Page 97 of Made for Reign

“And Audrey’s on board with all this?” Marcus glances toward the private box. “Leaving everything behind?”

“She’s the one who suggested it.” The memory of her face when we discussed our plans should send heat through my chest. The determination in her eyes, the certainty in her voice. But right now, watching her sit like a prisoner beside her captor, I can’t shake the doubt creeping in. “After tonight, she’s done with Vega. Done with Cooper Heights.”

At least, that was the plan yesterday. Tonight feels different. Tonight feels like everything’s unraveling before it even begins.

“And what about Ben?” Marcus nods toward the ring where my brother is preparing for the final round. “You planning to tell him before you disappear?”

The question hits harder than it should. Ben and I have only recently started rebuilding our relationship after years of distance. This fight—his biggest opportunity yet—is partly due to my connections. And now I’m planning to vanish without explanation.

“I’ll call him once we’re settled,” I say, the words tasting bitter. “Can’t risk telling him beforehand. Vega’s his sponsor. It would put him in an impossible position.”

Marcus nods, understanding without needing further explanation. That’s why he’s been my right hand for fifteen years—he gets the hard choices, the necessary sacrifices.

“Pack Security?” he asks.

“All yours until I get back.” I’ve already signed the paperwork, transferring operational control to Marcus for six months. “The Blackwell contract should keep you busy.”

“And if you don’t come back?” His question is blunt, practical.

“Then it’s yours permanently.” I’ve considered this possibility—that leaving with Audrey might mean walking away from everything I’ve built. The business, my home, my life in Cooper Heights. The strange thing is, I don’t give a fuck. None of it matters compared to having her.

The final round begins with a flurry of activity. Ben charges forward, unleashing a combination that drives Thompson against the ropes. The crowd surges to its feet, sensing the end is near. I stand with them, but my attention is split between the ring and the box above.

In the private box, Vega has turned to face Audrey directly. Even from this distance, I can see his mouth moving, see the sharp gestures that indicate he’s not just making conversation. Audrey’s spine straightens, her chin lifting in that defiant way I’ve seen before, but there’s something desperate about it now. Like she’s fighting a losing battle.

Ben’s fist connects with Thompson’s jaw, a perfect strike that sends his opponent crashing to the canvas. The sound of impact echoes through the arena even over the deafening roar of the crowd.

The referee waves his arms, calling the fight. Ben raises his fists in victory, blood from his opponent’s face speckling his gloves. The crowd explodes, on their feet, screaming his name.

“Holy shit,” Marcus shouts over the noise. “He actually did it.”

Ben circles the ring, acknowledging each section of the crowd. When his eyes find mine, he points directly at me, that cocky grin spreading across his face. I manage to nod back, forcing a smile I don’t feel.

My gaze drifts up to Vega’s private box. The bastard is on his feet, clapping enthusiastically, his face lit with the satisfaction of a man who just made a fortune. His investment in Ben is about to pay off big time.

But Audrey remains seated, her applause mechanical, her face pale as paper. As I watch, Vega leans down and says something in her ear. Whatever it is makes her entire body go rigid. She turns to look at him, and even from here I can see the fear in her posture.

Then, she does something that makes my blood run cold. She looks directly at me for the first time all night, and the expression on her face is pure terror.

Our eyes lock across the arena, and at that moment, I know. Something’s gone wrong. Badly wrong. She’s trying to tell me something without words, trying to warn me, but before I can process what I’m seeing, Vega’s hand lands on her shoulder.

The contact makes her flinch visibly, but she doesn’t pull away. Can’t pull away. She turns back to face forward, her mask sliding back into place, but it’s too late. I’ve seen the truth.

“Reign.” Marcus grabs my arm, his voice cutting through the roar of the crowd. “What’s wrong?”

I can’t take my eyes off the box. Vega’s hand is still on Audrey’s shoulder, possessive and threatening. He’s sayingsomething else to her, his mouth close to her ear, and I watch her nod once, sharply.

“Something’s fucked,” I say, my voice tight with barely controlled rage. “He knows.”

“Knows what?”

“About us. About the plan. Something.” I pull out my phone, typing quickly:

Are you okay?

I watch her check her phone, see her body go even more rigid as she reads my message. She glances toward Vega, who’s now watching her with obvious suspicion, then types something back.

Can’t talk now. He’s watching everything.

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