Page 46 of Forever my Love

“You’re perfect,” he said, holding her.

“Last one before we need to head across town,” Aaron said, motioning towards his next meeting.

Two men in expensive suits walked towards the booth. As they went, they pushed the dancers and other guests aside as if they were flies.

Reece immediately grew annoyed.

His emotions quickly went from happy to angry when he watched a woman stumble after being shoved aside.

“Easy,” he told the men as he moved to help the woman.

Aaron laid a hand on Reece’s arm. “Step down,” he warned in a low tone.

The shorter man that followed the bodyguards was as well-known as William Billy Cox, only the man wasn’t a boxer. Amos Bernard owned at least three casinos and hotels along the Vegas Strip.

Rumors said he was the head of an underground mob that went back several generations to his great-grandfather, who owned one of the first casinos in Vegas. The man was into a lot of things. Drugs. Women. Guns. Boxing.

Reece knew better than to make an enemy. No doubt the man standing before him had pulled a few strings to meet Reece tonight.

Tucking Hailey tight by his side, he held out his hand to the man and greeted him between clenched teeth.

He could tell that Hailey understood to keep in the background of this conversation. With William, she’d laughed and joked right along with them. Now, however, she sat next to him and smiled politely when Amos joked about her or Reece.

Thankfully, Amos and his two bodyguards didn’t stay long. When the man stood up, Reece and Aaron did to.

“I look forward to watching you fight tomorrow.” The man shook his hand. “I’ve got a cool mil on you, so don’t disappoint,” he added, pulling him in close.

“Jesus,” Reece blurted out. Why in the hell would a man bet a million dollars on him?

Then Amos burst out laughing. “Just kidding.” He smiled and then jerked his arm again. “I only bet a hundred thousand on new guys.” He winked at him and then blew a kiss at Hailey. “Bring your good luck charm to the fight. I’ll make sure she has a front row seat next to me.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“I think she’s safer sitting next to my parents,” Reece said.

Amos paused for a second, narrowing his eyes, and then burst out laughing again. “I like you. You’re going to go far.” He slapped him on the shoulder and walked away, following his goons, who were once again pushing the crowd back for him.

“That was… interesting,” Hailey said when they were alone. “Was he some sort of mob guy?”

Reece and Aaron both laughed.

“Some sort,” they both agreed.