Free Jab (Fighter Romance) (Las Vegas Series #2) by Marie York

ass, but she was still my baby sister.
    “Sorry. It’s been a long day. I’m just trying to make some extra cash for us.” I wanted her to know that I was still doing everything for her. That, even if I hadn’t been around, I wasn’t going to abandon her.
    “I get it,” Mackenzie said. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
    “Thanks,” I said, and I could feel the gap between us slowly closing. “Why don’t you head home, and tomorrow morning I’ll make you a big breakfast? We can catch up.” It would be nice to go back to the way things were and, who knew, maybe this would be a turning point. Maybe the animosity Mackenzie was so full of would finally cease.
    We could go back to being sisters who actually liked each other. Who wanted to spend time with each other. I missed those days. Longed for them. And, if I could at least get those back I could get by.
    “I’d like that,” Mackenzie said with a smile, causing my own lips to curve upward.
    A hand rested on my shoulder, and I turned to find Julius. Even in my six inch heels, he towered over me and I had to tilt my head back to see him.
    “I’m heading out. I just wanted to say good bye.” He glanced over at Mackenzie, and his brows furrowed together.
    “Julius, this is my sister, Mackenzie.”
    He snapped his fingers, and pointed at Mackenzie. “I know you,” he said.
    “No, you don’t,” Mackenzie said, swiping a hand through her hair.
    Julius stared at her for a moment, and then nodded his head. “Yeah, I do. You’re the reason Knox got locked up.”
    My head snapped to attention. What the fuck was he talking about? Why did Mackenzie have anything to do with Knox getting locked up? He was at a strip club when he got arrested.
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Mackenzie said, avoiding eye contact.
    “You’re that stripper!” Julius exclaimed.
    “Excuse me?” I demanded, eyes glaring at Mackenzie as I watched the blood drain from her face. She slowly backed away and then spun, crashing into Julius and taking off.

Chapter 1
Sebastian
    The late December sun was setting over Manhattan, and I took a moment from the contract I was reviewing to watch it. Another day was ending, and, by this time tomorrow, I would be sitting on my private beach, drinking a beer, relishing in the sun, and completely void of all things Christmas.
    Unfortunately, I still had a few things to square away before I could head out. I didn’t get to where I was by sitting on my ass, and I wasn’t going to start now. I reached over to my phone and buzzed my assistant, Annabelle.
    “Yes, Mr. Hamilton?” she asked in her sugary sweet tone.
    “Please bring me a cup of coffee.”
    “Yes, sir.” A few seconds later, there was a gentle knock on the door before she pushed it open and let herself in.
    I was still focused on the setting sun, but, when she didn’t immediately retreat, I turned toward her. She always dressed professional and sexy as hell, but today her usual black stockings, tight pencil skirt and red fuck me heels were paired with a red sweater that pulled tight against her tits. A Santa Clause necklace lay just above the dip in her shirt, and, instead of her dangly earrings, bells hung from her ears.
    While most of the businesses in New York decorated to the nines, I had a strict no holiday decoration policy in place. Annabelle’s ridiculous outfit made me feel like she was mocking me. I ignored the bearded guy that wouldn’t stop drawing my attention to her tits, and focused on her eyes.
    There was hesitation in her gaze, and she looked almost uncomfortable. Her teeth slid over her bottom lip, and she glanced down to her fidgeting hands.
    “Did you need something?” I asked, sliding into my chair, and getting ready to dive back into the contract.
    She looked up at me with those bright whiskey colored eyes, and tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear. “Well, it’s just that, it’s Christmas Eve, and I was hoping that I