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“This is my fiancée, Audrey Worthington,” Gio says, his hand sliding possessively around my waist.

Ben’s eyes widen slightly at my name, and he steps forward with an easy smile. “Miss Worthington. It’s an honor to meet you. Your father was a legend.”

“Thank you,” I manage, shaking his offered hand. His grip is firm but gentle, mindful of his size. “Gio speaks highly of your skills.”

“He better,” Ben says with a grin that transforms his intense features into something almost boyish. “I’m his ticket to the championship.”

Gio laughs, clapping Ben on the shoulder. “Confidence. I like it. Just back it up in the ring tonight.”

“Always do, boss.” Ben’s attention shifts to something behind us, and his expression brightens. “Hey, perfect timing. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

I turn, following his gaze. A tall figure stands with his back to us, examining the fight card posted on the wall. Even from behind, something about him sends a jolt of recognition through my body. The broad shoulders beneath a blue plaid shirt. The way he stands, weight shifted slightly to one side. The dark hair, shorter on the sides but longer on top.

My heart hammers against my ribs as Ben calls out to him.

“Hey! Come meet the boss.”

The man turns, and time slows to a crawl. The noise of the arena fades to a distant hum. My lungs forget how to functionas his face comes into view, revealing the features that have haunted my dreams for two weeks.

Reign.

Only he looks different from the man I met in San Diego. The clean-shaven executive in a tailored suit has been replaced by something wilder, more rugged. A short beard now covers his jaw, making his blue eyes seem even more intense by contrast. The plaid shirt and worn jeans give him the appearance of a mountain man stepped straight out of the wilderness.

Our eyes lock, and I watch recognition flare in those blue depths before his expression smooths into careful neutrality. The shock that must be written all over my face is nowhere to be found in his. He’s controlled, composed, revealing nothing while I stand here literally speechless, my body humming with awareness like a tuning fork struck against stone.

“This is my brother, Jackson,” Ben says, completely unaware of the silent earthquake occurring between us, “but everyone calls him Reign.”

SEVEN

REIGN

Time stopswhen I turn around and see her face.

Elizabeth. My Elizabeth, standing in front of me, wearing a red dress that hugs every curve I remember mapping with my hands. The shock in her eyes tells me she's just as stunned to see me as I am to see her.

"Reign, this is Gio Vega, and his fiancée, Audrey," Ben says. He's completely oblivious to the fact that my world just shifted on its axis. "Gio is my sponsor and the founder of Vega Promotions."

Every protective instinct I possess roars to life as the pieces click into place. This is what she was running from in San Diego. This is the "family obligation" that made her look like she was heading to her execution.

Vega extends his hand toward me. "Nice to meet you, Reign." His Italian accent is unmistakable. "I didn't know Ben had a brother."

"Most people don't," I reply.

I force myself to take his hand and fight the primal urge to crush his fingers in mine. The contact is brief, professional, but every muscle in my body stays coiled for violence.

"Audrey's dad is Arthur Worthington," Ben continues. "The founder of Worthington Sports. He built this arena."

"Miss Worthington." I extend my hand, keeping my voice steady despite the rage building in my chest. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her fingers tremble slightly when they touch mine, and I have to resist the urge to pull her against me, to claim her in front of everyone watching. The contact sends electricity shooting up my arm, the same instant recognition that hit me in San Diego.

"Your dad was one hell of a boxer," Marcus chimes in, moving closer to our group. "Arthur Worthington was a legend in the ring before he became a business mogul. Three-time heavyweight champion, right?"

Audrey's smile seems forced as she nods. "He was. Thank you."

"Built quite a legacy," Marcus continues. "From fighter to promoter to major venues."

Gio's chest puffs with obvious pride as he slides his arm around Audrey's waist, pulling her closer. The possessive gesture makes my jaw clench.