Page 1 of Dylan
CHAPTER 1
Stolen Dreams
Dylan
“Kss,kss,”I hiss out a breath as I throw a combination and dance back out of reach.
Both punches connect with enough force to ring out through the air as my fists barrel into this unlucky bastard’s ribs. He stumbles back and winces as sweat drips down his face. A grin comes to my face.
This is too easy. I’m leaving with the bag tonight. This is my third match and not one of these assholes has made me work for it.
I wouldn’t even have broken a sweat if not for this hot-ass underground lot and the mask I’m wearing.
I wear the mask so no one knows I’m here. If my brothers found out, I’d be toast. If they figured out what I’m doing this all for, I’d be worse off.
Nah, I need to keep this my secret and earn this money on my own. The sooner, the better. I’ll figure out how to avoid my grandfather once I have the money I need.
“Come on. Is that all you’ve got?” I taunt as the guy throws a lazy kick at me.
He tries to spin out and come in from the other direction. I block that one too. However, this time I take advantage and slam him to the ground by his leg.
Another victory. The crowd goes wild and my chest swells with the knowledge that I’m one step closer to my goal. I still have a ways to go, but I’m getting there.
A few more underground fights and I’ll be on my way. I’m not even tired. I could go another three fighters and be fine. As long as I walk with the money, that’s all that matters. When I have enough, I won’t have to do this anymore.
“Adam, the boss wants to see you,” the ref says in my ear after I’m announced as the winner.
I close my eyes and groan. I knew there was a chance this could happen. While this fight isn’t in one of the lairs, it’s still run by Ronan and his crew. Their fights bring in the best purses.
I could fight in other fight clubs, but the money isn’t as good. I need a lot of money to pull my plan off. Not just for a flight.
I need money for a place to stay and to live in Ireland for as long as it takes to find her again. It’s taking longer because I can’t fight in the underground circuits as much as I would like, because my older brothers would kick my ass if they found out. Da warned me that I couldn’t and shouldn’t return to Ireland.
He actually forbade it. That’s why it has to be my own money. I won’t have the O’Brien support when I go back.
We were banished. My grandfather doesn’t want us in Ireland, so he sent my entire family away. If I go back, I’m risking his wrath. However, Ciara is worth it.
I have savings, but it’s still not enough. I figured I could get to the real bag here. I thought the fake name, mask and temporary hair dye would work.
However, there’s one problem with that. My uncle, through marriage, you would think I were one of Ronan’s sister’s or brothers’ sons.
He has been there like an uncle for as long as I can remember. That’s the reason I’m not making the type of money I should around here. No matter what I do, Uncle Ronan knows how I move. He and his right hand, Oisín, spot me every time I show up. His other lieutenant, Tadhg, has started to spot me lately as well.
“Ya have one fucking hard head, ya do. I told ya to stay out of these clubs, didn’t I?” Uncle Ronan snarls as I enter the back area where the money is being held and counted.
They keep this area heavily armed, as the money collected at the door and the bets are all brought back here. I remember when shit like this used to faze me. I once was afraid of Uncle Ronan as he was three times my size.
Now, I’m just as tall as he is and probably just as strong. I lift my chin and hold my head high. I know what he has told me, but nothing is going to stop me from finding my way back home.
I made a promise, and I have to keep it. I’m willing to face anything if it means I’ll find my way back to her. I will never give up.
“No one but you knows who I am. I come to fight and make money. Nothing else. I’m not trying to start or get into any trouble,” I reply.
“No, yer just here to cause me trouble. If Joe or Cass finds out I knew ya were here and allowed it, I’ll have to batter ya for the trouble ya’d have me in. Go home, Dylan and don’t show up in another one of my clubs or these underground fights.”
“I’m not leaving without my money.”
Ronan snorts and grabs the bag Tadhg hands him. He then tosses the bag at me. I catch the duffel and hold it close to my chest. There should be close to fifty grand in this one.
