Page 5 of The Devil's Wrath

I nodded slowly, considering the prospect. Connor McKinley was a rising star in the collegiate boxing world, with a string of impressive victories under his belt. He was the guy to beat if I wanted to make a name for myself.

“Alright,” I said, grabbing my jacket. “Let’s make an appearance.”

The frat housewas already packed when we arrived, the bass of the music thumping through the walls. I pushed my way through thecrowd, ignoring the adoring fans and hangers-on who tried to catch my attention. My focus was solely on finding Connor McKinley.

I spotted him near the back of the room, holding court with a group of admirers. He was taller than I’d expected, with broad shoulders and a cocky grin. As I approached, his eyes flicked to me, assessing.

“Well, well,” he said, his voice carrying over the music, “if it isn’t the Devil himself. Quite a show you put on tonight.”

I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “Just doing what I do best.”

Connor laughed, but there was an edge to it. “You’ve got some skills. I’ll give you that. But it would be interesting to see how you fare against some real competition.”

The challenge hung in the air between us. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on me, waiting for my response.

I leaned in closer, my voice low and steady. “Anytime, anywhere. Just name the place.”

His grin widened as he leaned back and sized me up. “Big words from a small-time fighter,” he said, his tone dripping with condescension. “Winning a couple of fights against a couple of nobodies doesn’t make you king of the underground circuit. You underestimate what I’m capable of.”

I felt my jaw clench, my fists tightening at my sides. This arrogant prick had no idea who he was messing with. I took a step closer, invading his space.

“And you have no idea what I’m capable of,” I growled. “I’ll take you apart piece by piece and leave you bleeding on the canvas. Anytime, anywhere.”

His grin widened, but his eyes remained cold. “Careful what you wish for, Devil. You might just get it.”

He turned to his entourage. “Let’s leave the champ to his adoring fans. I’ve got better things to do.”

With that, he brushed past me, his shoulder knocking into mine as he went. I watched him go, heading toward a group of half-naked girls. He wrapped his arms around them, and they giggled, pressingtheir bodies against his. This fucker was nothing but a showboating playboy riding his perverted family’s coattails.

I couldn’t wait to annihilate him.

Then my eyes landed on a familiar figure walking through the party.

The dark-haired goddess.

I watched her move through the crowd. She smiled at people, engaging in small talk before she settled against the wall. She sipped her drink, looking bored with the whole scene, and the redhead standing next to her was preoccupied with her tongue down a buff guy’s throat. The dark-haired girl’s fitted black dress hugged her every curve, and her long hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, contrasting her milky white skin. As if sensing my gaze, she looked up, her eyes meeting mine across the crowded room.

Without thinking, I moved toward her, weaving through the crowd of partygoers. The redhead next to her started dragging the big dude away by his dick as I approached. Butshewatched me with a slight smirk playing on her full lips. Up close, she was even more stunning—high cheekbones and eyes so gray, they were almost luminescent, and a presence that commanded attention. My eyes flicked to her choker necklace with a small silver eye pendant resting in the hollow of her throat. The necklace glinted in the party’s strobe lights, its silver surface catching my gaze like a magnet. I had seen it before, a lifetime ago it seemed. But where?

“Impressive fight tonight,” she said, her voice low and smoky. “You made it look easy.”

I shrugged. “It’s what I do.”

She tilted her head, appraising me with those penetrating eyes. “I can see that.”

“I don’t think I caught your name.”

“That’s because I didn’t give it.”

Her coy response only intrigued me further. “Fair enough. Can I at least get you a drink?”

She glanced down at her half-full glass and then back up at me. “I think I’m good for now. But I appreciate the offer.”

I nodded, undeterred.

“So, what brings you to this fine establishment?” I asked, leaning against the wall next to her. “You don’t seem like the frat party type.”

She laughed softly, a melodic sound that sent warmth to my dick. “You’re observant. I’m not usually one for this scene. But my friend dragged me along, insisting I needed to ‘loosen up a bit.’”

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