Page 65 of Wicked Oath
“No,” Patrick shouts. “Owen, I forbid you from doing this.”
He turns to his dad. “Sooner or later, I’m going to be the boss, and you’ll be retired without any say over what I do. I’m doing this, Dad. Don’t get in my way.”
“No.” Olivia steps between Owen and me. “Please, James. Don’t do this. I don’t want you to die.”
“Who says I’m going to die?”
“I don’t want my brother to die either.” She implores me with her eyes.
I drop my head to hers. “Olivia, I have to do this. Think of it as penance for hurting your family’s business. I have to end this feud for good. It’s the only way we’ll be together in peace.”
“But not if you’re dead. Please, James. Please.”
I kiss her head. “I love you, too,” I whisper. She sharply inhales. “That’s why I’m doing this.” I step around her and face off with Owen. “Let’s go.”
Owen smiles darkly. “Good. Knew you were good for something at least.”
“Olivia, stay here,” Patrick orders as she tries to follow us out the door. “You don’t need to see this.”
“Like hell,” she snaps. “If my husband or brother dies today, I want to be there.”
“No,” Patrick states firmly. “As your father and boss, you’re staying right here.”
Olivia looks at me. “James?”
“It’s ok, Olivia. Listen to your dad.” I give her one last look as I follow Owen to his car. He motions with his gun for me to get inside. After the three are in the car, I finally let myself feel fear as we drive away, leaving Olivia behind. I might die today.
The ride to the ring feels both fast and slow, like the idea of potential death doesn’t move at normal speed.
The building is empty since the rest of my men have taken off already. I know they’re antsy to go after Patrick’s shipment, and they don’t even know I’m sending them after one of my own shipments instead. When they find out they’ve been tricked, they’ll be pissed. I’ll have to kill most of them and get new men—if I survive this fight with Owen.
“All right,” Patrick says, his deep voice rumbling through the cavernous room. “I hate this, but you two seem intent on being utterly fucking stupid. So I’m going to let you two get your anger out, then stop this fight.”
Owen scoffs. “No. It’s a fight to the death.”
Patrick sighs. “Well, then, get to it.” He steps away, grumbling to himself.
Owen and I face off, getting into our fighting stances. We circle each other around the ring, each of us testing the other one’s vulnerabilities. I’ve never fought with Owen, though I have seen him fight and I know how brutal he can be. Despite being a self-righteous shithead, he’s a good fighter. I tried to act confident for Olivia’s sake, but I might not win.
Owen is the first to make a move. He swipes his fist toward my side, but I step back, staying out of his reach. I bounce on my feet, still moving in a circle as Owen continues to swipe out for me. He’s going to tire himself out at this speed, and that’s what I’m hoping for. The minute he lets his guard down, I’m going to strike.
The question is if I get the chance, will I really be able to kill Owen? I hate the son-of-a-bitch, but he’s still Olivia’s brother. Will she forgive me if I do this?
Owen kicks out his foot and lands a blow to my side. Shit. I need to focus. I want to kick that stupid fucking smirk off his face, but I need to remain cool—it’s my one advantage. Owen’s so angry he’s just charging forward.
He throws a punch, coming close to my face before I jerk back. I manage to grab his arm and twist it, making him cry out. He rips his arm from my grip, and I dance back as he charges me, wrapping his arms around my body and slamming me to the ground.
I land with a grunt. Owen scrambles on top of me and rains down punches onto my face. Fuck This shit hurts.
With all my strength, I buck him off me and kick out, landing a solid kick straight to his face. Owen groans as he falls back. I smile, feeling the blood from the wounds on my face drip into my mouth as I get on top of him. “You thought you could win, motherfucker?” I raise my fists and bring them down onto his chest.
Owen wheezes, trying to catch his breath. He grabs my hands and uses the momentum to push me off him, sending me falling back onto the ground. Owen stays hunched over, clutching at his chest.
I stand up and kick him in the stomach, making him drop to the ground.
“Shit,” I hear Patrick mutter as I get another kick in. After one more kick to Owen’s side, I step back, breathing heavily as I stare down at him. He’s just lying there in pain, barely moving.
I bend and flip him over onto his back. Owen winces from the motion. His face is covered in blood, though whether it’s all his or some of mine, I can’t tell. My blood is dripping down my face, landing on the floor in little drops.
