Chapter 10
Evie
“Babe, do you know what I learned last night?” Caleb shoves another bite of food in his mouth, talking as he chews.
It’s another thing that disgusts me about him.
Something I overlooked at the beginning of our relationship.
But now that he’s been acting like a jerk lately, I can’t unsee it.
And I’ve officially lost any chance of an appetite.
Although, Torch stole it from me already.
Even if he is attracted to me and wants me in his bed, he won’t jeopardize the Steel Sinners’ chance of getting the money.
So whatever feelings he has will only be shown in private.
That’s probably why he took me to that bar in the outskirts of town last night.
There was no way someone my father would know would spot us in that place and tattle on him.
“What’s that?” I focus on the coffee table instead of the half-masticated piece of steak in his mouth.
“I learned that the Steel Sinners host a fight here once a month. The entire place shuts down for it, and tickets go for like ten grand a piece. Only the best of the best get to step into that ring. It’s like one of the most prestigious fights around.”
So, they run a fight club too. What don’t these men have here? Private casinos, a dance club, restaurants, their MC clubhouse.
“Do you think your dad can get me in?”
It’s another thing he’s asking me for. Honestly, if it weren’t for the guilt I feel in stringing him along, I’d tell him no. But I need him to be my shield for a little longer. He needs to protect me from being alone with Torch.
“Um… I don’t know. Tickets might already be sold out.”
“No. I mean, do you think he can get me in a fight? I want to be one of the contenders.”
He wants to fight? He’s barely an amateur at best. How on earth does he think he’s going to go up against the best of the best? He’ll get knocked out in one hit.
“It sounds like they only let professionals fight, Caleb.”
“Yeah, well, I’m going to be a professional one day. And if I do this, it will launch my career.”
Not if he’s dead it won’t.
“We’re leaving in two days. When is this thing?”
“The fight’s next weekend. Figured we could extend our trip for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Extend our trip. My throat swallows hard.
“But what about your work?”
“They’ll let me call out. Besides, if I win this thing, I won’t have to work at that stupid gym anymore. I’ll be fucking famous.”
Or dead. That’s the more likely of the two options.
“So, can you ask?” he insists, and my stomach twists tighter.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Sweet. Hey! After we eat, do you want to go down and gamble for a bit?”
It seems to have become his addiction since we’ve been here.
“I thought we could go out and explore the strip,” I tell him. “We could stop in at the Bellagio and see all the glass sculptures.”
“Yeah. Okay,” he agrees. “We can try our luck in that casino. It’s the most famous one in Vegas.”
I should end things now. The words are sitting on the edge of my tongue: It’s over, Caleb.
I don’t want to be with you anymore. It’s not you, it’s me.
I’m done giving you money. I’m done watching the food spray out of your mouth as you talk to me.
I’m done faking my orgasms and pretending like you’re good in bed. I’m just done.
I want to pack my bags and go home now.
But right as I’m about to say the words, my dad’s text comes in.
Dad: Heard that meathead you’re dating lost a hefty amount of money at the poker table last night. I hope you’re not funding his entertainment with my money. You could do so much better, Evian. You’re a Hemsworth, after all. It’s time for you to smarten up.
I need to smarten up? He’s the one dating sluts who are merely interested in being trophy wives. I’ve been through enough of his divorces to know exactly what the women are after. And it’s not my dad’s business acumen or his charm.
Me: You could too, Dad. Where did you find this one? At a strip club?
That Portia girl looks like she’s straight out of a whore house. You couldn’t convince me that she’s not after his money. And she thinks that the way to his wallet is through sex. They all do. But it seems to work every time.
Dad: I’m just having a bit of fun, daughter. You, on the other hand, have chosen to move in with the guy. You should be concerned with your own affairs and not mine.
And yet, he’s the one sticking his nose into my business and criticizing my choice in boyfriends. I think I should stick around and stick my nose in his business a little longer.
I close out my phone, not bothering to respond.
“Sounds good!” I tell Caleb. “Let’s go try all the casinos.” We can go spend my dad’s every dime so there’s none left for his whore.