Read My Man Michael for Free Online Page A

shot, my ribs are cracked, and they keep filling me with drugs.”
    “Wouldn’t slow me down.”
    No, but then nothing ever slowed down Drew. “I believe that.”
    He turned a chair closer to the bed and sat down. “So seriously, man, how the hell are you doing? When can I expect you back?”
    Mallet felt sick. “Maybe no one told you, but I’m done.”
    Drew made a rude sound. “Fighting, maybe. But hell, man, we need you, and fighting is only one facet of this game. You know that.”
    “I’m a fighter.”
    “Fuck yeah, you are. One of the best. So teach it, talk it, explain it, but don’t fucking give up on me.” Drew grabbed his forearm. “That’s not like you, man. It’s not like the SBC. We’re here for you. You do what the fucking doctors say, no arguments, and whatever you need to get going again, you tell me. You got that?”
    “Yeah.” He didn’t, not really, but Mallet nodded his appreciation. “Thanks, Drew.”
    “Fuck that. I don’t need any thanks. I need you back with us, doing what most people can’t.” At Mach speed, the only speed Drew knew, he started wheeling and dealing with Mallet. “The sooner, the better. So let’s work this shit out. Tell me what I have to do and what you need from me so I can get you under contract again.”
    Mallet was struggling for a reply when Kayli reappeared behind Drew. “Hello.”
    Drew jerked around. It wasn’t often that anyone or anything got by him. That Kayli would take him by surprise amused Mallet.
    Drew looked at her, then looked at Mallet.
    Mallet groaned.
    With his gaze hot on Kayli, Drew said, “Knock off the dying cow sounds, you crazy fuck, and introduce me.”
     
     
    KAYLI wasn’t about to let this crude, pushy man convince Michael to commit to anything when she’d approached him first, and needed him more. Somehow she had to thwart the man’s plans.
    Killing him was out.
    Though Michael seemed less than thrilled to see him, she felt his appreciation and loyalty.
    She held out a hand. “I’m Kayli Raine, a friend to Michael.”
    “Just a friend?”
    Kayli started to say yes, but Michael said, “Off limits, Drew.”
    “The hell you say.” Enjoying the situation, he held on to Kayli’s hand. “Drew Black. Now tell me, sweetheart, is he yanking my chain? Has he spoken for you?”
    Drew Black had the oddest way of speaking. “Michael and I are working out an agreement.”
    Drew’s brows shot up. “An agreement, huh?” He turned to Michael. “You want to explain that?”
    “No. And let go of her hand.”
    Grinning, Drew released her. “So that’s why you sent the little nurse running, huh? Had a sure thing already lined up?”
    Kayli bristled at his assumptions. “Michael would never take advantage of a woman in the manner that you’re suggesting.”
    Both men went mute in surprise, Drew to cough down a laugh, Michael to roll his eyes.
    While she had the opportunity, she explained further. “Michael is not interested in your offer, kind as it is. He is a warrior, nothing less.”
    “A warrior? What the fuck’s up with that shit, Mallet? Is she from some upstart organization? You know no one else will treat you as good as the SBC.”
    “I will,” Kayli promised.
    Drew sat back in his chair, deceptively bored, feigning a lack of concern, but Kayli felt the keen tension emanating from him. “So she speaks for you, Mallet, is that it?”
    “I do,” Kayli said.
    “No one speaks for me,” Michael said at the same time. He glared at Kayli, then addressed Drew. “I’ll think about it, okay? That’s all I can promise right now.”
    “I can take a promise. So promise me, too, that whatever her offer is, you fucking will give me a chance to counter it.”
    “Will do.”
    Kayli stood aside while the men tried to ignore her. Though they discussed logistics of various opportunities and the overall tone of the SBC organization, she felt each of them taking turns watching her.
    Her piercing sagacity paired with primal