Page 194 of Burn Like An Angel

Sighing, I decide to humour him. “Yes, Raine.”

“Perfect!” He grins broadly.

Turning away from them, I head for the kitchen where Lennox is arm-wrestling Hudson and failing miserably. Who the hell would challenge that massive oaf? It’s giving Enzo and Kade some decent entertainment, though.

“Prepare to pay up,” Kade boasts.

Glowering, Enzo watches them intently. “Never gonna happen.”

“Double or nothing?”

Clasping his hand, Enzo shakes firmly. “You’re on. Hudson’s got this.”

I halt while passing. “Did you bet against your own brother?”

Kade shrugs, unrepentant. “Hudson needs his ego checked every once in a while.”

“Heard that!” the man in question grunts. “Fuck, dude. How are you so strong?”

“It helps to own a gym.” Lennox strains to hold his position. “I have to look the part.”

“I’ve got twenty on Lennox,” I declare.

He flashes me a smirk. “Is that a vote of confidence? I’m flattered, Xan.”

“Don’t get cocky.”

It’s only another thirty seconds before I lose the bet. Hudson slams Lennox’s arm down into the kitchen counter, much to his chagrin. With a series of imaginative curses, Lennox concedes defeat.

“How?”

Hudson grins smugly. “Wait until you’re chasing around after a kid all day long. It does wonders for your stamina.”

“Not sure that it’s on the cards for us.” Lennox chuckles, taking his hand to shake. “So I’ll take your word for it. Good match.”

“Come on then, Hud.” Enzo takes a seat at the counter. “Let’s see how you fare against a pro.”

Hudson rolls his eyes. “Whatever, old man.”

“Less of that. I’m in my prime.”

Lingering against the stove, I watch the next few rounds. Hudson loses his winning streak. A short-lived challenge by Kade only intensifies Enzo’s bragging. I decline a match, already certain of the outcome.

“That man’s biceps should be fucking illegal.” Lennox stops next to me, slurping a beer. “Like, shit. Reckon that’s what Australia does to you?”

“Enzo’s always been huge.”

“Not that huge.”

“You should take him down to the gym tomorrow. I’m sure he’d like to see the place.”

“You think?” Lennox arches a dark brow.

“Yeah. Last time he was in the country, you were still extending the new weightlifting section.”

“That’s true.” He nods to himself. “Alright, I’ll take him.”

“Good. Have you seen Ripley and the others?”

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