Free Twisted World: A Broken World Novel by Kate L. Mary

blinked them back. “Thank you.”
    The fighter’s gaze met mine, but it was hesitant. Confused. “Why?”
    “Because you saved me.”
    “No.” Donaghy got to his feet.
    He was so tall that when I tilted my head back so I could look up at him, it hurt my neck. My gaze narrowed in on the scar that cut across his chin. Something about it made him seem so vulnerable. Despite his size and his muscles and the tattoos, and even the knowledge that he was a convict.
    “Why did you stick up for me?” he asked, and I moved my gaze from the scar to his eyes.
    “Because you saved me, and because it’s the right thing to do,” I said it like it should be obvious.
    He didn’t respond, and his blue eyes held mine for what felt like hours. It was just the two of us, Donaghy and me, silently trying to figure each other out.
    Jackson stopped at my side, popping up out of nowhere and bringing us back to the present. Once again, he stood too close to me. Made his presence too known. He cleared his throat and the fighter tore his gaze from mine somewhat reluctantly. Donaghy took another drink while I shuffled my feet, and neither man said a word as they sized each other up. I felt trapped between them, their bulk overpowering me. It was like I was a tiny pawn in a game I didn’t know how to play, but I wasn’t sure what to do about it.
    “I want to thank you for helping Meg.” Jackson straightened himself to his full height, which was nothing compared to the fighter’s, and thrust his hand at Donaghy. “You could have walked away, and these days a lot of people would have, but you put your neck out there. You’re a good man.” The fighter stared at his outstretched hand until Jackson finally dropped it to his side. Irritation flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t back down. If anything he seemed to straighten his back even more, making himself a bit taller. “Where are you staying while you’re in New Atlanta?”
    Donaghy tore his gaze away from where Jackson’s hand had been just a moment ago, once again focusing on me. “There’s a back room here. Dragon set up a few cots.”
    A shiver ran through my body at the way the fighter was staring at me. He kept his gaze on my face, his eyes sweeping over my features slowly as if he was trying to memorize every line and contour.
    “I’d like to offer you a room.” Jackson turned on the charm, flashing the fighter that signature smile of his. The way he straightened his shoulders made it seem like he was waiting for a pat on the back. “My father is the Regulator here, and we have plenty of extra space. We’d be honored to have you stay in our home.”
    “Not interested.” Donaghy didn’t take his eyes off me long enough to look at Jackson.
    “I’m sorry.” Jackson’s smile didn’t falter, but he blinked and shook his head. He wasn’t used to hearing no, except from me, so I was sure he didn’t have a clue how to respond to that.
    “Donaghy.” I touched his arm and the fighter’s muscles contracted under my fingertips while at my side, Jackson’s body stiffened even more. “Sometimes when people offer to help you, they’re being sincere.”
    The fighter’s eyebrows pulled together, but his gaze was focused on my hand, still resting on his forearm. I held my breath, hoping this man would take Jackson’s offer of goodwill. If I could repay him for what he’d done I would, but the truth was, there was absolutely nothing I had that would be a sufficient thank you. Jackson had everything, though, and a room in the Regulator’s house would be more luxury than Donaghy could have ever hoped for in this world.
    Finally, the fighter nodded. “Okay.”
    “Excellent.” Jackson let out a breath, but his body didn’t relax. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
    He hurried off, leaving Donaghy and me alone yet again, but the fighter turned back to the bar. I shuffled my feet, not sure what to do or where to go, but knowing my conversation with Donaghy was done. At