I headed for the door, but Jackson caught my arm and turned me around. "So professional, so polished. It’s very attractive. I like a woman who likes to get things done. Tie everything up in a pretty bow. That's why I can see a future with you, Kya. You know how to make everything look and sound so perfect."
"Thanks," I said. It was hard to tell what Jackson was thinking. Maybe I was overreacting. Maybe I was just nervous because of Fenton's fight. All I knew was that my skin was crawling, and I did not want to be alone with him. "Well, if everything is fine with the contract, then I demand you let me take you out to celebrate. My boss would be mad if I made you settle for a quick drink in my suite. Especially one that you brought yourself."
Jackson held on to my arm, shook his head and smiled. "No, I think it’s my choice. I've made you happy by signing the contract, and now it’s your turn to make me happy." He set the champagne down on the coffee table and drew me towards the master bedroom.
My jaw dropped, but I could not force a sound out. I wrenched my arm free, unable to pretend anymore. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
"I'm suggesting, no, demanding as you said, that you stop teasing me and give me what we both want," he said.
"This is not what I want. I want you to leave," I said.
Jackson's smile disappeared. "Don't be like that, Kya, don't think you get something for nothing. You've got my business, the commission, and you've got me. Now, how about a kiss? Just a little kiss, to start."
"No. To start? Do you hear yourself? What do you think you're doing? I don't trade contracts for sexual favors, and I'm disgusted that you think that."
"Disgusted? I'm disgusted at the way you tease me. Do you really think you can get away with that? I know you want me. I'm practically bachelor of the goddamn year. So, when I say I want a kiss, the least you can do is give me a kiss."
"Is that what you asked Sienna for? When you cornered her at the golf luncheon? And to think I believed you," I said.
I backed away around the coffee table and tried to aim for the door. Jackson lunged and grabbed for my arm, but I twisted away at the last second. He stumbled and slammed his shin against the glass coffee table. I saw his face turn crimson before I turned and ran.
He made it to the door one step behind me and slammed his hands on either side of my head. He pounded them on the door a second time, for terrifying effect. I cringed against the door and felt panic cloud my thinking.
His breath was on my neck, but I forced myself to stop and think. Then, I ducked down and ran for my discarded phone. I scooped it up, but it was no comfort. Jackson had turned it off before he set it aside, and I had been pressing frantically at a blank screen. I turned it on and faced him.
His cheerful chuckle froze the blood in my veins. "And who exactly are you going to call? Your boss is thousands of miles away and will be more annoyed that you are compromising the deal than he will be concerned about your sudden chastity. Your big bad fighter is already at the arena. And, face it, whoever you call is not going to believe you, anyway."
"I'm calling the police," I said.
Jackson lunged at me again, and he knocked my shoulder as I turned. I stumbled off balance and saved myself on the edge of the couch. He was right behind me, his hands clamping around my waist. I started to pummel his chest with my fists, but all he did was chuckle again.
That is, until the front door of the suite splintered open. Fenton charged through the broken door and headed straight for Jackson.
Jackson backed off with his hands up, palms open. "Now, look what a mess you're gonna make poor Kya clean up. I'm telling you, he's no good for you."
"Fenton, I'm so glad you're here. I'm so sorry," I stopped when he waved me into silence. Jackson still stood between us, and Fenton was concentrating on his opponent.
"This is ridiculous and you know it," Jackson said. "What, are you really going to waste your chance at the title standing around here trying to accuse me of something that will never in a million years stick?"
"You're not above the law," Fenton said.
"No, but I know an awful lot of people that create the law, uphold it, and defend it. Face it, someone like me is untouchable, especially for someone like you," Jackson said.
"Not with witnesses," I said.
"Just you? Of course you're going to take your lover's side. It will never hold up. It looks like you two banded together to con me into this endorsement deal," Jackson tossed the signed contract on the coffee table.
"I know you did something to Sienna. Fenton and his manager saw it," I said.
"Again, a conspiracy," he said.
"Then, what about all those dancers at my sister's club?" Fenton asked. "You really didn't think they would talk to each other, band together against a threat? You're banned, the word is out, and they will have no problem making statements against you."
"No one is going to believe that bunch of whores," Jackson said.
Fenton lunged for him, his first kick landed on the side of Jackson's knee. Jackson cried out in pain but stood his ground and tossed a series of wild punches at Fenton.
The air fled my lungs. Fenton was going to get hurt before his title fight, and it would be all my fault. He was going to lose the title because of me. I could not let it happen.