Page 72 of Between the Ropes

I glance at my phone, scrolling through unread texts from Annika. She’s been my rock through all of this, checking in even when I gave her only pieces of what happened. She never pushed—just let me come to her when I was ready. And now, I am.

I tap her contact and press the phone to my ear.

“Finally!” Annika’s voice is light, teasing. “I was starting to think you forgot about me.”

I laugh. “I could never. Things have just been... crazy.”

“Crazygood,I hope.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “Tell me everything. How was your trip? Are you and Ryan back together? Did he grovel?I need details!”

I sink into the couch, letting out a soft sigh. “It was perfect. We talked, we made up, and Annika... he took theentireweek off just to be with me. No wrestling, no business—justus.”

“Oh my God, Natalie!I knew it!Iknewhe’d come to his senses. That man iscrazyabout you.”

“He is,” I admit softly, my heart swelling. “And I’m crazy about him too.”

Annika squeals. “Youdeservethis, Nat. You’ve been through so much, and seeing you happy—it makes me so happy.”

I swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. “Thank you, Annika. For everything. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through these last few weeks without you.”

“Girl,stop.That’s what best friends are for. I’m just glad you’re finally where you’re meant to be.”

We chat for a few more minutes, laughing and catching up, before I glance at the clock. My pulse kicks up a notch.It’s time.

“I gotta go,” I tell her. “Ryan’s match is about to start.”

“Oh, you have to call me after and tell meeverything!”

“Will do,” I promise before hanging up.

I set my phone down and take a breath, steadying myself. Tonight isn’t just a match. It’shismoment. His chance to take back what’s his. And this time, I’m here for all of it.

I weave through the backstage corridors, my pulse hammering in my ears as I make my way to the monitor where Ryan’s match will be shown. The energy in the air is electric—charged with the anticipation of thousands of fans packed into the arena, allwaiting for this moment. Even back here, I canfeelit. The walls seem to vibrate with the roar of the crowd.

As I settle in, shifting on my feet in nervous excitement, a familiar voice cuts through the noise behind me.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Natalie.”

I turn to find Travis Moreno, Ryan’s best friend, grinning at me. Before I can say anything, he pulls me into a tight, warm hug, his signature scent—something sharp and clean—lingering in the air.

“It’s good to see you back,” Travis says as he pulls away, his tone light but sincere. “And lookingwaybetter than the last time I saw you.”

“It’s good tobeback,” I say, smiling up at him.

He smirks. “So, Ryan finally got his head out of his ass, huh?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Something like that.”

Travis claps a hand on my shoulder, his usual playful demeanor shifting just slightly. “I’m happy for you guys.Really.You two belong together. And hey, if you ever need anything—anything at all—you let me know, okay?”

His words catch me off guard, their weight settling in my chest. Travis has always been the easygoing one, the comic relief in Ryan’s chaotic world, but there’s an underlying seriousness in his voice now.

“Thanks, Travis,” I say, meaning it. “That means a lot.”

Together, we turn to the monitor as the arena goesblack.The crowd’s excited murmurs swell into a deafening roar as the opening beats of Ryan’s entrance music shake the walls. A spotlight cuts through the darkness, illuminating the stage.

Then—he appears.

The sight of him steals my breath.

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