Page 112 of Keep Your Guard Up
Al ushered me out of the ring, pushing me to one of the security guards who was more than happy to carry me back over to my seat. A very angry Hogs stood waiting for me, but all I did was flash him a bright smile and a double thumbs up.
As soon as my ass hit the seat, I saw it.
The change.
The shift.
Chance was standing up taller. His back muscles rippled as he rolled his shoulders and swung his neck. Any tension he’d carried in his juicy,juicylats had vanished as he stalked Randy on the edge of the cage.
Surely I am dripping through my dress with how turned on I am.
Randy came forward to bump gloves, but Chance declined, shaking his head and circling him like a predator stalking his prey. Randy hit him with a lighter one-two, but Chance circled out and dropped his bomb of a right hook.
Randy, the prick, fell to the ground cold.
Chance didn’t even chase him down for follow-up punches; he knew his job was done.
Chance—my person, my love, myhome—was the new Light Heavyweight Champion of the world.
I was up and out of my seat once again before Hogs or Dylan (who was beside my father bellowing for his brother two rows behind us) could stop me. My heels were long gone as I sprinted along the side of the cage. Most likely knowing I would try to get through again, they had stationed more security guards around the ring so I had no chance of sneaking in. I screamed at him.
My Chance.
My champion.
Mylove.
The referee had called Chance and Randy into the centre of the ring when he saw me. Before anyone knew what was happening,Chance ran, jumped, and climbed the cage. He leapt off the side, landing in front of me and taking me in his arms. Blood was still streaming from a cut on his eyebrow, with more blood spattered across his tired body.
He smiled at me, neither of us having the words to speak right now. Chance took my hands in his and pulled me up into the cage. Finally, the referee took his wrist.
I screamed with nothing but pure joy when the referee raised his hand.
I screamed with nothing but pure joy when they wrapped the belt around his waist.
I screamed with nothing but pure joy when he jumped up the side of the cage once again, but this time in celebration.
I screamed with nothing but pure joy when he pointed down at me then to his left pec—right where his heart was.
~
Once Chance was done basking in the love from his fans and spectators all over the world, the interviewer quickly pulled him in for a chat as Randy made his way out of the cage. I flipped him a hard bird when he met my eyes. His lip curled back in a snarl as he passed by.
“Oh … man … it’s incredible, really.” Chance puffed into the microphone. “It’s not so much of a secret, but I’ve recently changed gyms. Absolutely no bad blood to all those guys I was with before, but it’s very public knowledge why I moved. It truly takes a team to get us fighters up here, and I feel so goddamn lucky to have had the opportunity to work with, train with, and to love such wonderful people. JJ, Al, Marilyn, all of my guys at Knock’s—I owe you more than I could ever repay. More than this belt around my waist.” Chance turned back to face us. His lips curved upwards as he met my gaze, JJ’s arm lazily draped around my shoulders. Poor JJ, the softie was crying.
“Those first few rounds were tough for you, Chance, but after the break in the fourth round, it was like you’d flipped upside down,” the interviewer started. “Is there a special someone here today that we have to thank for that?”
Just when I didn’t think he could smile any bigger.
“Yeah, yeah definitely. That incredible woman who broke through your security line has a very special place in my heart. For those of you who don’t know …” His eyes found mine, sparkling and shining my favourite shade of sky blue—the one that gleamed with happiness. “Mari is the most fierce, compassionate,badasswoman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone loving. I’ve loved you for longer than you know, darling. This fight, this belt, thislife… it all means nothing without you.”
My heart pounded against my ribs, filling my entire body with love and air and light.
Chance grabbed the microphone out of the interviewer’s hands and walked closer to where we were all standing.
“Sunny baby …” he said gently. “Everything I am is yours. Everything I will ever be is yours. Life is only beautiful when I share it with you. I willneverfinish falling in love with you.”
JJ’s hand came up behind me and pushed me straight into him. I staggered forward but, as per usual, a pair of strong arms caught me. I could not get enough of this man, couldn’t get close enough when I pressed my lips to his. His tongue gently probed my bottom lip, and I welcomed it instantly. Despite having just fought a grown-ass man, he still tasted likehim—somehow still minty and sweet.
