Page 172 of Trapped Truth

Through white-hazed vision, the hotel room is all a blur. I barely register the sensation of collapsing on the bed. A sinewy weight braces over me, narrowly avoiding crushing my exhausted limbs.

Instead, Warner twists to the side, pulling me into his patchouli-fragranced chest. I burrow into his warmth and relish in his intoxicating scent, not caring that I’m overheating. At this point of no return, all I want is to feel Warner’s strength cradling me closer than our bodies should allow.

“Fuck me, love,” He draws in ragged, oxygen-deprived breaths.

“Pretty sure I did.”

“You’re a minx. I think I just saw God.”

“I’m taking that as a compliment,” I croon into his thudding heartbeat.

“Are you okay?”

Encapsulated by his arms, wrapped in the essences of all the men I’ve come to love more than my own life, I can finally answer with total honesty.

“I’ve never been more okay in my life.”

“Damn, we’re good.” Warner chuckles.

“Shut up.”

“Love you, little astronaut.”

I summon the energy to kiss where his heart is attempting to tear a path free.

“I love you too, Langley.”

EPILOGUE

LIGHTNING CRASHES - THROWING COPPER

EMBER - 6 MONTHS LATER

The medal sits heavily against my chest, sparkling faux gold with the word CHAMPION inscribed in bold text. I smile like a complete and total dork while fingering the raised letters. I’ve lost count of how many fights I’ve won, but this is the first time I’ve fought for pleasure.

Hell, it feels good.

I did this for me.

We raised almost a quarter of a million pounds for the non-profit organisation of my choice: Life Beyond Trafficking. It’s a small, grassroots initiative based out of London but already growing in size due to regular donations. They were all too happy for Sabre to arrange a fundraiser and allow me to participate in a charity fight.

“I’m going to hang this on my bedroom wall.” I grin goofily.

“It’s being framed and put on the damn fridge.” Hyland smiles despite staring at the road unfurling ahead. “I want to see it every day.”

“Okay, that might be taking it a bit too far.”

“I disagree.” Tom nudges my shoulder. “If you don’t frame it, I will.”

“You too?”

“Absolutely. I’m so proud I could burst.”

“See?” Hyland flashes me a smug look.

To my relief, Blaine, Angela and Axel are riding in the car behind us, unable to chime in. When I climbed out of the ring, I was engulfed in so much praise, I hardly knew what to do with it. Perhaps I should just surrender the medal and let them all run riot.

“Did you let Warner know we’re on our way home?” I tuck the medal under my neckline.