Page 25 of Bought By Torch

“Come on, Torch, please,” I call out to him. “Please end this.”

I think he hears me through the shouts of the crowd because he pounds his heart and nods. And then… He goes beast mode on the guy. Hitting him from every angle. Pummeling him so hard and fast that the man can’t even defend himself. Crusher’s knees drop to the floor, his hands barely able to hold themselves up to protect his face, and then… he slumps forward. Dropping out cold, blood oozing from his mouth. The referee comes over and then holds up Torch’s arm as the victor. The entire place stands in a roaring applause. Me… I slump back against the leather seat, finally catching my breath.

It’s over.

He won.

And he didn’t even take a single hit.

“Told you he’d be fine.” Lola leans in, giggling. “Now, should we go see your man?”

I nod and turn, but my man is already standing before me. “Told you I’d never break a promise, baby.”

I leap out of the seat, jumping into his arms, and the tears fall. All the pent-up fear and nerves come flooding out of me at once.

“Baby, why are you crying? It’s okay. I’m safe.”

“I never want to be that scared again.”

“Then I’ll never step into that ring again.”

I lift my head. “You won’t?”

“If you say you’ll be my wife, I will vow to never fight again.”

“Do you mean that?” I don’t know if he’s just making comments to ease my mind, or if he’s really asking me to marry him. I’m overwhelmed by all my emotions and might be misinterpreting.

“Do I mean that I want to marry you? Damn straight I do. So, what do you say, babe? Are you going to be walking down the aisle with me?”

“Yes! Yes, Torch! Of course, I’ll marry you.”

“Evian, you don’t even know this man. You have no idea who he is or what kind of blood he has on his hands.”

My father’s wrong. I know exactly who Torch is as a man. He’s shown me more of himself over this last week than my dad has in my entire life. And as far as the blood goes, I don’t care.

“Thought we had a deal, sir. Or are you the type of man to go back on your word?”

Deal? What kind of deal did Torch make with my dad?

“I honor my deals, and like I said, I will honor my daughter’s wishes, but I want her to think about what she’s doing.”

“I know exactly what I’m doing, Dad. I’m marrying the most incredible man I’ve ever met. Now…” I turn my attention back to my handsome man. “Isn’t it time for you to collect your prize?”

“You bet that little naughty ass it is.” He nuzzles into my neck, sending a shiver through me with his whisper. “Come on, my little future wifey. It’s time to go upstairs. I’m going to spank you so hard you come all over the sheets.”

My bottom is already tingling in anticipation. It’s time for us to make our leave.

“I hope one day you’ll be happy for me, Dad, because I truly am. And Lola…” I turn to the woman who I’m grateful to have met tonight. “I like you too much for you to end up as my father’s next divorce. Thanks for being there for me tonight. I hope I get to see you again soon.”

“You will, sweetie. We’re going to be celebrating your engagement soon.” That we will. “Congrats, you two. Oh, and Torch, thanks for making me a very rich lady tonight.”

He tips his head giving her a wink, and then he leads me away, taking me through the cheering crowd. The cameras are flashing and everyone is trying to get an autograph or a picture with him, but he ignores them all. When someone grabs at me, he lets out a growl, scooping me up in his arms. “If anyone touches my woman, you’ll be the next one to leave on a stretcher.”

The crowd backs up, heeding his warning. And I’m in awe.

“You know, you’re kind of amazing,” I say as we step onto the elevator, the doors sealing us in the quiet before he sets me down.

“I think you’re the amazing one, babe.”