Chapter Eleven #2
I shrugged, scrolling through security feeds on my iPad. Sierra’s living room camera showed her curled on the couch, Toffee purring in her lap as she watched the delayed footage.
“I’ve done worse,” I growled, watching Sierra nibble on the chips I’d stocked in her cupboards yesterday while the scores were televised.
“Shit.” Jax tossed me a beer, looking over my shoulder. “Guy just won a title shot, and this is what he does.”
“Fuck off,” I muttered, but my heart rate spiked when my phone finally vibrated in my pocket.
Sierra
You were amazing!!! You won!!!
I almost had a heart attack round 3 when he hit you!
Connor
I let him have that one. Made him cocky.
“Is that a smile?” Adrian gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Someone call the media. The Killer's facial muscles still work.”
I flipped him off without looking up as another text came through.
Sierra
I spilled my chips all over Toffee when you knocked the guy out.
He’s very upset with you right now.
A snort escaped me before I could stop it. The image of her dumping chips on that little fur ball was too perfect.
Connor
I’ll buy him more expensive cat food. The one with real salmon.
Sierra
He says that’s acceptable compensation, but he’ll need to approve the brand personally.
“He's texting the librarian,” Jax stage-whispered to Adrian. "Look at his face. Man's fucking gone.”
“Fuck you,” I growled, but there was no heat behind it. My focus was entirely on the three bouncing dots on my screen.
Sierra
I did my breathing exercises the whole time. I was so nervous!
Connor
Good girl.
“Good girl?” Adrian read over my shoulder before I could shove him away. “Kinky. Bet you've got a collar and leash for her, too.”
I elbowed him hard.
Sierra
I laughed every time they called you “Killer.”
Because I know you read the Duke’s Forbidden Kiss!
I could hear her text’s shyness and picture her biting her lip as she typed it. My sweet, sweet Sierra.
Connor
Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation.
Coach burst in with a bottle of champagne and a grin wider than the Vegas strip. “Press conference in fifteen, Graves! They're eating this victory up!”
I nodded without taking my eyes off my phone.
Sierra
Your secret is safe with me. Though I may have taken a picture.
Connor
Blackmail material?
Sierra
Maybe. I might need leverage for when you’re being all growly and bossy.
I scoffed. As if I'd ever deny her anything she asked for.
Connor
You like it when I’m bossy.
Sierra
Maybe just a little. Is your hand okay?
That last punch looked like it hurt you too.
How the hell did she notice that? I'd barely flexed my hand afterward, and the cameras wouldn't have caught it.
Connor
Nothing broken. How closely were you watching me, sweet girl?
“He's smiling again,” Jax announced to the room. “Someone get a picture before this rare phenomenon disappears.”
I shot him a death glare as Sierra texted again:
Sierra
I may have rewound that knockout punch seven times…
You looked so powerful and… yeah.
I could see her blush through the phone. My cock twitched at the thought of using that power on her. In the bedroom.
Connor
And?
Sierra
And nothing!
And my sweet liar was back.
Connor
You’re lying. Tell me.
Three dots appeared, disappeared, appeared. I waited, ignoring the preparations happening around me as the team prepared for the press conference.
Sierra
Ugh you looked hot. Like really hot.
My grin was feral now. Mine. She was all fucking mine.
Connor
What kind of hot?
A water bottle bounced off my shoulder. “Press. Conference. Now," Coach barked. “You can sext your girlfriend after you talk to the reporters.”
“Five minutes,” I growled back, not looking away from my phone.
Sierra
The kind I’m not telling you over text!
Jax and Adrian will probably read it!
I chuckled out loud. My girl knew me, knew them, too well already.
Connor
Smart girl. Tell me when I get back tomorrow. In detail.
Sierra
Maybe. If you’re nice to me.
Connor
I’m always nice to you.
Adrian snorted so loudly I thought he might have injured himself. “Nice? You? The guy who almost beat up Jax for talking to her?”
“She's different,” I muttered, feeling exposed but not caring enough to stop.
“He's getting all possessive again,” Jax announced, wisely staying out of arm's reach. “It's adorable. Like watching a grizzly bear with a little bee.”
I ignored him, feeling something soften in my chest when Sierra's next message came through:
Sierra
You did really good. I can’t wait to celebrate with you tomorrow.
“Graves! NOW!” Coach bellowed from the doorway. I sighed, typing quickly.
Connor
Press conference. Gotta go. Watch it?
Sierra
I already have the stream pulled up!
Connor
Good girl. I’ll call you later.
I pocketed my phone and stood, my mood lighter than it had been before any other post-fight press conference. Adrian and Jax fell in step beside me, matching my stride toward the pressroom.
“You know,” Adrian said, his voice uncharacteristically sincere, "I've never seen you like this before a press conference. Usually, you're all death glares and one-word answers."
“She's good for you,” Jax agreed, surprising me with his earnestness .
I said nothing, but I straightened my shoulders a little more as we approached the flashing cameras and shouting reporters. Sierra was watching, and for the first time in my career, I actually gave a damn about how I came across.
“Don't fuck this up,” I told myself, stepping into the spotlight with the ghost of a smile still lingering on my lips. “She's watching.”