Page 75 of Between the Ropes

The roar of the crowd still pulses through my veins, the echoes of their chants vibrating in my chest. Adrenaline still hums beneath my skin, refusing to settle. But out of everything I’ve gained tonight, the only thing I want—the only thing Ineed—is right beside me, her hand wrapped around mine.

Natalie.

She looks up at me with those aqua eyes, shining with pride, love, and something else—something dark and intoxicating that makes my pulse kick up all over again. She was there for all of it. She saw me fight; she saw me win. She’smine.

And right now, all I want is to take her home and celebrate.

The ride back to the hotel is a blur. My fingers never stop touching her—tracing slow circles on her thigh, tangling in the silk of her hair, resting possessively on her bare knee. She leans into me, her body warm, soft,mine. Every stolen glance between us is thick with anticipation, every brush of skin a silent promise of what’s to come.

When we step into the suite, the dim glow of the city spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting everything in liquid gold. The skyline stretches endlessly beyond the glass, lights flickering like scattered embers against the night. The space is sleek and indulgent—deep mahogany furniture, plush cream-colored carpets, a massive king-sized bed draped in crisp, inviting sheets.

A low fire flickers in the modern fireplace, its flames dancing against the dark marble. Across the room, a bottle of champagne rests on ice near the minibar, condensation sliding down its chilled surface. Beside it, a sleek black envelope with the UXW logo embossed in silver.

But none of it matters. Not the view, not the champagne, not the luxury surrounding us.

The only thing I care about isher.

Natalie looks around and lets out a soft laugh. “Looks like someone planned ahead.”

I smirk, watching as she picks up the envelope and reads the card. “‘Congratulations, Champ. Enjoy the night—you’ve earned it.’” She looks over at me, raising a brow. “Care to share who left this?”

I shrug. “Probably management. Maybe Travis. Doesn’t matter.” I step closer, letting my hands settle on her waist, pulling her flush against me. “The only thing I care about right now isyou.”

She smiles, tilting her head up to kiss me softly. “Are you sure you don’t want to go out? Celebrate with everyone? This is a huge moment, Ryan.”

I slide my hands lower, gripping her ass and pressing her against me, making sure she feels exactly what I want.

“This—” I murmur against her lips, “—is all I need.You’reall I need.”

Her breath catches, her fingers curling into my shirt. “Ryan…”

“Drink your champagne, baby.” My voice is low, thick with intent. “Then I'll show you exactly how a champion celebrates.”

Her lips part, her eyes darkening as she swallows hard. She steps away, picking up the bottle and pouring two glasses, her hands steady, but I can see the way her chest rises and falls a little faster.

I take my time. Peeling off my shirt, kicking off my boots. By the time she turns around, I’m completely naked, the UXW Championship belt slung low around my hips, the heavy gold plate gleaming against my skin.

Natalie stops mid-step, her eyes dragging down my body, lingering on the belt. Her breath shudders out of her, and she visibly sways, like the sight of me like this is too much.

She barely whispers, “Holy shit.”

I smirk, resting a hand on the title. “Like what you see?”

She doesn’t answer—not with words. Instead, shedropsto her knees right there, the champagne glass forgotten on the nearby table. My cock twitches at the sheer reverence in her gaze, at the way she bites her lip before reaching for me, her fingers tracing the edges of the belt.

“Look at you,” she murmurs, her voice dripping with admiration and something darker, something hungry. “My champion.”

I groan as her hands wrap around my cock, stroking slow, teasing, her nails dragging lightly along my length. Then she leans in, her breath hot against my skin. “Let me taste you.”

Fuck.

She doesn’t wait for permission—doesn’t need it. Her lips wrap around me, her tongue swirling as she takes me deep, and I swear I almost come right there.

“Baby—” My voice is a wrecked growl as my fingers thread into her hair, guiding her as she moves. She moans around me, the vibration sending shockwaves straight through me. She’s not just doing this—she’sworshipingme, savoring every inch, every sound I make.

I brace my hand against the dresser, my jaw tight, my control slipping. She works me over with perfect, sinful precision—tongue flicking, hollowing her cheeks, taking me all the way down.

Fuck, she’s good at this.

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