Page 50

50

The past week with Natalie in Key West has been surreal. We’ve existed in our own little bubble, wrapped up in each other, forgetting about the rest of the world. No pressure, no distractions—just us. Every morning, I’ve woken up next to her, and every night, I’ve fallen asleep with her in my arms. It’s been perfect, but I know it can’t last forever.

Reality is calling, and I’ve got a job to do. But this time, I’m not letting anything come between us. I won’t lose her again. She’s mine, and I’ll fight for her every single day if I have to.

Our flight to Memphis is quiet but comfortable. Natalie leans against my shoulder, her hand resting on my thigh. She hasn’t said much, but I know she’s nervous. She hasn’t asked Joel for her job back yet, but I can tell she’s hopeful. I don’t blame her. She’s damn good at what she does, and UXW would be stupid not to take her back.

When we arrive at the arena, the familiar buzz of energy hits me. The smell of sweat, the hum of conversations, the distant echoes of the ring being prepped—it’s home. I’ve missed this. The adrenaline, the crowd, the anticipation. But as much as I’m dialed in for my match, my top priority right now is Natalie.

We walk in together, and I feel the shift immediately—heads turning, conversations pausing. They’re not used to seeing me like this, not used to seeing me with her. Let them stare. It feels good to have her by my side, to finally show the world that she’s mine.

She gives me a small smile, squeezing my hand before slipping away to find Joel. She wants to handle this on her own, and I respect that. But I still watch her go, already missing the warmth of her hand in mine.

I’m heading toward the locker room when I hear it.

That voice. That fucking voice.

“Well, well, well.”

Chrissy.

Her tone is syrupy sweet, fake as hell, and I already know this isn’t going to end well.

“Look what the cat dragged in,” she purrs, stepping into Natalie’s path. I slow my steps, eyes narrowing. “I thought I’d seen the last of you.” She tilts her head, flicking her hair back as she sizes Natalie up, eyes glittering with amusement. “Ryan and I have been getting quite comfortable together with you gone.”

Natalie stiffens. I see the flicker of doubt in her eyes, the way her shoulders tense, and my vision goes red.

Before she can even respond, I’m already moving.

The sound of my boots against the floor is the only warning before I step in, planting myself between them.

“What the fuck did you just say?” My voice is low, lethal.

Chrissy’s eyes widen for a fraction of a second, but she masks it quickly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Oh, come on, Ryan,” she says, her voice a lazy drawl. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy having me around.”

I take a slow, deliberate step forward, towering over her. My fists are clenched so tightly at my sides I can feel my pulse pounding in my knuckles. “Stay the hell away from Natalie.” The words are sharp, cutting through the hallway like a knife.

Chrissy’s smug grin wavers, but she’s still pushing. “I don’t know why you’re so defensive,” she muses, tilting her head. “It’s not like we haven’t had our fun before—”

That’s it.

I slam a hand against the wall beside her, and the sound cracks through the hallway.

Chrissy jolts, her eyes flicking up to mine, and for the first time, there’s fear.

“You’re nothing to me, Chrissy,” I growl. Each word is deliberate, unshakable. “You never were.” I lean in slightly, dropping my voice to something deadly. “So do yourself a favor and back the fuck off.”

Silence.

Chrissy takes a slow step back, finally backing down. “Whatever,” she mutters, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder before storming off.

I exhale sharply, shaking off the lingering fury, then turn to Natalie. The anger fades the second I see her.

Her eyes are locked on mine, wide and soft, but there’s something else there too. Not fear. Not hesitation.

Something deeper.

She swallows hard. “Did you mean that?” she asks softly.

I don’t hesitate. “Every damn word.”

A slow breath leaves her lips, and then, she steps closer.

And I pull her in.

My fingers lace through hers again, squeezing tight, and this time, she doesn’t let go.

We walk together down the hall toward Joel’s office, and I swear to God—she’s the only thing in the world that matters.

Joel looks up from his desk, his brows lifting slightly when he sees us standing in the doorway. Surprise flickers in his eyes, but there’s something else too—curiosity. Maybe even amusement.

“Well, well,” he says, leaning back in his chair, arms folding across his chest. “Didn’t think I’d be seeing you again.”

Natalie shifts beside me, inhaling sharply before stepping forward. I feel the slight tremor in her hand before she lets go of mine. She squares her shoulders, her voice steady but sincere.

“I wanted to apologize for the way I left,” she says, her gaze never wavering. “I know I didn’t handle things the right way, and I’m sorry for that. But if there’s any chance I can come back, I’d love to be part of the team again.”

Joel studies her, and the pause stretches just long enough to make her nervous. I see it in the way she shifts her weight, the way her fingers twitch at her sides.

Then, finally, he smirks.

“We’ve missed you, Natalie,” he says, shaking his head. “I knew you’d come to your senses.”

A breath of relief leaves her lips, her shoulders sagging just slightly. “Thank you,” she says, her voice filled with something raw—gratitude, maybe even a little disbelief.

Joel chuckles. “Don’t thank me yet. You’ve got some catching up to do. But yeah, you’re back.”

Before she can respond, I step forward, resting a hand on the small of her back. She looks up at me, and I lean down, pressing a slow kiss to her temple. It’s not just affection—it’s reassurance. A silent ‘I told you so.’

“I’ll catch up with you later,” I murmur, my voice just for her. “Finish up here.”

As I turn to leave, I glance at Joel, who’s still watching us with a knowing look.

“Good to see you back where you belong,” he says, and I know he’s not just talking to Natalie.

I head to the locker room, already knowing where I’ll find him. Sure enough, Travis is sitting on the bench, lacing up his boots, his movements unhurried, casual—like he’s got all the time in the world. The moment he looks up and sees me, a slow smirk spreads across his face.

“Well, well,” he drawls, leaning back with his arms stretched over the bench. “Look who finally found his balls and showed up.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t fight the small smirk tugging at my lips. This asshole.

I sit across from him, elbows on my knees, exhaling heavily. This isn’t easy for me, but I owe him this. “I was an asshole.”

Travis’s eyebrows shoot up. “I mean, yeah. That’s nothing new.”

I shake my head, ignoring his shit-eating grin. “No, seriously. You were right. About everything—about Natalie, about not letting my pride ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I should’ve listened.”

He leans forward, his smirk shifting into something softer, something knowing. “Damn right you should’ve. But hey, I’ll accept your groveling.” He pats his chest dramatically. “Warms my heart, really.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. Travis is insufferable. “You’re a dick.”

“And you love me for it.” He grins, then claps a hand on my shoulder, his tone turning serious. “Look, man. I never doubted you’d figure it out—eventually. You’re just a stubborn son of a bitch. But I’m happy for you. Natalie’s good for you. You deserve this.”

I nod, swallowing back the tightness in my throat. “Thanks.”

He studies me for a second, then grins again. “Now, let’s get to the real shit—you got a rematch with Kyle next week. You ready to take that title home?”

A slow, confident smirk spreads across my face. “Damn right I am.”

Travis nods, his expression serious, but there’s fire behind his eyes. “Good. Because I’ve got money on you, and I’d hate to lose to Chrissy’s dumb ass.”

I laugh, the tension in my chest finally easing. This is what I needed. The grind, the fight, the fire. I’m back where I belong—with my best friend in my corner, the woman I love standing beside me.

This time, I’m taking everything.

And it’s going to be fucking legendary.