Chapter Eight
Nadia
“Fuck outta here, with that shit.” I shove his chest and move past him, facing the room.
“But sweetheart, why would I want to do that? Does the word ‘wife’ make you uncomfortable? Because I remember how it made you feel when I whispered it into your ear as I-”
“Stop it. Just fucking stop it, Riven.” I slap his shoulder.
“How the fuck can you call me that? I distinctly remember serving you divorce papers-”
“Right before you skipped town and didn’t come back for two years.”
“And you’ve already got a new girl on your arm? Do you think I’m an idiot?”
“Honestly, Nadia? I kinda do.” He crosses his arms, and I freeze.
“You’d have to be an idiot to marry someone and then leave them one month later. Someone you made vows to, someone you claim to fucking love.” He seethes.
“It’s not about love, Riven. I wish it was just about love, but nothing's ever that fucking simple.” I grab my hair with both hands, forcing myself to take deep breaths.
“Love isn’t simple, Nadia. What we had? Don’t insult it by calling it simple.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Doesn’t it?” He challenges me. He always has to.
“I can’t let it matter,” I reply honestly.
“Why are you back?” He asks. I don’t let the fact that he doesn’t ask me why I left in the first place hurt me.
“It’s none of your goddamn business. All you need to know is that I’m here to stay. And that starts by reclaiming my crown.” I stand strong, facing him like I’m ready to walk through fire.
“Suit yourself, sweetheart. If fighting me is what it’s gonna take to get through to you, to talk to you, to be fucking near you, then fine. I’m there.” He speaks it as seriously as he spoke his vows on our wedding day.
God, that feels like a lifetime ago.
“But I wanna add a little fuel to the fire.” He steps closer.
“Of course. Because if the stakes aren’t high, you wouldn’t be interested.” I roll my eyes.
“You always did know me so well. Still do.” He plays with a strand of my hair, to which I promptly flick his finger away.
“But I know you too, Nadia. I know how much you like warming those ice-cold hands on my fire.” He looks me in the eye.
“First qualifier is a drag race. You finish in under 12 seconds, you show up wherever I call you, whenever I call you. It’ll be a one-time deal, for your sake.”
“That’s a bullshit deal, and you know it.” I glare.
“I do. But I also know you’ll take it, cause if you don’t, my next cage match is against Dylie boy, and you know I’ll crush your precious freshie.” He smirks.
“Fuck. You.”
“I take it we have a deal.”
“Not so fast. If I finish in 12 seconds or over, I get your car.” He pauses at that, making me smile.
“What’s wrong, baby? You second-guessing yourself ?” I mock with a deadpan stare.
“It’s a deal, baby .” “Great.” I throw him a fake smile and head for the door.
“And Nadia?” I pause in the doorway.
“I want my ring back.”
My jaw clenches, but I don’t reply, shutting the door and having Shane give me a ride back to the east side. One thing’s for certain: I need to win that fucking race.