26. Twenty-Six
TWENTY-SIX
WRENLY
I ’d known the night would come when Theo and Connor would face off in the ring, but I hadn’t thought it would creep up so quickly. I wore a long red dress adorned with shimmering sequins that caught the light as I moved and delicate lace at the sleeves and hem. My hair was swept up in an elegant updo with a few tendrils framing my face. I took a deep breath as the car pulled up to the venue, photographers snapping photos as each person exited their vehicle. This would be headline news, courtesy of Connor’s father, using any opportunities to have the press witness his only son’s achievements. His father would capitalize on it, twisting the narrative and using it to further his reputation.
After all, it wasn’t every day that a politician’s son and the son of The Brotherhood’s leading lawyer faced off in a championship boxing match. The reporters eagerly awaited my arrival, hoping to catch a glimpse of the two rivals at odds before the match even began.
Theo wasn’t worried. His only thoughts were on my safety and comfortability and beating Connor’s face in. But I was very familiar with how that family operated, and I couldn’t quell the nerves fluttering in my stomach.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” he told me, kissing my cheek. “You look stunning. I’m so lucky. ”
I couldn’t help but smile at his reassurance; his confidence was infectious. He looked dashing in his tailored black suit, his dark hair slicked back and his tie matching my dress. His eyes were locked on mine as he stepped out of the car first. A confident smile played on his lips, but I could see the tension in his jaw. He extended his arm to me, and I took it, letting him guide me through the throng of reporters and flashing cameras. We made our way down the red carpet, stopping occasionally to pose for photos and answer a few questions from eager reporters.
“Theo! Over here!” the reporters shouted, clamoring for his attention. He gave them a charming smile and a wave but kept his arm firmly around my waist.
My eyes scanned the area, searching for Connor. I spotted him across the way, surrounded by his friends and father, who dramatically gestured as they talked to the press. Connor looked every bit the golden boy in his crisp white tuxedo, his blonde hair perfectly coiffed. But when his eyes met mine, there was a coldness in them that sent shivers down my spine.
Theo must have sensed my unease because he pulled me closer. “Don’t worry about him,” he murmured in my ear. “I’ve got this.”
As we entered the venue from the back, the energy shifted. The air was thick with anticipation, and the sound of the crowd grew louder with each step we took. We made our way through the dimly lit hallway, the flickering fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow on the walls. Theo’s locker room was across the hall from Connor’s, and I did my best to ignore the hoops and hollers from that direction.
The venue had set up a table with refreshments, so I poured myself a drink as Theo undressed and got into his boxing shorts. My hands trembled slightly as I sipped the cold water, trying to calm my nerves before Theo noticed. I hadn’t intended to be so affected by seeing Connor again, but the last time I’d seen him, he’d slammed me against my car, wearing the same cold look in his eyes.
I turned around, still sipping my water while watching Theo’s muscular physique on full display. He exuded quiet confidence as he wrapped his hands methodically. That was one of my favorite things about him. He never had to fill the silence. He was content with observing, only speaking when he had something worthwhile to say.
I smiled as I watched him move with fluid grace, his muscles rippling under his skin as he shadowboxed in the corner of the room. Cavan stood nearby, offering words of encouragement and last-minute advice.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to see one of the event coordinators poking his head in. “Five minutes until showtime,” he announced before disappearing into the hallway.
Theo nodded, taking a deep breath as he rolled his neck and shoulders. He turned to me, his eyes softening as he took in my worried expression. “Hey,” he said gently, crossing the room to take my hands. “I’ve got this. Trust me.”
I nodded, trying to swallow past the lump in my throat. “I do trust you,” I whispered. “I just hate that you have to confront him.”
He cupped my face, his thumbs brushing over my cheekbones. “He can’t touch you,” he promised. “He will never touch you again. I won’t let him. Tonight, I will make him regret ever stepping into the ring with me.” He pressed a tender kiss to my lips before pulling back. “I love you,” he said firmly. “And I’m going to win this for you.”
“I love you,” I responded.
With one last kiss, he turned and strode confidently out of the locker room, Cavan and I following close behind. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. The crowd’s roar grew louder with each step, and I could feel the energy thrumming through the air.
The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers, introducing the fighters as they made their way to the ring. Connor entered first, his entourage trailing behind him, their shouts drowned out by the cheers of the crowd. He climbed into the ring, his signature arrogant smirk plastered on his face as he waved to his supporters.
And then it was Theo’s turn. The crowd cheered loudly as he emerged from the tunnel. He climbed the steps, ducking under the ropes and then raising his fists to the crowd. His eyes found mine in the sea of faces, and he gave me a slight nod before turning his attention to Connor.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer echoed through the arena. “ Welcome to the championship match of the evening! In the red corner, weighing 185 pounds, defending champion, Connor “Lights Out” McKinley!”
The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and boos as Connor raised his arms, a cocky grin on his face. He looked over at Theo, his eyes narrowing as he sized him up.
“Facing off in the blue corner, weighing 175 pounds, the challenger, The Bronze Devil!”
The crowd roared as Theo stepped forward, his jaw set with determination. He locked eyes with Connor, and the tension between them was palpable. This wasn’t just any championship fight. This was a fight for my honor. Theo’s eyes held nothing but pure wrath, and I saw the beast he kept hidden inside him coming to the surface.
Vera approached me, her red hair gleaming in the lights. She sat in the chair I’d saved next to mine in the VIP section and grabbed my hand, giving me a small smile before turning to watch the fight. I appreciated her support, knowing it might put her on Connor’s hit list.
The referee called the fighters to the center of the ring, giving them the standard instructions. They touched gloves perfunctorily before returning to their corners, but their eyes never left each other.
The bell rang, and Theo bounced on his toes, his fists raised, ready to strike. Connor came out swinging. His punches were wild and powerful, but Theo dodged them easily, moving with a fluid grace that frustrated Connor.
Theo landed a few quick jabs, testing Connor’s defenses before following up with a hard right hook that snapped Connor’s head sideways. Connor stumbled but quickly regained his footing, shaking off the blow. They traded punches, each trying to gain the upper hand. Theo’s superior speed and technique were evident. He slipped under Connor’s guard, landing a series of body shots that had Connor gasping for air.
But Connor was relentless, using his brute strength to his advantage. He charged forward, tackling Theo to the ground and raining punches on his face.
I gripped Vera’s hand tightly, my heart pounding as I watched the two men grapple on the mat. The referee separated them, and they retreated to their corners, both breathing heavily. Cavan wiped the blood from Theo’s face, whispering words of encouragement in his ear.
The bell rang, signaling the start of the next round, and they met in the center of the ring once more. Connor came out swinging again, but Theo was ready for him. He dodged and weaved, his movements fluid and graceful, making Connor look clumsy. He landed a series of quick jabs and a powerful uppercut that sent Connor staggering back.
Connor wasn’t going down that easily though. He shook off the blow and charged forward, his fists flying in a flurry of punches. Theo blocked most of them, but a few slipped through his guard, leaving him with a split lip and a rapidly swelling eye.
The crowd was on their feet, shouting and cheering as the men traded blows. Each punch that landed felt like a physical blow to my own body, and I flinched as Connor delivered a vicious right hook, sending Theo reeling back against the ropes.
As the rounds continued, they circled each other, both breathing heavily, sweat and blood mingling on their skin. Connor’s blonde hair was crimson, while Theo’s bronze skin glistened under the harsh arena lights.
Theo ducked under Connor’s wild swing and drove his fist into Connor’s ribs, causing him to double over. Theo pressed his advantage, raining blows down on Connor’s unprotected face. That only served to anger Connor further. With a roar of fury, he surged forward, catching Theo around the waist and slamming him onto the mat. He straddled Theo, his fists hammering down relentlessly.
Theo pounded his fists into Connor’s side, and they began rolling, Connor forcing Theo’s head to turn toward me while he whispered something in Theo’s ear, his face twisted in a sick smile as he spoke.
Theo looked at me, his eyes darkening as he realized Connor was also looking in my direction. I caught Theo’s gaze and held it, trying to pour all my love and strength into that one look. His eyes softened for a brief moment before hardening with resolve. He gave me a subtle nod—a silent promise that he would end this once and for all.
With a burst of strength, Theo threw Connor off him and rolled to his feet. He advanced as Connor scrambled backward, trying to put some distance between them. He pursued Connor across the ring, peppering him with jabs and crosses, wearing him down with each blow.
Connor’s movements grew sluggish, his guard dropping as exhaustion set in. And that’s when my devil saw his opening and took it, feinting with his left before driving his right fist into Connor’s jaw with a sickening crack. Connor’s head snapped back, and he crumpled to the mat, his eyes rolling into his head. But Theo wasn’t done with him. He straddled Connor’s limp body, and his fists were a blur as he pummeled him. Connor’s face was a mess of blood and bruises, his eyes swollen shut and his nose bent at an unnatural angle.
The referee dove in, trying to pull Theo off, but he was lost in a haze of fury. It took three men to drag him away, and even still, they struggled. The crowd was on their feet, screaming and cheering as the referee raised Theo’s hand in victory, declaring him the winner by knockout.
But Theo didn’t look triumphant.
His eyes were wild, his chest heaving with exertion and rage. He shook off the referee and turned to face Connor’s prone body, his fists clenched at his sides.
I stood frozen, my heart in my throat as I watched the medics rush into the ring. They knelt beside Connor’s still form, checking his vitals and shining a light in his eyes. Vera’s grip on my hand was so tight, it was almost painful, but I barely noticed. All I could see was the primal fury in Theo’s eyes and the blood that covered his body.
The medics secured Connor onto a stretcher and then carried him out of the arena. I sat on the cold, metal bench, my hands trembling despite my attempts to still them. The crowd’s murmurs faded to a distant hum as blood pounded in my ears.
Cavan and the announcer were talking to Theo, but if he heard them, he didn’t let on. Instead, he looked for me. And when he spotted me, he climbed out of the ring, ignoring the reporters and fans clamoring for his attention, with a single-minded focus.
The crowd parted for him, sensing the dangerous energy emanating from his every pore as he walked toward the VIP section . . . toward me . I stood up to meet him. He was a sight to behold—his bronze skin gleaming with blood and sweat, his dark hair disheveled, and his eyes burning with rage. He stopped in front of me, his chest heaving and his hands trembling at his sides. Up close, I could see the extent of the damage—the cuts on his face, the bruises already forming on his skin, but it was the look in his eyes that stole my breath.
Gone was the gentle, teasing light I loved so much. In its place was a dark, feral hunger that sent heat rushing through my veins. He reached for me, his bloody hands curving around my waist and dragging me against his body. I went willingly, my hands coming up to cup his face.
“Theo.” I breathed his name like a prayer as my thumbs brushed gently over his swollen cheekbones. “Are you okay?”
He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch as if it were the only thing anchoring him to reality.
“I am now.”
He crashed his lips against mine in a bruising kiss that stole the breath from my lungs. I could taste the coppery tang of blood as he swept his tongue into my mouth, claiming me with a desperation that bordered on savage.
Around us, the crowd roared their approval, but I barely heard them. All I could focus on was the feel of his hard body pressed against mine and the way his hands gripped my hips, pulling me impossibly closer. I clung to him, not caring about the blood and sweat that covered his skin. All that mattered was him, solid and alive in my arms.
“I’m sorry,” he rasped, his voice rough with emotion. “I lost control. I just . . . I saw red.”
“Shh,” I soothed, pressing my forehead against his. “It’s over now. You won.”
He let out a shuddering breath. “I would do anything for you, Wrenly. Anything to keep you safe.”
I smiled through my tears, my heart swelling with love for this fierce, protective man. “I know. And I love you for it.”
The sound of Cavan clearing his throat behind us broke our moment. “Hate interrupting, but we need to get you checked out by the medics, champ.”
Theo started to protest, but I silenced him with a kiss, pouring all my love and gratitude into the gentle press of my lips. When I pulled back, some of the darkness had cleared from his eyes, replaced by the warmth I adored.
“Okay,” he agreed, allowing the medics to lead him back toward the locker room. Cavan fell into step beside him, clasping Theo’s shoulder and muttering words of congratulations and concern.
As Vera and I gathered our things to follow behind, I caught sight of Connor’s father staring me down with a look of pure hatred. His eyes were narrowed, and his mouth was set in a grim line. He stood ramrod straight, his expensive suit impeccable despite the chaos around him. I met his gaze unflinchingly, refusing to cower under the weight of his anger.
He stepped toward me, but Vera moved to block his path, her petite frame belying her fierce protectiveness. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” she warned him.
Connor’s father sneered at her, his upper lip curling in disdain as he spoke in a low tone audible to only Vera and me. “You think you can stop me, little girl?”
“She might not be able to, but I can,” I purred, moving in front of Vera, my voice dripping with false sweetness. “I’ve got enough dirt on you and your family to bury you six feet under. One word from me, and your precious reputation will be in tatters. So I suggest you back off and leave me the fuck alone. Do I make myself clear?”
“You wouldn’t dare. Because if you did, you’d be signing your death warrant.”
“Is that so? Let me ask you something, Senator. Do you want to risk it? Because I can assure you, if anything happens to me, every sordid detail of your family’s dirty laundry will be splashed across the front of every newspaper in the country faster than you can say ‘scandal.’ And trust me, not even all your political connections will be able to bury it this time.”
“I’ll bury you six feet under,” he spat.
“Is that a threat, Senator? ”
He leaned in, his face inches from mine. “Take it however you want, Miss Morgan.”
“I’m not afraid of you anymore. You have no power over me. Not now, not ever again.” I lifted my chin defiantly, meeting his icy gaze head-on.
“We’ll see about that,” he snarled. “This isn’t over.”
“Oh, it is, Senator McKinley, because I also have friends in high places. Powerful friends who would be more than happy to teach you a lesson, just like the lesson your pathetic excuse of a son just learned.”
With one last venomous glare, Charles McKinley spun on his heel and stalked away, his bodyguards falling into step behind him. I watched him go, my heart pounding in my chest as the adrenaline slowly ebbed from my veins. Vera placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, gently squeezing it.
“You okay?” she asked softly.
I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “I will be.”
“Let’s go check on your man then,” she suggested with a small smile. “I’m sure he’s wondering where you are.”
“Yeah, and I don’t need him coming back in here and murdering a senator.” I chuckled nervously, knowing it was a very real possibility.
Once we made it through the crowd, Vera left me to talk with a group of guys down the hallway, and Cavan walked out as I pushed open the locker room door.
“Theo sent me to find you.” He smiled. “Are you okay?”
“I’m great. Thank you for taking care of him.”
“I’m going to go talk with the coordinators. I’ll give you two some time alone.”
“Is he okay?”
“He will be when he sees you,” Cavan answered.
Theo sat on the bench, his head cradled in his hands as the medic stitched up a particularly nasty cut above his eye. The relief on his face was palpable as he drank me in, his gaze roaming over my body as if reassuring himself that I was unharmed.
“Hey, champ.” I moved to stand between his legs.
The medic moved to the side and stopped stitching to allow me space to get closer to him. I ran my fingers through Theo’s sweat- dampened hair, my nails lightly scraping against his scalp in the way I knew he loved.
He let out a contented sigh, and his eyes fluttered closed as he leaned into my touch, some of the tension draining from his battered body. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Sorry I kept you waiting.”
“You’re worth the wait,” he assured me.
“How are you feeling?” I asked. I moved back so the medic could begin stitching again.
“Like I just went ten rounds with a freight train.” He chuckled wryly, wincing as the medic finished stitching his eyebrow. “But I’ll live.”
“You better. I didn’t sit through that whole fight to lose you now.” I tried to keep my tone light, but I couldn’t hide the tremor in my voice.
His eyes softened, and he reached up to touch my face, the medic taking the hint and busying himself with tidying up his supplies. Theo’s thumb brushed away a tear I hadn’t realized had slid down my cheek. “Hey, none of that. I’m not going anywhere, Wren. I promised you forever, remember?”
I nodded, turning my head to press a kiss to his palm. “I remember.”
“Good. Because I intend to keep that promise.” He pulled me down for a kiss, his lips moving gently against mine. I melted into him, savoring his solid warmth surrounding me.
A pointed cough from the medic made us break apart, sheepish grins on our faces.
“Sorry,” Theo apologized, not sounding sorry at all. “Got carried away.”
The medic shook his head and stepped back, packing his supplies. “He’s all patched up. Just keep an eye on those cuts and change the dressings regularly. And no strenuous activity for at least a week,” he added with a pointed look at Theo.
Theo grunted in acknowledgment, but the wicked glint in his eye told me he didn’t give a damn about restrictions.
The medic left, leaving just the two of us in the locker room. The distant roar of the crowd was a mere hum in the background. Theo pulled me onto his lap, wincing slightly as my weight settled against his bruised body. I started to shift off him, but he tightened his grip, holding me in place.
“Don’t you dare move,” he growled, nuzzling his face into my neck. “I need to hold you right now.”
I relaxed against him, careful not to put too much pressure on his injuries as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. We stayed like that for several long minutes, breathing each other in.
He lifted his head. “What took you so long to come in here?”
I sighed, tracing my fingers along his jaw, feeling the stubble rasp against my skin. “Connor’s father threatened me. He said this wasn’t over.”
Theo stiffened, his eyes turning murderous. “I’ll kill him if he ever comes near you again.”
“Shh, none of that,” I soothed, pressing a soft kiss to his split lip. “You need to focus on healing. Charles McKinley is all empty threats. He cares about his reputation too much to try anything.”
Theo’s grip tightened around me protectively. “I don’t care about his reputation. If he so much as looks at you again, I’ll end him.”
“I know you will. Speaking of, you want to tell me what Connor whispered in your ear during the fight?”
He tensed beneath me. “It doesn’t matter.”
I pulled back. “It does matter, Theo. Whatever he said, it made you lose control out there. Please talk to me.”
Theo clenched his jaw, the muscle ticking beneath his skin. “He said that when he was done with me, he would find you and finish what he started that night at your house. That he would let all his men take turns fucking you when he was done. And this time, I wouldn’t be able to save you.”
I sucked in a sharp breath, my blood running cold at his words. The memory of Connor’s hands on me, the terror I’d felt—it all came rushing back. I started to shake, my breathing growing shallow as panic clawed at my throat.
Theo’s arms tightened around me, pulling me firmly against his chest. “Breathe, baby,” he murmured, his deep voice rumbling through me. “I’ve got you. ”
I focused on the steady thump of his heartbeat beneath my cheek, letting it ground me as I fought to control my racing thoughts and inhaled his familiar scent. I slowly exhaled, forcing the tension from my body.
Theo was here.
I was safe in his arms.
Connor couldn’t hurt me anymore.
Theo wouldn’t let him.
“I’m okay,” I assured him, my voice only slightly steady.
I saw the barely contained fury simmering beneath the surface. “I should have killed him,” he growled as his hands flexed against my hips. “I would have. When he said those things, I wanted to tear him apart with my bare hands.”
“He’s never going to touch me again,” I told him.
“Not while I’m breathing.”
“My avenging devil,” I murmured affectionately, tracing his swollen lip with my thumb. “Always so ready to go to war for me.”
He caught my thumb between his teeth, nipping it gently before soothing the sting with his tongue. “Always,” he vowed.
“For right now, the only thing I want you to do is take me home. Can you do that for me?”
“I can do that,” he agreed readily, shifting me off his lap so he could stand. He swayed slightly on his feet, and I steadied him with a hand on his chest.
We exited the locker room, his arm slung possessively around my shoulders as curious onlookers gawked and whispered. I could only imagine the headlines tomorrow: “Bronze Devil Triumphs Over Golden Boy in Brutal Championship Bout!” The press would have a field day speculating about our relationship and Connor’s humiliating defeat.
Cavan met us by the back exit. “Your ride’s out back. I’ll handle the vultures,” he said, jerking his thumb toward the clamoring reporters being held at bay by security.
Theo nodded gratefully, tightening his grip on me as we slipped out the door and into the crisp night air. A sleek black car idled by the curb, and he ushered me into the back seat before sliding in beside me with a pained grunt.
As the car pulled away from the venue, I curled into his side, mindful of his injuries. “I’m so proud of you.” I kissed his jaw. “You were amazing out there.”
He turned to capture my lips in a tender kiss. “I did it for you,” he whispered against my mouth. “Everything I do is for you.”
“I know.”