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My gaze shifted to Annika, who had a predatory stare on him. “The same goes for her with you,” I grumbled, realizing my mistake the second I said it.
Braden glanced over at me, but I couldn’t face him. It was the first time I’d let my jealousy spew out; he would never let me live it down. I had no doubt he’d bring it up later. And then, I’d have to figure out what to tell him.
We strolled up to the table, and Finn held out his hand to Braden. “It’s nice to meet you, Braden. I’m Finn Sellinger. I’ve seen all your fights.”
Braden shook his hand. “Thanks.”
Annika flourished a hand my way, and Finn’s piercing blue gaze met mine. “And this is my famous trainer, Reagan Jameson,” she said in a singsong voice.
Finn stepped up to me and I could feel Braden’s body tense. Either Finn didn’t care or didn’t notice; I was hoping it was the latter. He extended his hand and smiled; his teeth were so white they glowed in the sapphire-colored light. Finn was very good-looking and polished with his perfectly coifed light brown hair. However, the stubble on his face gave him a rugged edge. He reminded me so much of Braden; there was a dangerousness to them both.
“I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time, Reagan. Thanks for meeting with me tonight.”
I shook his hand. “You’re welcome. Your sister’s training went well today.”
Finn glanced over at Annika and nodded toward the bar. I looked over at Braden, and the muscles in his jaw tightened. Annika plastered on a huge smile and looped her arm with Braden’s. “Hey, let’s get something to drink from the bar while they talk.”
Braden’s eyes bounced from me to Finn and then back to me. I could tell there was something he wanted to say, but instead, he stalked off with Annika. Breathing a sigh of relief, I faced Finn again. He pulled out a seat for me and I sat down.
“I didn’t take Emerson as a man of few words,” he said, sitting across from me.
“He’s not. I’m not happy he’s here, but your sister invited him. I don’t want my friends involved with whatever the hell is happening here.”
Finn’s brows lifted, almost as if he was impressed. “Don’t worry. I have no intention of dragging your friends into anything. This deal is just between you, me, and Annika.” Reaching into his suit jacket pocket, he pulled out a thick envelope and slid it discreetly across the table. “This is for your time this week. I know you have better things to do than train my sister.”
I picked up the envelope and sucked in a gasp when I saw what was inside. There had to be over a hundred thousand dollars. “Holy …!” I slapped my hands over the envelope to hide it from view. “You can’t be serious,” I hissed low.
Finn nodded toward the money. “There’s three hundred grand in there, but you’ll get five hundred next week.”
Shaking my head, I pushed the envelope back over to him. “I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”
He placed a hand over mine. “Take it. If you don’t, I’ll find another way to give it to you.”
There was no maliciousness in his gaze, but I couldn’t let my guard down. To get away from his touch, I slowly slid the envelope off the table and onto my lap so I could put the money in my handbag. I resisted the urge to look at the bar to see what Annika and Braden were doing. It killed me not knowing what was going on with them.
“All right, Finn, here’s the champagne you wanted,” a man called out from behind me. He sidled up to the table and opened the chilled bottle, his grin wide when he peered at me. He had a slim build and appeared to be in his late forties with salt and pepper hair. The expensive watch on his wrist as well as his suit had to be worth more than my car.
“Good evening, Ms. Jameson. I’m honored to have you here tonight.” He set the bottle on the table along with two champagne flutes. “My name’s Oliver Weston. I’m the owner.”
“Good evening to you too, Mr. Weston. I’m happy to be here.”
After we shook hands, he pulled out his phone and held it up. “Do you mind if I get a picture of us together? I like to post on our website when a new celebrity comes in.”
“I’m not a celebrity,” I laughed, “but thank you for the compliment.”
Oliver waved me off. “You’re most definitely one here. I’ve already heard four gentlemen ask about you. They were jealous to see you with my friend here.”
He slapped a hand on Finn’s shoulder, and Finn winked up at him. “Give me your phone, and I’ll take the picture.”
Oliver handed Finn the phone, and he bent down beside me so we were level. “Can I put my arm around your shoulder,” he asked.
“Sure, but if your hand lingers somewhere it shouldn’t, I’ll break it.”
Both men laughed and Oliver said, “Don’t worry. I know not to mess with you.” Finn took the picture and handed the phone back to Oliver. “Thank you, Ms. Jameson. I hope you come back and visit us again.”
I smiled up at him. “I’m sure I will.”
Once he left, Finn poured us both a glass of champagne. He held his glass up, waiting on me. “I know you’re not too happy about meeting me tonight. Nikolai’s a dick, but I’m nothing like him. I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance to show you that.”
