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I can’t help but laugh a little. “I’m just so happy to be here with all of you.”
Suddenly, I’m smashed against his chest with his arms like steel around me. “You scared me angel.”
“Sorry.”
My words muffle against his dress shirt, but I think he hears me with his lips on the top of my head.
Melchior tugs on my sleeve. “Give me a kiss for luck.”
Balthazar growls deep in his throat but loosens his grip. I give a quick peck on Melchior’s cheek, and he throws back his head and howls. I laugh again from his antics and his brother’s possessiveness over a man who does not want me except as a friend.
He bolts to the ring again, chatting with a man I assume to be his trainer while a referee attempts to get him and his opponent to the center.
Through the crowd noise, I think they’re trash talking a bit, hurling insults as they bounce up and down, drinking water, and receiving last minute instructions.
Uncertain how genuine their disgust is for each other, I assume the slights are used to stir up the audience. Their efforts work as the volume escalates to a roar.
I grab Gaspar’s hand wanting to feel more settled, and the effect of his touch is instantaneous as he squeezes my fingers, seemingly happy I reached for him.
The pleasure evaporates when something catches his attention from the ring. I follow his line of sight to find Melchior’s enemy pointing at me. I have no idea what he’s saying, but none of them like it. Gaspar clutches me to him while Balthazar catapults over the railing with one hand and sprints toward the man.
Melchior gets there first and with one hit to his jaw, the man sprawls on the mat. Balthazar jumps into the brawl yanking the guy up by his throat. Chaos ensues with their teams crowding around them trying to break up the wrong match.
Nausea swirls in my stomach from the rage on Balthazar’s face, and I turn to Gaspar. When I look up at him, the same fury darkens his expression. I should never have come here. Balthazar is right—I can’t handle this violence.
I cup his cheeks. “Please make them stop. I don’t want them to fight. I don’t want them to get hurt.”
“One, I would never leave you alone. Two, no one disrespects you.”
He sounds so resolute, so adamant, I clutch him back just as tight. Despite being distraught over the possibility of Balthazar and Melchior being injured, I feel so cherished by them.
“Look, it’s broken up and they’re fine.”
I spin back, locked down with one of his arms across my chest and the other wrapped around my waist. Grateful he’s right, I blow out a deep breath. The unconscious challenger is being carried out and Balthazar heads our way, while Melchior speaks with a man who seems to be in charge.
Balthazar still seems furious with his face pinched and his hands balled into fists. Although his gaze burns into me, he walks instead of runs and uses the steps rather than hurtling over the barrier, which are good signs. “Are you all right?”
“I’m pissed as hell. That motherfucker shouldn’t even be thinking about you let alone trying to bargain for you. Like we’d fucking use you as a prize.”
Gaspar snarls and swears above my head. “He’ll regret that.”
“M and I will make sure Dad.”
They seem to agree to something I don’t understand.
I don’t think I want to understand.
Instead, I reach for his hand. We need to get back to where we were before—enjoying an evening out together as a family.
My plan works, and he softens. Finally, he grins, bringing my fingers to his lips and kissing them. I relax too and smile in return.
Cheers blast around us, and I figure out from the similarity of the set up in the ring, the event is back on with Melchior fighting a different rival. They knock fists and the referee drops his arm.
Melchior is a mad man. He jumps on the guy, dragging him down instantly, and pummels into his side. The man winces from the blows, twisting and trying to shove him off.
Yet, he fails because Melchior’s so relentless. Every time they get pulled apart, he goes right back kicking and striking him until the man finally stays down.
A harsh bell rings through the clamor, and Rudolph slides onto the mat, jumping up and grabbing Melchior in celebration. With Melchior’s legs wrapped around Rudolph’s waist, he pumps his arm in the air until a group rushes them and I lose sight of them in the commotion.
