Read Online 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee - Free Book Online Page A

into a grimace of distaste. “If you insist.”
    â€œI do.”
    With a resigned shrug, Trevor took the requested pace to the left and then readied his fists. The baker stepped forward and raised…good God, had he brought a cowbell? Apparently so, because he lifted it high before striking a single loud clank with a small hammer.
    The crowd began to scream, Mellie felt her breath squeeze tight in her lungs, and then she watched in horror as Trevor threw his arms wide and lifted his face to her cousin. It was well timed if he intended to be flattened. Ronnie had drawn back his ham-like fists and had begun a slow but obvious blow. Even she could see it coming, and Trevor adroitly put his chin in its direct path.
    She gasped, too horrified to speak. And then it happened. Ronnie’s fist connected, Trevor’s head snapped back and spittle went flying, and then Mr. Anaedsley, grandson to the Duke of Timby, went flying backward to land in a rather large and obvious pile of cow dung.
    So that was why Ronnie wanted him to step to one side. So Trevor would land there. Of all the dishonorable, despicable—
    The crowd roared and surged forward, carrying her with them, but Ronnie didn’t stop. He stepped forward, dropped to one knee in the muck, and raised his fist again. Trevor was just coming back to himself, groaning as he raised a hand to his jaw. He’d barely managed to open his eyes before Ronnie grabbed him by the collar and lifted him into better striking position.
    â€œWhat?” Trevor asked, but there was no time as Ronnie’s fist landed again with a sickening thud.
    Trevor’s head snapped back, and the crowd roared its approval. Mellie saw blood splatter and smelled the stench of the offal. She was furious at Ronnie, and yet wasn’t this exactly what she’d known he would do? What he’d said he would do? He was going to beat Trevor senseless, and from the way he was lifting the man up and readying his fists, that’s exactly what he was about to do.
    Trevor managed to rally. He raised his arms and blocked the punch as it descended. But he was slow and clumsy, obviously still reeling. At best he managed to grab hold of Ronnie’s lapels and use his arms to keep his head clear of the blows. In retaliation, Ronnie grabbed his opponent’s arms, gritted his teeth, and tensed his whole body. With a bestial roar, he hauled backward, lifting them both off the ground much to the crowd’s approval.
    They made it to their feet, both men staggering. But a moment later, they recovered, though Trevor looked a great deal worse for wear. Nevertheless, he raised his fists, though his expression was still somewhat confused.
    â€œYou have the won the bout,” he said through his bloodied mouth. “There is no need—”
    Apparently, there was need because Ronnie swung again, but Trevor was prepared this time. He ducked, he weaved, and he staggered about the field while her much larger cousin pursued.
    The crowd started rumbling, disgruntled that no blows were landing. Ronnie was certainly throwing them, but Trevor was lighter on his feet and managed to avoid everything.
    â€œHit him!” screamed Grace where she still clutched Trevor’s clothing. “Show ’im what for!” The sentiment was echoed all around until Mellie actively hated them all.
    Then Trevor struck. The jab was quick and drew nothing but a surprised grunt from Ronnie, but the crowd thought it wonderful, especially as he followed it with a half dozen more in rapid-fire succession.
    Ronnie might have been surprised, but that didn’t last. He soon started punching, each blow heavy, now with increasing speed. The fight was on in earnest, and Mellie watched in horrified fascination. Her cousin had size and power. Trevor had speed, connecting twice as many times as Ronnie. Though his blows were not as powerful, the cumulative effect was beginning to take its toll. He also had a