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He led her to a metal rack loaded with free weights, grabbing one in each hand and
nodding to say she should do the same. She selected a smaller pair, fifteen pounds
apiece, and followed Flynn, shuffling behind him into a side room filled with workout
equipment. They slowly emptied the rack of dumbbells then carried it to the room,
shutting and locking the door.
They should really just put wheels on that thing, she said.
Where s the fun in that? Now why don t you get the beer station set up? He
pointed to the folding table leaning against the far wall, plastic bags of Solo cups and a
keg sitting beside it.
Laurel did as she was told, pleased to be a part of the evening, a part of the gym.
Part of some secret, shady club, so much more interesting than her own life lately. She
wandered to where Flynn was chatting with another fighter, a stocky guy already
dressed in shorts.
I can t lift the keg by myself, she said and offered a small wave to the other man.
Laurel, Jared, Jared, Laurel, Flynn said, and they shook hands before Flynn
walked to the beer table with her, hefting the keg by himself while Laurel basked in the
glow of having been introduced, of being someone worth introducing.
84
Cara McKenna
That closet s full of folding chairs, Flynn said, nodded to a corner. You want to
stack about twenty of them against that bare wall?
I don t see you doing much work for this boxing co-op, she teased.
His brows rose, smug. The minute you start getting punched in the face for
everybody s entertainment, I ll quit bossing you around.
She stepped close. I like when you boss me around.
He smirked. Well you just keep up the bitching and you ll get what you like.
She headed to the closet so he wouldn t see how broad her grin grew. By the time
she finished arranging chairs Flynn had disappeared and come back changed, same tee
shirt but wearing track pants again, running shoes. People were trickling in, boxers
warming up. Flynn grabbed two chairs and carried them to his little corner. He and
Laurel sat side by side in comfortable silence, watching as everyone s excitement
primed.
Which is better, she asked, Friday or Saturday?
Saturday. More folks come, and that s the night when the virgins the first-timers
get to step in. Friday night s just for regulars, and newcomers only get to watch. The
energy s way better on Saturdays. Fresh blood.
She laughed. How old were you when you first fought?
Here? He squinted into the middle distance, thinking. Maybe twenty-four.
What about the first time you ever fought somebody else, anywhere?
He frowned. Shit, I dunno. When I was six?
Wow, aggro much?
You ever been in a fight? he asked.
Not a proper fight& I got detention for kicking Shelly Walker in the butt with my
muddy boot when I was in fourth grade.
Flynn laughed. What d she do to deserve it?
85
Willing Victim
She smiled down at her hands. I think she badmouthed Joey McIntyre or
something. I was a hardcore New Kids fan.
Flynn made an amused, judging face. I hope it was worth it.
Oh yes. Nobody puts Joey Mac down and gets away with it.
You re a passionate woman, sub shop girl. Your parents give you hell for it?
Laurel worked hard to keep her smile from drooping too noticeably. Nah, they
didn t care. She was relieved when the fights kicked off. Two guys in their twenties
climbed into the ring, one tall, one short, both pretty slender and ropey.
Are either of these guys newcomers? she asked Flynn.
Guy in the red shorts is a virgin. He ll win though.
How can you tell? she asked.
Because the other guy s scared.
He doesn t look scared.
Watch how much he swallows and blinks, Flynn said, and how tight he s got his
shoulders.
She studied the man a moment and nodded.
Plus he didn t even warm up. When a young guy shows up and doesn t warm up,
it s because he s already decided he s going to lose, so he doesn t try. Like if he tries and
loses, it s worse than just saying fuck it and pretending he doesn t care what happens.
Fucking pathetic.
Do you hate quitters as much as you hate impatient people?
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