Page 44 of Between the Ropes

His pace isrelentless—deep, demanding, claiming every inch of me with each punishing thrust. The headboard slams against the wall, the sound of skin on skin filling the room as he takes me like he owns me, his hands gripping my hips, pulling me onto him with every stroke.

“Fuck,” he growls against my throat, his breath ragged. “You feel so fucking good. Sotight. Somine.”

“Yes,” I whimper, lost in the overwhelming pleasure, my nails raking down his back as I cling to him. “I’m yours. Always.”

That sets something off in him. His thrusts turn brutal, his control snapping as he fucks me harder, deeper, his name a desperate chant on my lips.

“Come for me, baby,” he demands, his voice dark, commanding. “I want to feel you squeezing my cock.”

His fingers find my clit, circling, pressingjust right, and that’s all it takes. My entire body seizes, my orgasm slamming into me so violently I can’t even breathe, my walls pulsing around him as I cry out his name.

“Fuck,” Ryan groans, his body tensing as he drives into me one last time before his own release overtakes him. His cock throbs inside me, his grip bruising as he spills himself deep, groaning against my skin, holding me so tightly it’s like he’ll never let go.

We collapse onto the bed, our bodies tangled, damp with sweat, our breathing erratic.

Ryan pulls me against him, his strong arms wrapping around me like a shield, like I belong there. And as my body sinks into his, completely spent, I realize something.

Idobelong here.

With him.

Always.

When we wake up a few hours later, we head to the arena for the first show. I’m practically buzzing with excitement, not just because of the show, but because Annika is finally going to be here. I haven’t seen her in days, and I can’t wait to show her around.

I’m in my office setting up for the night when she bursts through the door, her face lighting up with excitement. “Natalie!” she squeals, rushing over to hug me.

We hug tight, laughing, talking a mile a minute as we catch up. It feels so good to see her, and I can tell she’s just as excited to be here as I am to have her.

“I’ve got to introduce you to a few people,” I say, leading her through the hallways. We’re immediately stopped by Travis, who gives me a teasing look. “Natalie, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

I introduce Annika, and she shamelessly flirts with him, batting her lashes and laughing at everything he says. I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling. Travis is eating it up. He loves the attention Annika is giving him, the way she is staring at his muscular arms.

“Come on,” I say, pulling her away. “We’ve got to get you to your seat. The show’s about to start.”

Annika is practically vibrating with excitement, her hands gripping my arm as we weave through the growing crowd. The deeper we go, the louder it gets—the roar of thousands of voices filling the air, a pulsing, electric hum of anticipation. The scent of popcorn, beer, and something fried lingers in the air, mixing with the faint hint of metal from the barricades lining the entrance.

As we step out onto the floor, the sheer size of the crowd hits us like a wave. Fans are everywhere, standing in their seats, waving handmade signs, some flashing with neon lights, others with bold letters screaming the names of their favorite wrestlers. The massive LED screens above the stage flicker with hype videos, the booming bass of the entrance music shaking the floor beneath our feet.

Annika grips my arm tighter, her mouth slightly open as she takes it all in. “Holy shit,” she breathes. “This is insane.”

I can’t help but grin. “It’s something else, huh?”

She nods, eyes darting from the colossal entrance ramp to the sea of fans decked out in merch, chanting, clapping, hyping themselves up for what’s about to come. The overhead lights dim suddenly, a ripple of energy rolling through the crowd like a livewire. Murmurs turn to cheers, an unspoken understanding that the show is about to begin.

We make it down to the front row, the barricade just feet from the ring. The mat inside the ropes looks pristine, the turnbuckles wrapped tight, the ropes glistening under the spotlights. The hum of the crowd is deafening now, like a living, breathing thing waiting to explode.

Annika finally tears her eyes away from the ring, turning to me with the widest grin I’ve ever seen on her face. “Why didn’t you tell me Travis was so cute?” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the noise.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Because I knew you’d do this.”

She elbows me playfully, but her eyes are still darting around, drinking in every inch of the scene before her.

I squeeze her hand before stepping back. “Enjoy the show,” I tell her, giving her a hug. “I’ll meet you back out here after the main event.”

She waves me off, barely able to contain herself. “Girl, I am fine. Look at this! I’m about to have the best night of my life.” She leans in, eyes gleaming. “Go do your thing, and don’t worry about me. Oh, and tell that delicious man of yours I say hello.”

I laugh again, shaking my head as I turn to leave, but the moment I step away, the reality of what’s ahead crashes over me.

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