Hardheaded Brunette Read Online Free PDF Page B

cheek. "Why don't you go help Razi with the food? I'll make sure the boys behave themselves."
    "But I—"
    "Trust me. It's all just hot air before their big match." Mick leaned his forehead against hers. "Tomorrow night they'll all be best friends and sit down to toss back a few pints together."
    Gilda certainly hoped that was true. She nodded then turned toward the food tables.
    Charlie stood near the hot tub with Mena glaring at him, her eyebrows lowered and her nostrils flared. It seemed their friendship had already hit a snag. Mena shook her head then reached for his hand and smacked something onto his palm. Gilda strained to see what it was, but someone pushed in front of her, obstructing her view.
    Sanchez stormed over to Charlie Hunt and shoved Mena aside, so hard she bounced off the hot tub and stumbled to the ground. He spoke a few muffled words before shouting, "You ripped me off. You're nothing but a lousy crook."
    "Settle down." Charlie scowled. "You're overreacting. We'll discuss this later."
    "What's wrong with right now?" Sanchez gave Charlie a shove. "You afraid of me?"
    Charlie rolled his eyes. "Hardly. You were a punk when I met you, and you're still a punk. It doesn't matter who you coach."
    "Leave him alone, Sanchez." Mena clung to Charlie's broad shoulders. "He never did anything to you or Gomes."
    "Oh no?" Sanchez snarled. "Lady, you have no idea what this creep is capable of. I have a list longer than your legs of the things he's done to people. I'm more than ready to take him down a few pegs anytime."
    Gilda frowned. It seemed Charlie Hunt wasn't exactly a well-respected member of the MMA community. Not tonight anyway. Considering it appeared no one had even touched any alcohol yet, the night was shaping up to be a memorable event.
    "Back off, Sanchez." Mena pushed them apart then stood between the two men.
    Before Sanchez could make another offensive move, a large bald man with a hoop earring grabbed him by back of his shirt collar and lifted him off the grass. Charlie took a step back, straightening his shirt and grinning.
    "I suggest you end this conversation without your fists," the bald man said, "or you'll wind up floating in the lake."
    Gilda stared. She'd been so concerned about Charlie and Sanchez, she hadn't seen the six-and-a-half-foot man walk into the yard.
    "Bite me." Sanchez flailed his stubby arms and connected with Charlie's cheek.
    "Knock it off." Gomes stepped in to separate Charlie and Sanchez before things could escalate. He stood with both fists at his sides, his entire body tensed.
    Gilda swallowed hard, apparently more intimidated by Gomes than any of the others. The menacing glower in his dark eyes made her take a small step back.
    Sanchez clambered to his feet and straightened his slacks and dress shirt. "So, you've got a new watchdog now, huh, Charlie? You'd better hope he's good at his job."
    Kane pulled Gilda away from the confrontation as he handed her to Mick. "Get her out of here, mate. These guys are bonkers."
    Mick nodded. "Gilda, why don't you go find Marion? I'm sure she'd be glad to keep you company while we calm these guys down and make sure they don't cause any more trouble."
    "These guys?" Gomes chuckled. "Nah, they're just blowing off steam before the main event. They're harmless." He shot Sanchez a nasty look. "Right?"
    "Yeah, as harmless as cobras." Mick met Gilda's glance.
    When Sanchez pushed Gomes aside and dove at Charlie once more, Gilda jumped back against Mick. Charlie swung a solid right then landed an upper cut with his left fist. Sanchez's teeth clacked together as he fell back onto the manicured lawn. With a growl, he started to kick at both Charlie's shins.
    Kane grabbed Sanchez's left leg and spun him away from Charlie. "That's enough."
    Sanchez's right foot caught Kane across the chin with enough force to knock him back a couple feet. Before Kane could collect himself enough to fight back, Mick grabbed his shoulder and steadied him.
    "That is