“Callum, I’m going to pay Lucio for you.” Her voice was almost a whisper, but once my brain finally comprehended what she said, my eyes flashed open.

“What?” I barked a little too harshly.

“I’m going to give you the money to pay Lucio.” Her face looked determined.

“No.” I closed my eyes, not even wanting to respond to anything more.

“Callum, please listen to me.” The pleading in her voice made me open my eyes.

“There might not be a next time for you to fight.” Her lips quivered, and I looked up to see tears in her eyes. “I have the money. I want to use it because I would feel better knowing you didn’t have to fight for a psycho. He doesn’t give a shit about you. What happens when you fight someone who is bigger than this last guy?”

I didn’t have a response, so I just stared at her. That thought had crossed my mind, and I was terrified that each time I could get my ass kicked so bad that who knows what could happen? I was worried that one day I wouldn’t wake up at all.

I hadn’t told anyone that and I didn’t plan to. It was something no one needed to worry about. It made it easier for me too, because no one tried to talk me out of this whole thing. I had to do it to save Kelsey and I didn’t want to take Jane’s money, either.

“Baby, please,” her voice was thick with emotion.

“No,” I said, trying to stick to my guns. I looked away, knowing if I saw her tears falling, I would give in and I couldn’t. If Lucio ever found out what she did for me, I wouldn’t put it past him to ensnare her in his web. It also sounded like she was loaded, from what Aiden had told me from his fight with JD. If Lucio got ahold of that piece of information, what would he do with it?

“Callum, I don’t care how stubborn you are, if you don’t take it, I will walk my ass to Lucio and give him the money myself.”

I twisted to look at her, getting angry. “No, Jane,” I snapped at her. “I don’t want you anywhere near that man. You know he is a loose cannon.”

“I don’t care, you can’t keep doing this.” She took my face into her hands, and I just about gave in. “I don’t want to lose you too.” Her voice broke, and the tears came down freely.

“Jane.” I pulled her into my arms, even though my body protested in pain. “With the way things are going with his new club, I’m making more money and it won’t take me too long to pay if off. I’ll be fine,” I said, kissing her head.