Claim - Page 76

“And I want the rest of his money for our new business venture,” Kav said. “That’s why I’m working with him.”

“And I want yours,” Ro countered.

The men clinked their glasses together and smiled.

“I need to get ready for the fight.” Beau ran a hand down my back. “Mila promised me that she’s saved you a good seat.”

I shivered, excited to watch him.

“Dante and Mila will take care of you.” He dropped a quick kiss to my lips. “See you soon.”

“Good luck.”

It wastime for the fight. I followed the Fury brothers and their ladies as we headed for the main part of the distillery.

“May I?” Ambrose Langston offered me his arm.

I assessed him, and decided he was just being polite. Besides, it seemed I liked my men a little more rugged.

I slid my arm through his. “Where are you from, Mr. Langston?”

“Ro, please. Colorado is going to be home for now. I move wherever my work takes me. I just purchased a mountain resort in the Rocky Mountains that I’m planning to overhaul. So, I’m making my base in Denver for now.”

“I guess you’re planning to transform this resort into the jewel in the Langston crown.”

He flashed me a smile that I was certain made many a woman fall at his feet. “Something like that.”

We entered the heart of the distillery. I glanced up at the big tanks, but then my gaze was riveted on the spotlights highlighting the boxing ring.

I felt a spurt of excitement. I couldn’t wait to watch Beau in action.

“It’s time for the most exciting part of the evening to start,” an announcer said over the loudspeakers. I recognized his voice from one of the local radio stations. The lights flashed. “Please take your seats, ladies and gentlemen. The main attraction will be starting now. Don’t forget our silent auction. There are amazing items up for grabs, and all the proceeds go to an incredibly good cause, supporting the healthcare of underprivileged children.”

Mila waved a hand. “Our seats are over here.”

We took our front-row seats in the lines of chairs set up around the boxing ring. Mila sat on one side of me, and Ro on the other.

Then I watched as Beau came out of a doorway, walking toward the ring. He wore dark-blue shorts and a boxing robe. The crowd went wild, cheering his name. He lifted a gloved hand into the air.

“And here is our local fighter, one of New Orleans’ favorite sons, Beauden Fury,” the announcer said.

My gaze was locked on him. He climbed into the ring, and butterflies filled my belly.

“And our competitor this evening, all the way from Miami, Deon Jones.”

A heavily muscled black man in red boxing gear strolled in. I swallowed. He looked strong and fit, and I guessed he was ten years younger than Beau.

In the ring, the men both shed their boxing robes. Gio stood at Beau’s corner and took the robe. The two men talked for a moment, and Beau nodded. I drank in his muscular body and felt tingles low down in my belly. I pressed my legs together.

Then the bell rang. “Let the fight begin!”

I sucked in a breath. Beau charged forward—with no dancing or cautious moves. He threw the first punch.

Wow. This looked nothing like our training.

Muscles bulged, and bodies flexed. I tried to take note of all the punches and combos they were doing, but I got lost in simply watching the vital beauty of Beau fighting.

It was all power. All rough grace.