“Done with your tizzy fit?” Seth asked as if he were dealing with a toddler.
Flint let out a primeval yell. Seth simply smiled and started ramming his fists into Flint’s abdomen. Flint yelped like a whipped puppy. Seth easily flipped the man off him and pounced. Flint had no chance to react or defend himself as Seth knelt on his shoulders and smashed his fists into Flint’s face. Breeze’s mouth was wide open as she gaped at Seth. The muscles in his back and arms were visible through his shirt as he made short work of Flint. She’d seen many fights, but she’d never seen a man so tough and in control. Could he truly be doing all of this for her? It boggled her mind, but also made her irrationally happy.
The men in the cabin stared wide-eyed with surprise, cheering for Seth or at least grinning and nodding their approval. Finally, Flint cried out, blood spurting from his face. “Stop! She’s yours.”
Seth popped to his feet, shook out his fists, and looked down at Flint as if he were a pitiful little child.
“I didn’t know you could fight,” Flint grumbled, spitting out some blood.
“Well now you know. Stay away from Breeze.” Seth stalked to where the envelope of money was. He scooped it up, walked back to Flint, and dropped it on his chest. “Keep the money. I don’t want you to think you have any excuse to come near Breeze, or her brother, ever again.”
With that he turned and strode to Breeze. He looked so irresistibly dangerous and handsome that Breeze swayed slightly.
Caleb chuckled. “The tough guy’s pretty appealing, eh?”
Breeze surprised herself by laughing. She couldn’t believe she could laugh at this moment, but it felt almost as freeing as knowing her and Ridge’s debt to Flint was settled.
Flint’s men were chattering excitedly. Seth’s other brothers held the door open for them. Caleb extended his fist for a bump. Seth hit it with his own, scratched knuckles.
“Nice one, bro,” Caleb said loud enough for the entire room to hear. “That loser won’t bother Breeze again.”
“He’d better not.” Seth gave Flint one more glare over his shoulder and then turned to Breeze. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
Breeze let out a disbelieving whimper, threw herself against his chest, and wrapped her arms tight around his neck. He happily responded by pulling her in even snugger to his chest. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear, “Thank you so much.”
“Anytime.” He released one of his arms but kept his other securely around her waist and escorted her out the door.
Breeze made the mistake of looking back. Flint was still on the floor, but the hatred in his gaze was unmistakable. She burrowed into Seth’s side and let him lead her away. She could not believe this was happening. She still felt guilty about all that money, but not guilty enough to overpower her desire to leave.
All she wanted was to be free of Flint. No, she wanted more than that. She wanted to stay close to Seth Jewel, for a very, very long time. Sadly, she knew that would never happen. Unless he accepted her offer to work for him. That would be a dream come true.
* * *
Seth fully enjoyed Breeze pressed against his side and the victory over the pompous Flint Brooks. They walked down the porch steps and around to the garage. His brothers all waited for him. He really appreciated their support, even though he hadn’t needed it. Yet without his bro squad, some of those men might’ve tried to jump into the fight or come after him now. He smiled to himself. Maybe not. The men all seemed to respect who he was, and he’d made pretty short work of that idiot, Flint.
They stopped at the door to the garage and Breeze glanced up at him. She was so beautiful and innocent he wanted to kiss her full on the mouth. He refused to believe anything Flint said and prayed that she was as innocent as he believed her to be.
“You were like a machine,” she said. “So tough. Thank you.”
He nodded, trying to act humble. He’d always loved to fight and, being the youngest of five brothers, had plenty of opportunities. His mom hadn’t known, but his dad had at one point employed a former lightweight professional boxing champion named Pedro. Pedro had taught all the boys, but Seth had been his most diligent and persistent pupil. As the youngest he’d felt like he had to prove himself.
“You shouldn’t have left all of that money. Why did you do that?” Her dark eyes filled with anguish.
He shrugged. “Making a point. He can’t claim you or your brother shorted him. Too many witnesses.”
“Scumball witnesses, but I guess I see your point.” She bit her lip and it took all his strength not to kiss her. “But now I owe you a lot of money.” She looked embarrassed and as if she was fighting to hold his gaze. “Ridge and I will work for you. Pay it off like we were planning to do for Flint.”
He let out a surprised breath and quickly shook his head. He didn’t want her feeling like she was beholden to him like she’d been to Flint. No way would he accept that. “You don’t owe me anything.”
She started to protest, but he cut her off quickly. “No, Breeze. I don’t care about the money. I’m just glad you’re done with this.” He gestured back to the huge cabin. Men were watching them from the porch, the windows, and the open door.
Her dark eyes filled with frustration, but she clamped her mouth shut. He swung the door open to the garage and waited for her to walk inside. He would love for her to work for him and travel the country with him. She could be his personal assistant. She could be his hairdresser, fashion consultant, social media guru, whatever she enjoyed doing. Heck, he didn’t care, he could give her any title that she wanted, simply to keep her by his side. No. He shook his head and followed her into the brightly lit shop. She didn’t owe him, and he didn’t want her to feel beholden to him. It was enough that he could help her.
He watched her run to her brother and throw herself against the tall, skinny, blond kid wearing beat-up jeans and a t-shirt covered in grease stains. The kid hugged her, awkwardly looking at Seth and his brothers over her head. Breeze rushed to explain what had happened, praising Seth as if he were a superhero. Her brother, who she introduced to everyone as Ridge, looked shy and awestruck.
Seth knew he had to spend more time with her. He’d have the two of them come to his mom and dad’s house. At least he’d have today with her and then he could see what she wanted to do after that. Maybe after his next event he could come see her, wherever she lived. All he knew was the twenty grand and the fight meant nothing to him. But this beautiful, sweet, vivacious, and determined woman—she meant a lot.