Page 41 of Between the Ropes

All that exists is Natalie, her soft skin, the feel of her against me.

And for the first time in my life, I realize something terrifying.

Nothing—nothing—has ever mattered to me the way she does.

And that? That changes everything.

31

There’s no real break this week, not for me, not for Ryan, and definitely not for the rest of the UXW. Technically, we’ve got three days off, but “off” doesn’t really exist when you’re this close to Revolution—the biggest show of the year. It’s all hands on deck, and the pressure is intense. I feel it, even from my little corner of the medical staff. Everyone is running around, doing last minute things. Luckily, once we get out of Washington tonight, we’ll be heading to Florida, both mine and Ryan’s home turf. The next few shows are in and around Miami, so we’ll be close to his place.

Staying with him at his house instead of a hotel feels huge. Like it’s some important, unspoken step. I’ll finally get to see inside his world—not the version he lets everyone else see on TV, but the one that’s private, just his. It’s exciting, thrilling even. And...maybe it’s a little scary too, knowing I’ll be so close to apart of him no one else gets to see. I’ve never been in something like this, never felt this kind of closeness before.

But more than anything, I’m just happy. I can’t wait to be in Florida with him, away from the chaos of travel, even if it’s still for work. And to top it off, my best friend Annika is going to be at one of the shows next week. I got her an amazing seat right at ringside. Plus, she’ll get to hang backstage with me, meet some of the wrestlers, live out a little of the fantasy she’s always dreamed of. She’s going to love every minute of it.

I grab my phone, smiling at the thought of her excitement, and dial her number. She answers on the second ring, her voice instantly bringing a grin to my face.

“Nat! Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m finally going to see one of these shows in person. You have no idea how psyched I am!” she squeals, the excitement in her voice contagious.

“I know,” I laugh. “I got you the best seat in the house. You’re going to be right there at ringside, so close you’ll feel the sweat flying off of them.”

“Are you serious?!” She’s practically screaming now, and I can’t help but chuckle. “And I get to go backstage with you too, right? Please tell me I’ll meet someone hot!”

I roll my eyes but smile. “Yes, you’ll meet plenty of hot guys, don’t worry. Just try not to drool, okay? I was hoping maybe you’d have time to do my makeup before the show, you have no idea how bad I’ve been missing your expertise.”

She laughs, but then her tone softens, a little more serious. “Of course, but seriously, Nat, I can’t wait to see you. It’s been way too long. And… Ryan. You’re staying with him, right? How’s that going?”

I pause for a second, my heart doing that little flip it always does when I think about Ryan. I haven’t talked to Annika in a few days, and there’s a lot to fill her in on, but for now I will spare the dirty details. “It’s… really good. I don’t know. It feelslike something big, you know? Like I’m finally getting to see all of him, not just the parts everyone else gets.”

“Yeah, that sounds like it could be huge,” Annika says, her voice softening with understanding. “I’m happy for you, Nat. You deserve this. You can fill me in on all the details when I see you tonight.”

“Thanks,” I murmur, a small smile pulling at my lips. “I’ll call you once we’re in Florida, okay? Get ready for the best night of your life.”

We say our goodbyes, and I hang up, feeling lighter. I glance around my office, packing up for the night. There wasn’t a show tonight, just practice, but it’s still been a long day. Ryan’s been in the ring most of the evening, training, going over a few new spots and moves he’s been tweaking.

I’ve watched him on the monitors before, but I’ve never seen him wrestle live, not in person. It’s different seeing him in action like that on a screen versus being ringside. I don’t know why I’ve never asked before but tonight feels different. Maybe it’s because we’re heading to Florida tomorrow, maybe it’s the fact that we’re staying at his place—it just feels like it’s the right time.

I find him after I finish up, leaning against the ropes, his body glistening with sweat, his long hair tied back messily. He’s talking with Travis, his focus sharp, but when I walk over, his attention shifts immediately to me.

“Hey,” I say, smiling as I get closer. “Mind if I watch you train?”

His eyes widen in surprise, then he smirks, running his hands up my arms, sending a shiver down my spine. “Fuck, baby, you have no idea how much I’d love that,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. “You want to see me in action, huh?”

I nod, biting my lip as excitement bubbles inside me. The way he looks at me, like I’m the only person in the world, makes my heart race. He pulls me in for a quick kiss, his lips warm and firmagainst mine. I can taste the salt from his sweat, and suddenly I’m desperate for more of him.

“Go sit ringside,” he says, his eyes darkening with something I can’t quite place. “I’ll make sure you get a show.”

I do as he says, slipping into one of the front row seats as he and Travis get back into the ring. I settle in, watching him move, and I’m instantly mesmerized.

There’s something hypnotic about the way Ryan moves in the ring. His strength, his power—it’s palpable, almost primal. His body glides through each move, his muscles flexing with every motion, every hit. It’s one thing to watch him on TV, but to see him here, up close, is something else entirely. He’s a force, and I can’t take my eyes off him. Suddenly it's like I understand the sport, the passion the fans have. It all makes sense when I see Ryan in the ring.

The way his body moves is beautiful—fluid but strong. Every muscle, every inch of him is so finely tuned, so controlled. It’s like watching a storm, raw and untamed, and I’m in awe of him. I’ve never seen anyone command that kind of presence before. It’s like he owns the ring, like no one can touch him.

Suddenly, our eyes lock. He sees me sitting there, and something shifts in his expression. His lips twitch into a smirk, and without missing a beat, he grabs Travis, lands a perfectLockjaw, and goes for the pin, the move so effortless it’s like he’s not even trying.

And damn, does he look good doing it. My heart pounds in my chest, heat spreading through me as he stands, his gaze never leaving mine.

I don’t know how it’s possible, but in this moment, I feel even more drawn to him. Ryan Pierce, the powerhouse in the ring—and yet, he’s mine.

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