Page 56 of Ruthless Deliverance

“Presents are optional. Presence is required.” Passing me an envelope, I tell him, “You didn’t have to.”

“You deserve to be happy, Dani. And I’m glad the kid makes you happy.”

I take in his sincere smile as I glance to the envelope and Creed walks up. “Open it.”

Looking at Philip, he gives me a nod. Opening the flap, I pull out a folded paper and skim over it. But the top of it captures my attention. Deed. The gym’s address. It’s the gym. He’s giving us the gym. I’m speechless.

“I know this place is your real home, and now it’s all yours. Gus said he couldn’t think of better hands to leave it in, and I agree.”

Gus’s words ring in my head. “The buyer made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He only sold it because he knew you were gifting it to me. Oh, Philip. It’s too much.”

“No, Dani. It’s not. You deserve this, so enjoy it.”

Creed steps behind me. “So, is the new owner changing the name or not? I think Creed’s has a nice ring to it.”

“You already know that answer.”

“Yep. And I support that decision. The name change I’m really looking forward to is yours, Mrs. Kincaid.” He leans over, giving me a tender kiss, then a whole second later, slaps my ass. Again. “Let’s go, old man,” he says to Philip. “I still owe you for that last matchup.”

Philip and Creed talk shit to each other until they’re out of earshot. I stand in awe, looking around the smelly run-down building, and think there’s no better gift that I could’ve dreamt of. When I spot Creed and Philip in the ring going at it, I yell at them to take it easy. I don’t want to have any injuries for the wedding festivities.

“I knew I left it in good hands. Already keeping them nitwits in line,” Gus chuckles, taking a seat in his usual chair—the one he’s occupied for as long as I can remember. “You don’t mind do ya, boss?”

“Not at all. In fact, it’s required. Often.”

He gives me a nod then turns to Creed and Philip, shouting a few instructions to them. “You’re a better student than them two put together.”

“But you let them fight. You never would let me get in any serious matches. Like I was going to get hurt or something.”

“Nah, I knew you could hold your own, I just protect what’s precious to me.”

“Thanks.” Because he’s protected me in more ways than one. After everything happened with dad, Gus showed he was more of a father to me than my own ever was.

“Anytime.” Gus focuses on Philip and Creed, who are not taking it easy on each other. “Let me know if he gets out of line. I’ll handle it.” He shouts it loud enough for Creed to hear, and he turns a smile to me.

I laugh because I know Gus is not joking in the least. And neither am I as I look to my soon-to-be husband. “Don’t worry. I can handle him just fine.”

Creed winks at me right as Philip moves back to the center of the ring. “That’s the truth.”