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“There’s no hurry, princess. We’re together and it’s exactly where we’re supposed to be.”

For the first time in my life, I actually believe it.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Rage

Sleepovers with Luna quickly become one of my favorite things. She stays at my place for a few days, and when she runs out of clothes, we move to her place. I take some time to double-check her doors and windows, the security system, and the doorbell camera. Everything seems to be working perfectly, and hearing me say it seems to relax her, so we settle into a bit of a routine.

Today I had to drive into L.A. for a job protecting a politician attending a movie premiere with his wife. It was almost a no-brainer. All I had to do was drive to their house, use their SUV to escort them to the event, sit with them during the movie, and drive them home. Done.

It’s not even midnight, so I opt to head home instead of staying in L.A. I’d much rather sleep in Luna’s bed than that of a hotel. Well, I’d rather sleep next to Luna. At this point, I don’t even care about the bed as long as she’s beside me.

I’ve just gotten on the highway when a text pops up from Garth and the audio system in my car reads it to me.

GARTH: Hey, was wondering if you’re available to chat for a minute?

I dictate a response.

RAGE: I’m driving right now but you can call me if you want.

The phone rings and I answer. “Hey. What’s the plan?”

“Well, it looks like I have a total of ten fighters. We’ll do five fights, with yours being the main event and last on the schedule.”

“All right.”

“You’re fighting Bronco.”

“Sure, give me the toughest guy on the roster!”

He laughs. “You’ve always been the toughest guy on any roster—you getting soft now that there’s a woman in your life?”

I grunt, annoyed by the insinuation that having a girlfriend somehow makes me less of a man. “That’s the second time you’ve said something like that about me. You have a problem with me having a girlfriend?”

“No, no, of course not. I’m just an ornery old fuck who likes to mess with you. I don’t mean anything by it.”

“Because if you think I’m soft, we can get in the ring any time so I can show you otherwise.”

He laughs. “Whoa, not me. I’m way too old for that.”

“I bet you still have some fight in you.”

“I do. In fact, I’ll be fighting the middle bout. Against Wayne Booth.”

This time I laugh. “He’s, what, seventy?”

Garth chuckles. “Fifty-eight, but neither of us has any plans to get crazy. Just have a little fun and raise money for charity.”

“Sounds good.”

“So, Wednesday works for you?”

“Sure. Whatever you need. I’m bringing Luna along. She said something about getting together with Candy to work on donations.”

“Yeah, yeah. Great. Candy’s been a godsend.”

“She’s a little young for you, no?” I figure if he can dish it out, he should be able to take some ribbing in return.