Shame is a damn good motivator for that.
I hold out a hand. After a moment’s hesitation, he takes it, letting me haul him up. “You’ve got good instincts.” I nod at his stance, taking in the distance between his feet, the symmetry with his shoulders. It tells me it’s not his first fight.
Not his first loss, though, either.
“Watch your left flank,” I order him. “It’s wide open.”
His eyes flicker with understanding. “Thank you, sir.”
Sir.Good boy. He’ll make it.
I step back, rolling my shoulders, wiping sweat from my brow. The Goldenrod’s ring smells like stale blood and adrenaline. No underground fights yet—it’s too early for that—but my recruits are training, running drills. I need them sharp. Ready.
Maksim is leaning against the ropes, arms crossed. “You’re going to break them before they even see a real fight.”
I grab a towel from the corner and wipe the sweat off my face. “The enemy won’t go easy. Neither will I.”
“Guns settle most fights these days.”
“They do until they don’t.” I toss the towel aside, grabbing my bottle of water instead. “If they can’t handle themselves, they’ll die.”
Maksim doesn’t argue. He knows I’m right. “You’re actually a big, hunky care-bear underneath all that muscle, aren’t ya?”
“Say that again if you want to be next.”
He barks out a laugh. “No, sir. This suit’s brand new. Wouldn’t want to mess it up before I’ve had a chance to use it.”
“You’re using it now.”
“For an audience ofmen.” He grimaces, wrinkles his nose at the ripe smell of recruit musk. “Not exactly the target demographic I had in mind when I bought it.”
I don’t quite roll my eyes, but it’s a close thing. “I take it things are going well with Cammie.”
“Kallie.” He gives a soft, forlorn sigh like a teenager in love. “Or, as her tasteful parents named her,Kalinda.”
I shake my head. Maksim’s annoying on most days, but when he’s got a special lady in his life? Absolutely fucking unbearable. “Thought you said you were too old for her.”
“I am.”
“Then what’s the suit for?”
“Dinner.” He shrugs. “Entertainment. Flirting. Smelling that sweet coconut oil scent.”
“So you’re going to wine and dine her, but not fuck her?”
“You’re so uncouth.” He checks the wrapping on my hands, makes sure it’s still nice and tight. “Ever thought about gargling with soap?”
“You’re changing the subject.” I stretch my arms, then my torso. My back gives a satisfyingpop.Nothing clears my head like fighting, even if it’s in the junior leagues. “According to you, that’smyjob.”
“Which reminds me.” Maks’s eyes light up. “I haven’t seen Mia around lately. Finally came to your senses and tore up that contract?”
“No.”
“Then I’d say she’s skimming from the register.”
My fists clench. I don’t appreciate Maksim’s tone one fucking bit. “Shut up.”
“Hey, just trying to get some clarity here.” He cranes his neck and searches my gaze. “Is she fired? Is she not? Is she the fake next Mrs. Lozhkin or the real one?”
