Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(39)

My song echoed throughout the arena, signaling it was time to go. Taking a deep breath, I rolled my shoulders and stormed through the curtain, keeping my attention on the ring down front. Mark was ready, bouncing on his heels, but I wasn’t worried. I knew I could take him. Ashleigh and Gabriella waved as I entered the ring, both on their feet and dancing to my song. I winked at my angel and slid off my robe, handing it to Danny.

“Let’s get ready to rrrrruuuummmmbbbblllleeee!” the announcer shouted into the microphone. The crowd screamed and chanted, ready for the fight. I loved hearing them shout my name. Mark and I joined each other in the center of the ring and bumped gloves before getting into stance.

Ding, ding, ding. The fight was on.





IT WAS THE second round and Ryley was dominating. I thought Camden would be around to watch it, but I never saw him. I was kind of glad because if I saw him, I’d want to slap the shit out of him for the video. People were screaming left and right for Ryley and I couldn’t help but smile with pride. He was amazing, but better yet . . . he was mine.

“Let me guess, you’re going to go home and make him tap out,” Gabriella giggled. “I swear the whole time he’s been up there you look like you’re about to f*cking orgasm.”

Ever since I became pregnant my body has been super-sensitive. Just the slightest touch to my clit made me horny. Not to mention every time I looked at Ryley I wanted him to tackle me to the floor and just f*ck me. I’m not talking make love to me . . . I wanted him to all out f*ck me.

“It’s because I probably could,” I replied, biting my lip. “And I want him to make me tap out. Not the other way around.”

“Damn, girl. I guess there’s no partying with you guys tonight. I’ll probably just go back to the apartment.”

“Where’s Bradley? Is he not going to come over?”

She scrunched her nose and shrugged. “He could, I guess, but I’m not really in the mood. I love spending time with him, but after that shit went down with Colin and Ryley he’s basically asking me to choose between them. He doesn’t think that I should be friends with Ryley and Colin.”

“That’s not fair,” I stormed. “He can’t make you choose.”

“Exactly, and if he does, I’m not going to have a choice. I will always choose Ryley over Colin. And in choosing you guys, I forfeit him. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

“Oh, Gabby, I had no idea he was being that hard on you. It looks like you need to take a break from him or something.”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re probably right. I need to be with someone who makes me feel like you feel when you’re with Ryley. I’ve never had that, even when I was with Tyler.”

“You’ll find it, Gabby. I bet he’s around here somewhere.” She stiffened at my words and cleared her throat awkwardly. “Are you okay?” I asked, patting her on the back.

“Hey ladies,” a voice called out.

Immediately, I turned and focused on the gorgeous dark-haired, green-eyed man who sat beside me. I’d seen him before . . . Paxton Emerson, the new Light Heavyweight champion.

“Um, hi,” I replied. I remembered seeing him at a party the night I met Ryley and his brother. Last I heard, he wasn’t exactly part of the good crowd.

“What do you want Pax?” Gabriella asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

I leaned back in my chair so they could talk.

“I was going to see if you would go to the party with me tonight. I don’t see your boyfriend here, so I thought I would ask.”

She tilted her chin up defiantly. “No, thanks. I have plans.”

Paxton sighed and shook his head, his eyes narrowed. “Are you seriously going to be this way? Haven’t I proved to you that I’ve changed?”

“Whoa, I think I need to catch up,” I interrupted excitedly. The tension in the air was palpable, with full blown sexual tension. I could feel it pouring off of both of them. “I’m Ashleigh,” I announced, holding out my hand.

Smirking, he shook my hand. “Pax. I guess Gabby didn’t tell you about me?”

She scoffed. “It’s Gabriella, Pax. Only my friends can call me Gabby.”

His smile disappeared and he got to his feet. “Well, then I guess you can call me Paxton. Only my friends call me Pax.”

My mouth dropped open and I watched wide-eyed as he stalked off, never once looking back. “Holy hell, what was that all about? Why were you such a bitch to him?”

Gabriella wouldn’t look at me. “You know why, Ash. He used to be friends with Kyle. I hate anyone who’s ever associated with that turdburger.”

“Oh, Gabby, even you don’t believe that horse shit. I could feel the intensity between you two. Is there something you need to tell me?”

“Come on, Ryley,” Gabriella yelled, getting to her feet. “I think we need to concentrate on your boyfriend right now.”

She didn’t need to twist my arm. Jumping to my feet, I cheered for Ryley. However, I couldn’t help but watch Gabriella out of the corner of my eye. Her eye twitched and she bit her lip, a clear sign that she was flustered. I guess I wasn’t the only one who ran away from love. Up in the ring, Ryley had knocked Mark down to the mat and there were only twenty seconds left to go in this round. He straddled Mark’s waist and pummeled him, fists flying. Over and over he punched, until Mark’s body went limp and he was pulled off. The crowd went wild and I screamed, jumping up and down.