Page 83 of The Originals

“Think so. Why?” Mick asked.

Jack ignored Mick’s question.

“Dunn!” Jack snapped.

Both Dunn and Colleen halted their struggle and looked over.

Jack raised his hand, calling him over. Dunn released his hold over Colleen and walked to the end of the hall. Jack glanced over at her. She hadn’t moved except to drop her gaze to the floor.

“What do you need, Jack?”

“You.” Jack smirked, knowing Dunn’s fate. “It’s your lucky night. Got the ring set up out back, and I pulled your name. You get a shot at the president.”

The corner of Dunn’s mouth curled, clearly excited by the chance. Usually, the sparring done in the yard was all in fun. A way to blow off steam. It was rare Jack stepped into the ring, but tonight he’d make an exception.

“Can’t hold it against me, Prez. Not gonna take it easy on you.” Dunn laughed.

Jack was at least ten years his senior. And obviously, Dunn saw that as an advantage. It was a rookie mistake. Jack had been in more fights than he could count and lost very few.

Jack snorted with a sharp nod and slapped his shoulder. “Me neither, brother.”

Dunn passed him by, and Jack watched his every move.

“Can’t kill him, Jack. We need the numbers.” Mick chuckled.

Jack had no intention of killing anyone. But Dunn would learn his lesson. If he wanted to flex his muscles, Jack would give him a fair and equal opponent.And a beating that’s been a long time coming.

Jack glanced over his shoulder. Colleen was still in the same spot near the wall, though she’d straightened to face him. He lifted his hand and curled his finger, calling her over. Without any hesitation, she rushed forward, stopping a foot away.

“Can I get you something?” Her voice was shaky.

If Jack had to guess, she was worried she’d done something wrong. This was not the girl who had showed up to party and have a good time with the club years ago. Colleen had been with them too long. It had dulled her shine. She was too submissive and had lost her spark.

“Yeah, darlin’. Get me a bourbon. I’ll be out back. Need you to bring it to me.”

Colleen smiled. “Sure, Jack.”

She squeezed past him and Mick, brushing her hand against Jack’s. He watched her walk through the group at the bar and grab a glass.

“Let’s go.” Jack cupped his hands and cracked his knuckles.

****

By the time Colleen made her way to the yard in the back, everyone was circled around the boxing ring. It wasn’t anything more than a two-foot raised platform with no cage or ropes. She’d seen quite a few injuries from men falling off of it. It added to the barbaric nature of the whole scene. Colleen was usually indifferent to the ring fights. The brothers and sometimes others would fight one another and share a drink afterward. Rarely was there an underlying vendetta with the matches.

Colleen wasn’t sure who’d be going in first, but she had to find Jack fast. Once the fights started, a frenzy built in the crowd, making it hard to move through it. She rose on her toes, scanning the yard. Jack would probably be closer to the front for the best view. Her eyes skimmed over the men and women until she locked eyes with Mick. He raised his arm and waved his hand. She carefully moved through the crowd, trying to steady the drink.

When she reached a small opening, she saw Mick standing with Jack, who had his shirt off. She seen him bare chested a few times, but the view never got old. Jack might have about fifteen years on her, but his body was a work of art. Literally. His chest was almost completely tattooed and one arm sleeved. It accentuated the definition in his muscles. The outline of his abs and the dusting of hair on his chest had her heart rate picking up speed. A wave of heat flashed over her skin.

Colleen offered Jack the drink, and he grabbed it. When she stepped back to walk away, he clasped his hand over her wrist. She was caught completely off guard, and she froze. Jack stared down at her and mouthed, “Come here.”

It was as if she was in a trance. It took her feet a few seconds to catch up to her mind, and she lunged closer, knockinginto Jack. She was way too eager. Her nervous chuckle echoed through her eardrums.

“Sorry, Jack.”

The harsh lines between his brows eased, and he gave her a small smile. He had to notice her nervousness. And by all accounts, Jack seemed to enjoy it. It felt different from their usual interactions. A little more intimate.

“It’s alright, darlin’.” The corner of his mouth spiked. “Just need you to stay right here. Can you do that for me?”