Page 60 of Prince Charming

Rex’s eldest son shifted in his seat. Rider zeroed in on him, arching a brow. “Something to add, Ranger?” He was the same age. Whereas Rider had been independent most of his life, running with the club before his twelfth birthday, Ranger proved he couldn’t hack the turbulent lifestyle, not making it to the prospecting stage.

“We’re just tryin’ to get along, Rider. You gotta be reasonable. This is our last—”

“Shut yer fuckin’ mouth.” Spat Rex.

Rider held a grin. Last what, he wondered. Last-ditch attempt to salvage what had been a bad year for them.

Ranger flushed red and slunk deeper into the chair.

At that, there was a knock at the door. Tag strode in, ignoring the guests.

“Prez, sorry to interrupt, that guy has been back on the phone. He upped the offer to 1.5 large for a 50% share.”

“What did you tell him?”

“Told him to go jump.” Chuckled Tag.

Rider jutted his chin. “You do what you gotta do, brother. It’s your call. But an investment like that in your cage is gonna bring in the bigger fights and more profit.”

“That’s true.”

Rex’s pathetic attempt at trying to look like he wasn’t eavesdropping failed miserably. Rider shot his gaze over and saw the dollar signs in the old man’s eyes.

That’s right. Take the fucking bait.

“Wasn’t I just sayin’, boys, I was lookin’ to be investing on the way here.” His sons looked at each other like they had no clue what he was saying. “Oh, yeah, dad, you were.” One spoke up. “You’re that cage fighter, aren’t you?”

“That’s me,” smirked Tag, rocking on his boots, hands in his back pockets. “Interested in fighting, are ya? We offer lessons.”

“This one?” Rex interjected with a scoffed laugh, “couldn’t fight his way out of his own fuckin’ socks.” If Rider felt any family loyalty to tweedled dumb and dumber, he would have cringed for the putdown. Ranger, probably for the first time in his life, took a decision himself by storming out.

Rex addressed the other son. “Go check his fuckin’ tampon.” then turned greedy eyes on Rider and Tag when they were alone. “How much to buy in?”

“Didn’t think the fights were your scene.” Rider added for effect. He could give a fuck. He just wanted the last cent Rex had.

“A lot you don’t know. How much?”

“I’m looking for 2 million bucks sponsorship.”

Rex didn’t blink. “What does that give me?”

“Thirty percent share of my winnings in the first year.”

“You have to win first.”

Tag smirked. “Always do.”

“Don’t talk to anyone else. I gotta liquidate some stock first.”

“You’re interested?” Rider asked. “Heard you didn’t have funds.”

Ego ruled Rex.

He blew up as Rider expected, jumping to his feet as fast as his round bulk would allow. “You got no damn respect, boy. I could buy this whole fuckin’ place if I wanted to.”

“Sorry, pal. My gym isn’t for sale. And you’re disrespecting my Prez, don’t think I want your sponsorship either.” Tag said coldly.

“Don’t be so fuckin’ hasty now. Give me two days, don’t talk to no one else. I’ll make it 2.5 million.”

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