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The energy from the packed crowd was intense, my need to end it quickly even more so. I was so focused on being with Cat, that when Big Dom spit out his remark, I needed to end him quickly so I could get to her sooner. He knows nothing of her history, but those words were more than taunting, they dug deep.
Usually, I like to dance around a bit, play with my prey, but I had no hesitation tonight after he went there. The shock of the early knockout was evident as once Big Dom hit the floor, the room totally erupted. The promoters may not have got a long fight, but everyone sure got what they paid for. Unfortunately, for Big Dom, he will have a sore head for some time.
It was good having Cat there, and the fact that she came, even though it was really not her thing, cements to me that she is as into me as I am her.
I got a text from Benji half an hour ago to say she was home safe and sound, and so now I can focus on what happened earlier. Sebastian has been odd all night, and I didn’t like the way he was when he met Cat. It was extremely unusual, very intimidating for her, and it makes me think that he won’t accept her into the family. I just have no idea why.
“Good fight tonight, Carter. You made me a cool 100k,” Dante says from the passenger seat as he fans out the hundred-dollar bills and waves them in front of his face like he is trying to cool down. “Quickest 100k I have ever made.”
“What are you going to do with it?” I ask him, already knowing the answer.
“Spoil my woman,” he says confidently, a smile on his face, his love for Annie still burning bright.
“You killed it. It was like you had extra energy about you. The crowd went nuts when you knocked him out!” Nico says enthusiastically, his eyes remaining on the road, a big, proud grin on his face. “Big Dom hit the floor so hard. He will be seeing double for a week!” I can already see the wheels turning in his head, his business brain in motion.
I look over at Sebastian, but he remains quiet, looking away from me and out the window, deep in thought.
“I think it might be my last fight for a while...” I say to them as I rub the back of my neck, and they all turn in unison to look at me.
“What? Why?” Nico asks, shock evident on his face.
I shrug. “I have been thinking about it for a while. It feels like it is the right time. I’m not getting any younger, the competition is becoming more fierce...”
“You still have years left in front of you. You proved that tonight with Big Dom. They promoted this as the fight that would have you on your knees, but you knocked him out in the first round!” Nico exclaims, clearly not wanting me to stop.
“Is it the girl?” Sebastian asks, and it is the first words he has spoken since we got in the car. I don’t want to lie to him, and if I am perfectly honest, she is a big part of it.
“She’s not the whole reason, but a part of it,” I say to him and as I do, I see his jaw clench.
“Fuck,” Nico says in quiet awe from the front.
“Carter is finally whipped,” Dante says with a smirk, happy that he can now pick on me for once. I ignore the banter being aimed at me as I look at Sebastian’s narrowing gaze. What the hell is up his ass tonight?
“What’s going on?” I ask him, feeling like I am missing something and starting to feel very fucking uncomfortable. Dante and Nico quiet down, but neither of them have said anything. We don’t keep secrets in this family, so I know whatever it is about, Sebastian hasn’t shared it with anyone yet.
“You fought well. It was quick,” Sebastian says, and I can see the gloss over his face that appears like he is trying to be nice, when all he really wants to do is act out.
“Is there something you are not telling me?”
“There are a lot of things I don’t tell you boys.” He expertly dodges the question, turning his head again to look out the window at the passing buildings like he can’t look me in the eye.
“Sebastian,” I say, but he turns suddenly, his face tense, his eyes serious.
“Go home to her, Carter. Spend the night. I need you back in New York tomorrow,” he states, leaving no room for further questions, and I nod to him, my lips pursed. I’m pretty pissed about that, but I will do as he asks. Maybe in New York, he will be more forthcoming with whatever it is he is withholding.
35
Catherine
I look at him and swallow roughly. That was intense. I knew it would be, but the fight tonight seemed to go from zero to 100 in a second. As he stands in my kitchen, I let my eyes canvas his body, and in my honest, professional opinion, I actually don’t think he needs any medical attention.
“Are you all right?” I ask him, my heart pounding at the memory of him hitting Big Dom with such force; I don’t even know how to process it all.
“I feel like I need to ask you that question,” he says, as his hand comes up and caresses my cheek. The same hand that smashed Big Dom’s face almost clear off his head merely hours ago.
“I’m fine,” I lie, not sounding very convincing.
“Cat. I lost it tonight. I wasn’t planning to get that aggressive. I know it isn’t your thing. I should have tried to go a little easier. I’m sorry you had to see that.” As the words rush out of him, I look up and see the panic on his face.
