“Thanks for caring about me,” he said, giving me a wicked grin. “But don’t think I won’t find you after the fight.”
“I’m counting on it.”
A loudspeaker clicked on below, followed by several high-pitched squeals and then a boom of bass.
“Guess it’s getting close to showtime,” Ayden said quietly, as the music began playing.
I nodded and looked below at the crowd. There were people of all ages and sexes mixed together. I could almost smell the excitement in the air as bets were made.
“Where’s the other guy?” I asked.
“We’re the sponsors of this one so we get to prepare on premises. He’s probably just down the street or something.”
“Does that give you an advantage?” I asked.
“I think it does.” He nodded. “Although I win them when we’re the visitors so I guess it just depends.”
I nodded and watched Ayden unzip the duffle. He pulled out a pair of shorts and my pulse quickened again, realizing just how close we were to the event.
He pulled off his shirt, revealing his beautiful lean torso, and it became painfully obvious how he created such a beautiful body, fighting. I watched him unzip his jeans, and my gaze followed his hands as he slid them off. Letting out a sigh, I was met with Ayden’s laughter.
“At least I know you’re suffering too,” Ayden’s tone serious, his eyes dancing with satisfaction.
“You have no idea,” I muttered.
He pulled on his shorts as Mason returned.
“Ready?” he asked.
Ayden nodded and my heart literally stopped for a split second. It was really happening. I was about to watch the man I loved step into a ring and willingly put himself in harm’s way.
Mason grabbed towels, a mouth guard, and balm out of the bag and motioned for us to follow him.
“Okay. You need to stay by me the entire time,” Mason instructed.
“Don’t wander off,” Ayden agreed. “I need to know you’ll be by him the entire time.”
“I promise,” I vowed, as we walked down the hallway. “Are there no gloves?”
“Not that kind of fighting,” Mason replied.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs, the music lowered and the crowd hushed themselves immediately. The fighters were spotted.
“First time in this weight class, let’s hear it for Maverick Stone,” a man’s voice boomed.
The crowd started booing, and I almost felt sorry for the guy as I watched him march down the cleared path toward the ring.
I said almost.
I glanced at Ayden one last time, his beautiful blue eyes connected with mine.
“Love you,” he mouthed.
“Love you.” I smiled, looking away quickly, not wanting him to see the fear about to boil over. My nerves were so raw it was hard to concentrate as I saw the sea of gawking eyes on us, waiting for Ayden to be announced.
“And now making his way back to the ring, the Defending Champion, Ayden Rhodes.”
I watched Ayden begin to walk the path as the crowd erupted into cheers. His back muscles worked with each movement he made. Mason nodded at me and gestured for me to follow as we made our way through the crowded aisle.
All of the hands reaching for Ayden like he was a piece of meat stirred my guts up something fierce, and I wanted them to all back off, but he was obviously used to it as he made his way into the ring.
Mason grabbed my wrist and quickly pulled me with him before the crowd threatened to swallow me up. I saw a man step into the center of the ring and things slowly began to blur together. I heard him rattling off rules or something, but all I could do was concentrate on Ayden.
Dear God, let him be safe. Let him win.
It felt so weird using up my prayers on my boyfriend, asking that he beat someone up, but I didn’t want to think of the alternative.
I watched Ayden’s gaze darken as he watched his opponent, analyzed him. There was something going on inside Ayden’s mind as the time ticked down. I didn’t see the same thing going on behind Maverick’s expression. I wondered what it was that Ayden was thinking about.
The announcer exited the ring, and then before I was ready, a bell dinged from somewhere above. I leaned against Mason for support as he shouted commands at Ayden. I seriously doubted Ayden actually listened, but I could be surprised. Once the fight began, I watched Ayden begin a dance like nothing I’d seen before. His feet barely touched the mat as he bounced from one foot to the other. Maverick came at Ayden with a quick punch, but Ayden rolled away from it long before it even had a chance to connect. Ayden took a few steps back and I watched as Maverick tried again.
Ayden bobbed away from the punch and threw one himself, landing a connection right into Maverick’s ribcage with a crunch. The crowd went wild, and I stared in horror, praying that nothing like that was reciprocated. Maverick took a stumble back, but quickly jumped onto the balls of his feet, ready for another go. Ayden’s movements soared through the ring, his hand connecting with Maverick’s cheek before landing another punch on Maverick’s chin.
Maverick stumbled back, falling onto the mat. I looked around at Mason for a sign to see if it was over, but Maverick stood back up. This time his expression filled with disdain as his shoulders bulged with ammunition. Maverick lunged for Ayden, and I gasped as I watched Ayden stand his ground.
He didn’t roll away.
He didn’t move.
He watched.
He waited.
And when Maverick was within arm’s reach, Ayden’s knuckles connected so hard against Mavericks jaw, I heard a snap. And watched as Maverick’s eyes went blank and he fell backward against the mat. Not knowing if it was like the other time when he’d pop back up or not, I didn’t let myself get excited until Ayden spun around.
His eyes connected with mine as a huge grin spread across his lips when the fight was called and Ayden was announced the victor. His body was slick and his muscles defined as the blood continued to pump through them. He was beautiful. He was a fighter.
I looked quickly around the crowd and watched more money trade hands than I could even fathom as the crowd erupted into craziness.
“We need to get her out of here,” Mason called over the commotion.
Ayden’s brilliant blue eyes stayed locked on mine as he nodded and walked over to me.
Ayden quickly bent down and cradled my jaw in his hand, giving me a long passionate kiss. As I tasted his mouth the desire to make love to him only grew. It was as if all of the fear and worry turned into something far more powerful that needed to be satisfied. He broke his lips from mine and smiled at Mason and then at the crowd.
“Told you she was my good luck charm,” Ayden laughed as Mason shook his head. But Mason was smiling too. Something more was going on than I understood.
“I thought you won all the time?” I asked.
“Not in the first round. Not a TKO in the first round. Not like this,” he said. “You just made us a lot of money.”
“How did I make you a lot of money?” I asked. “That was all you.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd toward the stairs not bothering to answer until we got away from the noise.
“Because what I’m about to do to you is all I thought about once I stepped into the ring,” he said, pulling me up the stairs. “I need to lick each and every part of you.”
My body quivered as his words lingered, and he hauled me with him into the room where we’d only just left. He grabbed the bag and flashed me a smile.
“I thought—”
He laughed, “Not here.”
“Wait,” I said, pulling him toward me.
I kissed him softly, my hands gliding over his abdomen as my lips dared to find the saltiness that my mouth craved.
“I’m not going to be able to stop,” his voice wary.
“Then don’t,” I moaned, dropping to my knees. The saltiness under my lips never tasted so delicious as my mouth
trailed down his abdomen. His hands ran through my hair as I placed kisses along his v-muscles.
“That should hold you...” I whispered, standing back up.
“You’re so cold.” His eyes steadied on mine as his breathing evened out.
“And you’re trouble,” I teased.
He grinned and slipped a shirt on.
“You’re going to be so sorry,” he growled.
“I hope so.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“You were amazing out there,” I said, as we pulled into Ayden’s garage.
“You okay with me continuing?” he asked, as he pulled the key out of the ignition.
My heart leapt into my throat at his question. I would never ask someone to quit doing something they loved, but I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit it scared me. The idea of losing him terrified me. And if it hadn’t been Maverick who hit the mat, it would have been Ayden. There’s only one winner in the ring.
“I’m here to support you,” I said, glancing at him.
He turned in the seat and gently touched my chin, bringing me into him. I closed my eyes as I felt his mouth touch mine. There was no teasing this time. His mouth pressed against mine, determined to continue the connection from before. I grabbed onto his t-shirt and twisted it in between my fingers right before he leaned back.
“Let me go shower,” he said, catching his breath.
“I was kind of looking forward to something dirty,” I laughed.
“Oh, it’ll be dirty,” he replied, smiling.
I rolled my eyes as he got out of the car. I took a deep breath in and watched as he made his way into the house. I wanted to tell him the good news, that I’d gotten a job interview here in Seattle. I didn’t want to tell him before the fight, but I was hoping that his reaction wouldn’t disappoint me. It was like I still kept waiting for the sky to fall.
My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out of my pocket. It was a message from Gabby.
Jason’s going to go on a trip and he won’t let me come.
I quickly typed my question.
You asked?
She wrote back that she had asked and he said not this time. I let out a sigh as all of the amazing emotions from only moments before were quickly displaced by impending dread. This didn’t seem like Jason. Gabby and Jason needed to get this settled, whatever it was. She needed to confront him, demand answers, which was what I texted back to her. My phone was silent for a few moments as I got out of the car and walked into the house.
I know you’re right. I just kept hoping he’d open up. I’m going to go talk to him and I’ll let you know what I find out. Are you still in Washington?
My heart sank. I knew how much Gabby hated confrontation, but it was for the best. Whatever was going on needed to be solved together, not solely by Jason. I heard the shower turn on down the hall, and I felt the familiar butterflies return as I thought about Ayden.
I’m still at Ayden’s and plan to interview for a job up here. I’ll keep you posted. Everything’s going to be fine. Things will work out. XX
I hit send and hoped that everything would work out for Jason and Gabby. Not knowing exactly what was going on only made me worry more. My imagination was probably making whatever it was ten times worse, and I was sure Gabby’s imagination was even worse.
I tossed my phone on the counter and slowly made my way down the hall, relishing every part of where things were right now. I didn’t know what the future held, but I was determined to enjoy the present. Learning to let go was one of the biggest gifts I’d been given. Some people learn that in life sooner than others, but it took Ayden to show me how freeing it was to just trust.
The sound of the shower turning off made my heart speed up as Ayden walked into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. Water was still rolling down his chest as he motioned for me to walk over, and it was impossible not to obey his wishes.
“I hope you forgive me for not coming after you sooner,” Ayden murmured, his arms wrapping around my waist as the wetness from his skin soaked into my sweatshirt.
“Everything happens when it’s meant to,” I replied, looking up into his vivid blue eyes. “Opening up to you about everything turned out to be the beginning. I don’t know if that would’ve happened if the timing had been any different. Those were things I kept close to my heart. That was how you got into my heart.”
“I’m one lucky man,” Ayden whispered.
“You’ve made me the luckiest woman.” I kissed his mouth softly and slid my fingers along the towel’s edge.
“Do you ever wonder what it is that you really want in life?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.
“I think I’m pretty close to finding it,” I laughed.
He smiled and brought me into him even closer.
“But in all seriousness, I just set up an interview at a firm up here…”
“You’d be willing to move up here?” he asked.
“I’ve been thinking about it for awhile. Brandy and Gabby are my family, and I’ve missed them tremendously.”
His grin looked absolutely delicious. “That’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”
My fingers loosened the towel, and it fell to the floor as a wicked smile spread across my lips. Ayden’s gaze filled with desire as I played innocent and took a step back, smiling.
As I stood there waiting for his next move, my heart hammered in my chest like this was our first time once again. My heart was beating so quickly that when he touched me, I realized I hadn’t taken a breath in far too long.
I was amazed at my reaction to this man. It was like every time was a first; every touch as passionate, every kiss more intense, and I never wanted these sensations to end. His fingers slid against my skin as he slowly pulled my sweatshirt over my head and tossed it onto the floor. He slid his hands around my waist and picked me up, carrying me to the bed. He set me down gently on top of the fluffy goose down, and I squirmed into position, grasping for him. But he stayed just out of reach as he leaned over me, until his elbows propped on each side of my waist.
I felt the warmth of his lips as they began working along my belly, sending shivers down my spine. Squirming, I ran my fingers along his back, hoping to be fully undressed by him. His mouth continued working up my stomach until he hit my cotton bra, which his tongue trailed around, causing my breath to break. Twisting his hair between my fingers, I gently pulled him up to me, to my mouth. I felt the hotness of his mouth against mine as his kisses deepened, his hands sliding under my back to unhook my bra. As his touch made my longing for him burn wildly, my hips ground against the fire he created inside of me.
His hands quickly removed my bra and began working on my jeans, as my mouth trailed along his neck, down to his chest. Feeling him work my jeans off created something frantic inside of me. I wanted to feel him against me, in me. He pulled my jeans the rest of the way as I began pushing my panties down, waiting for his body to press against mine. As he dropped the jeans to the floor, he began pressing soft kisses along one of my legs, while his fingers traced a long path up the other one.
Ayden began to slide his body against mine as my breath quivered. Feeling him taunt me with unevenly dispersed kisses, made my soul completely beg for him, to be connected with him.
“Ayden,” I whispered, gripping his shoulders. He looked up at me with hooded eyes, and my world began to spin as his fingers slid between my legs, along my seam as I opened wider.
“You feel so amazing,” Ayden murmured, as he guided his body along mine.
I let out a moan as his fingers continued to circle in me, and his mouth teased each of the peaks of my breasts. Sliding my hands along his shoulders as his kisses deepened created a swell of emotion inside of me as he moved his hands to cradle me as my body quivered in his arms.
“You’re so beautiful when you let go,” Ayden murmured, as I closed my eyes and felt him glide into me, my world shattering with each new connection. As our worlds merged into one, I felt
our hearts begin to beat to their own rhythm, and I knew Ayden had made me his.
“Everything you hoped?” I whispered, as I felt the heaviness of his breathing begin to calm.
“And more,” he whispered, tenderly kissing my lobe. “Your taste is intoxicating. I wish we had found each other sooner…”
“If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a single thing,” I whispered, as he peppered kisses down my belly, my fingers lacing through his hair before he sank into me once more.
There was one thing I now firmly believed, and life had shown it to me time and again. Everything happened for a reason, and I was willing to give my heart to Ayden Rhodes.
I wanted my Happily Ever After.
I hope you enjoyed the third book in the Beyond Love Series. I absolutely love these characters and am so grateful to you all for allowing me to share their stories with you. There are four more books in the series that follow Gabby, Brandy, and Lily.
This series has also created a spinoff series called Island County where Gabby, Brandy and Lily appear now and again.
Want to keep reading about Gabby, Brandy, and Lily? Click here to find Beyond Intent (Beyond Love Series #4)
Beyond Love Series:
Beyond Doubt (Book 1) Gabby
Beyond Doubt (Book 2) Brandy
Beyond Reason (Book 3) Lily
Beyond Intent (Book 4) Gabby
Beyond Chance (Book 5) Brandy
Beyond Promise (Book 6) Lily
Beyond the Mistletoe (Book 7) Emily
Island County Series (Beyond Love Crossover Series)
Finding Love in Forgotten Cove (Mason’s story) is the first book in the series and is now available, along with many more.
Contact the Author
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Spring Fling Trio- Beyond Love Starter Set Page 70