Page 51

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I’m on top of the world. Two weeks ago, Ryan and I escaped to Key West, shutting out everything but each other. It was more than just a getaway—it was a turning point. He didn’t just tell me he’d prove himself; he showed me, every second of every day. No distractions, no wrestling, no outside world. Just us. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe. Loved. Whole.

Coming back to reality after that was an adjustment, but even with the chaos of UXW, the weight I’d been carrying for weeks had finally lifted. Now, another week has passed, and tonight is the night. Ryan’s championship match. His shot at reclaiming everything.

I glance at my phone, scrolling through unread texts from Annika. She’s been my rock through all of this, checking in even when I gave her only pieces of what happened. She never pushed—just let me come to her when I was ready. And now, I am.

I tap her contact and press the phone to my ear.

“ Finally! ” Annika’s voice is light, teasing. “I was starting to think you forgot about me.”

I laugh. “I could never. Things have just been... crazy.”

“Crazy good, I hope.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “Tell me everything. How was your trip? Are you and Ryan back together? Did he grovel? I need details! ”

I sink into the couch, letting out a soft sigh. “It was perfect. We talked, we made up, and Annika... he took the entire week off just to be with me. No wrestling, no business—just us. ”

“Oh my God, Natalie! I knew it! I knew he’d come to his senses. That man is crazy about you.”

“He is,” I admit softly, my heart swelling. “And I’m crazy about him too.”

Annika squeals. “You deserve this, Nat. You’ve been through so much, and seeing you happy—it makes me so happy.”

I swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. “Thank you, Annika. For everything. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through these last few weeks without you.”

“Girl, stop. That’s what best friends are for. I’m just glad you’re finally where you’re meant to be.”

We chat for a few more minutes, laughing and catching up, before I glance at the clock. My pulse kicks up a notch. It’s time.

“I gotta go,” I tell her. “Ryan’s match is about to start.”

“Oh, you have to call me after and tell me everything! ”

“Will do,” I promise before hanging up.

I set my phone down and take a breath, steadying myself. Tonight isn’t just a match. It’s his moment. His chance to take back what’s his. And this time, I’m here for all of it.

I weave through the backstage corridors, my pulse hammering in my ears as I make my way to the monitor where Ryan’s match will be shown. The energy in the air is electric—charged with the anticipation of thousands of fans packed into the arena, all waiting for this moment. Even back here, I can feel it. The walls seem to vibrate with the roar of the crowd.

As I settle in, shifting on my feet in nervous excitement, a familiar voice cuts through the noise behind me.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Natalie.”

I turn to find Travis Moreno, Ryan’s best friend, grinning at me. Before I can say anything, he pulls me into a tight, warm hug, his signature scent—something sharp and clean—lingering in the air.

“It’s good to see you back,” Travis says as he pulls away, his tone light but sincere. “And looking way better than the last time I saw you.”

“It’s good to be back,” I say, smiling up at him.

He smirks. “So, Ryan finally got his head out of his ass, huh?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Something like that.”

Travis claps a hand on my shoulder, his usual playful demeanor shifting just slightly. “I’m happy for you guys. Really. You two belong together. And hey, if you ever need anything—anything at all—you let me know, okay?”

His words catch me off guard, their weight settling in my chest. Travis has always been the easygoing one, the comic relief in Ryan’s chaotic world, but there’s an underlying seriousness in his voice now.

“Thanks, Travis,” I say, meaning it. “That means a lot.”

Together, we turn to the monitor as the arena goes black. The crowd’s excited murmurs swell into a deafening roar as the opening beats of Ryan’s entrance music shake the walls. A spotlight cuts through the darkness, illuminating the stage.

Then— he appears.

The sight of him steals my breath.

Ryan strides down the ramp with that lethal, predatory confidence that makes the whole damn world take notice. His molten brown eyes are locked on the ring, his jaw clenched, his entire body coiled with raw power. Every inch of him radiates dominance—like he owns that squared circle. The title might not be around his waist yet , but in this moment, there’s no doubt—he’s already the champion in their eyes. In mine.

“He’s got this,” Travis murmurs beside me, his voice low, sure.

I nod, barely breathing as Ryan steps into the ring. The referee calls for the bell, and just like that—it begins.

The match is a war. A clash of titans. Every move, every counter is a showcase of skill, resilience, and sheer force. Ryan moves with the precision of a man who refuses to lose, his body absorbing every hit, his strength answering back tenfold. The crowd lives for it, their chants rising and falling in waves, fueling the battle inside the ring.

And then— it happens.

Ryan seizes control, powering through the last desperate attempts of Kyle. He lifts him high, his muscles flexing with raw, undeniable strength. The arena erupts as he slams him down with his finisher, the impact shaking the very foundation of the ring.

One.

Two.

Three.

The bell rings.

For a split second, everything is silent—like the entire world is holding its breath.

Then, the explosion of sound hits. The crowd erupts, the deafening roar shaking the walls. Ryan kneels in the center of the ring, his chest heaving, sweat glistening on his skin, his fists clenched.

The referee moves toward him, holding up the prize. The UXW Heavyweight Championship. His championship.

I press my hand to my chest, my heart pounding as the referee bends down, offering Ryan the belt. He grips it, his fingers curling tightly around the gold plate, his head dropping for just a moment as if he’s absorbing the magnitude of this victory.

Then, the ref grabs his wrist and hoists his arm high into the air.

“ Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… and the NEW UXW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION… RYAN PIERCE! ”

The announcement is drowned out by the crowd’s deafening cheers. Ryan slowly rises to his feet, lifting the title above his head, his face a mix of exhaustion, triumph, and raw emotion.

My eyes sting with unshed tears. He did it.

Beside me, Travis lets out a loud whoop, shaking me by the shoulders. “Holy shit , he did it!”

Ryan climbs the ropes, holding the title high for everyone to see, the flash of cameras lighting up the arena like stars. He worked for this. Bled for this. Sacrificed for this. And now—

He earned this.

I’m so damn proud.

“Let’s go,” Travis says, gesturing toward the gorilla position. We head over, waiting just behind the curtain for Ryan to return. The energy backstage is electric—staff, wrestlers, and crew members all buzzing from the main event.

When he finally comes through, sweat dripping down his face, his hair tousled and damp, the UXW Heavyweight Championship slung over his shoulder, his eyes lock onto mine instantly. A mixture of exhaustion, adrenaline, and absolute triumph burns in his molten brown gaze.

The belt gleams under the bright lights, and for a second, I just stare at it—the symbol of everything he’s worked for, sacrificed for. This moment is his.

Before I can even say anything, he strides toward me, gripping the title tighter in one hand while pulling me into his arms with the other. His lips crash against mine in a kiss that’s hungry , filled with raw, unfiltered emotion.

“Guess that’s my cue to leave,” Travis mutters, chuckling as he claps Ryan on the back. “Hell of a win, brother. Enjoy it.”

Ryan doesn’t even glance his way, his focus solely on me. Instead, he shifts, hoisting the belt higher. His belt. The gold glints under the lights as he pulls back just enough to press his forehead against mine, his breath still heavy from the match.

“I did it,” he murmurs, his voice rough with pride. “I fucking did it. ”

I place my hands on his chest, feeling the rapid, powerful beat of his heart beneath my palms. “You were incredible,” I whisper, looking up at him. “Every second of that match, you fought like a champion. And now…” I run my fingers over the cool metal of the title resting against his shoulder. “Now, you are one.”

Ryan exhales sharply, like the weight of everything is just now settling in. Then, with a smirk, he shifts the belt off his shoulder and holds it out to me. “Here,” he says, eyes dark with satisfaction. “Hold it.”

I blink, surprised, but take the championship in my hands. It’s heavy—more than I expected. I trace my fingers over the engraved lettering, the intricate details of the UXW Heavyweight Championship. His name will be on this soon. Forever.

Ryan watches me, his smirk widening. “Feels good, huh?”

I laugh softly, lifting it just a little. “Damn good.”

He takes it back, slinging it over his shoulder with easy confidence before scooping me up into his arms, his chest heaving against mine. Without another word, he carries me toward the locker room, his grip on me just as strong as his grip on that championship.

“You were amazing out there,” I murmur as he sets me down, my fingers trailing over his slick, sweat-coated skin.

Ryan grins, adjusting the belt before placing it gently on a nearby bench, his eyes dark with something else entirely now. “I could be more amazing,” he growls, his voice low and rough as he nips at my neck.

I barely get a chance to respond before his hands are on me, his touch filled with the same intensity that won him the title tonight.

He may be the new UXW Heavyweight Champion, but right now—right here —he’s mine. And I’m his.

My breath hitches as he peels his wrestling gear off, piece by piece, revealing his perfectly sculpted body. His skin glistens under the locker room lights, every muscle defined, his tattoos stretching across his back and arms. He’s breathtaking, and the way he looks at me—like I’m the only thing that matters—ignites a fire deep within me.

Ryan steps closer, his fingers trailing down my chest before slipping under my shirt. He lifts it over my head, his eyes roaming over every inch of exposed skin. “You’re so damn beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

He doesn’t stop until I’m completely naked before him. His hands and lips are everywhere, worshipping every inch of me, making me feel cherished and desired. When he leads me to the shower, the anticipation is almost too much to bear.

The hot water cascades over us as Ryan presses me against the cool tile, his lips claiming mine in a searing kiss. His hands grip my hips, his fingers digging into my skin as he turns me around, bending me over slightly.

“I’m going to make you mine,” he growls, his voice a low rumble in my ear.

“Please, Ryan,” I beg, my body trembling with need.

He doesn’t make me wait. With one smooth thrust, he fills me completely, his cock stretching me in the most delicious way. A strangled moan escapes my lips as he sets a relentless pace, his hands gripping my hips as he drives into me over and over again.

“You feel so good,” he groans, his voice thick with pleasure. “So tight, so perfect.”

The combination of his words, his touch, and the sensation of him moving inside me is overwhelming. My nails scrape against the tile, my body quivering as I spiral closer to the edge.

“Ryan,” I gasp, my voice barely audible over the sound of the water.

“I’ve got you, baby,” he murmurs, his pace quickening. “Let go for me. Come for me.”

And I do. The intensity of my orgasm crashes over me like a tidal wave, my body shuddering as I cry out his name. Ryan follows moments later, his release powerful and all-consuming.

He wraps his arms around me, holding me close as we catch our breath, the water washing away the evidence of our passion. My legs are shaky, my body spent, but I’ve never felt more alive.

Ryan presses a tender kiss to my temple, his lips lingering there. “I love you, Natalie,” he whispers, his voice soft but filled with conviction.

“I love you too,” I reply, my heart full.