Page 59 of Ruthless Lord

“That was before we got married.” Her voice lowers, eyes narrowing. “Our marriage is important. Your Don wanted it, remember?”

“He’s not here asking me to stop.”

“But you would if he did, wouldn’t you?”

I lick my lips, leaning closer. “I’m a man of my word. As you damn well know.”

She’s frustrated by that. “Yourwife’sasking you not to fight.”

“My wife won’t even let me touch her.” I hear AcidRain suck in a snickering breath and I shoot him a look. The young man claps his mouth shut and pretends like he wasn’t listening. “Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t go out there.”

“I heard about the guy you’re going up against.” She’s talking softly. Is she actually worried right now? There’s a glimmer of fear in her eye which surprises me. “He’s serious, Stefano. The last guy he fought ended up in the hospital on life support.”

“Pretty sure he pulled through.”

“With a permanent feeding tube.Pleasedon’t do this.”

I reach out. I want to touch her cheek so badly it aches in my chest. I want to reassure her, make her understand. I’m not those men. All my aches, all my pain. All the wounds that nag and keep me up at night when she thinks I’m sleeping soundly. All of that’s just proof that I was built for that fighting ring.

It’s who I am.

“I want a week,” I say softly, almost whispering, forcing her to come closer. I want to touch, but I don’t. I know the rules.

“What do you mean, a week?”

“One week with no rules. Freedom to touch you as I please.”

Her lips part. She’s breathing quickly. “That’s too much.”

“Are you afraid?”

“No, it’s just—” Her shoulders sag and she glances to the side. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

“I told you, I’m a man of my word. Give me a full week, and I won’t go out there.”

She takes a deep breath. I can tell she’s considering it. A big part of her wants to let go, wants to let me have what I desperately want.

Which is her, under my fingertips, writhing and moaning. Sweating, gasping, arching, digging her heels into the mattress, taking me deep.

And I know that’s what she needs too.

“I can’t,” she whispers. “That’s just too much.”

“Then go find Albert’s box and enjoy the fight. I’ll be thinking about you.”

“Stefano—”

“You heard my deal, wife.” I turn away from her. If she’s not going to bend for me now, then I have no reason to change for her either.

Besides, Vladimir is waiting, my fists are taped, my joints are warmed up, and I’m ready. The bloodlust thrums in my heart. A steady hunger in my chest. I want to go out there and lose myself in simple violence. There’s nothing better than releasing all my worries and fears and becoming a vicious animal.

“Don’t get yourself hurt,” she calls after me. “I’m not going to take care of you!”

I smile to myself, pushing open the door. It’s like she doesn’t know me yet.

I’m always hurt. Every part of me is hurt.

That’s what I do.