with my shoulders back, braced for whatever comes next. The others shrink in the mafia boss’s presence—a smart move if you value breathing. But there’s one line I refuse to cross for him: I will never cower to him or anyone. I won’t show fear. Daniel’s grin widens as his hands settle in his perfectly ironed dress pants pockets.
“He’s not fighting again. He’s done.” My voice is dark and demanding. “We’re leaving,” I tell him dryly, my face showing no emotion.
“Remember who you’re fucking talking to. And who runs this place?” Daniel sneers.
“Oh, I know exactly who I’m talking to and that you own it. All I’m saying is Leo is not fighting now or for the foreseeable future.”
He hmms, his finger gliding up and down his jaw. “That’s not how it works, Cano, and you know it. The crowd is waiting. He agreed to it, and he can’t go back on his word.”
“It’s okay,” Leo says, standing beside me.
“Who’s he fighting?” I ask.
Daniel lifts a shoulder. “Someone way less skilled.” His smile is sinister.
I don’t believe a damn word coming out of his mouth.
“It’s time.”
Leo holds his side as he walks toward the main entrance of the arena, where fighters stand and wait to be announced. “Did you break a rib? And are you sure, Leo?” I rub my cheek. “This doesn’t feel right. We can leave. I’ll handle it.”
Leo shakes his head, the movement causing him to wince slightly. His forehead creases with pain he’s trying to hide, eyes darting away from mine whenever they threaten to reveal too much. “I’m fine. I didn’t break anything. I’m just sore. You worry too much.” The words come out strained as he chews on his lower lip. I glance over at Xander, who stands with his back straight as a rod, eyes surveying our surroundings. I should never have brought him here to watch me fight. Leo is young and easily influenced.
“Let’s give it up for Leo ‘Steel Hands’ Rubio,” the announcer yells.
My eyebrows quirk. Steel Hands?
Leo’s lip twitches slightly at my facial expression. He walks up to the ring, and his opponent approaches. This guy is well-trained. He’s fought here a couple of times. He’s skilled. I’ve fought him twice and knocked him out both times. He would do more than knock out Leo. He could kill him or seriously injure him.
