Unfortunately, Fairchild blinked as though he was coming out of a fog and gave her a bland look before turning to Jackson. “Well, she can talk, that’s for sure.”

Jackson looked like he wanted to kick Fairchild. Parker just looked kicked.

Fairchild’s watery gazed settled on me and a smile lit his weathered face. “Whatever gets the job done, eh?”

Like I was supposed to chuckle in agreement? Fuck, I was supposed to charm this dickhead. I’d have to walk a fine line between agreeing and pushing back.

I shrugged. “I’ve never underestimated the importance of having the best on my team.”

Fairchild chuckled and gave me a broad wink. “You’re being modest. Rhys ‘Widowmaker’ Morgan doesn’t need anything but a good one-two punch to knock out his opponents.”

Widowmaker. Inside, I recoiled, feeling slightly sick. When I was in the circuit, I’d assumed the title the press gave me with pride. It was a mark of distinction to be given a nickname. Then Jake died. Jake, who left behind Marcy and their infant daughter, Rose. I hadn’t been responsible for Jake’s death, but I sure as hell didn’t want to be called a widowmaker now.

My shoulders felt too tight. I rolled them and took a sip of water. “There’s nothing like a good knockout hit…” Let me demonstrate. Pretty please? “But I wouldn’t have had the skills without my trainers.” I leaned toward Parker until our shoulders touched. A sizzle of heat licked along my arm. Damn it. Focus. “And lately, I’ve come to realize the love of a good woman makes everything better.”

I was going to gag on my own words. And if the sound Parker made under her breath was any indication, she was already gagging. But I gazed down at her anyway, the very picture of a smitten fool. “Parker here is the best.”

Fuck, I sounded like a tool. I wanted to kick my own ass.

But I knew guys like Fairchild. He admired me for my boxing. But part of him would also hate himself for that admiration because he saw it as a weakness. I had to show him a little weakness in return. A small feint to reel him in, make him feel superior, followed by a little jab to keep him on his toes. Fairchild’s ilk liked a challenge, but not one that was too hard.