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I could see the wheels turning in his head, and the moment he opened his mouth, I knew I wouldn’t like what came next.

“Fight tonight’s match, and she is yours to handle.” “Roman that’s a bit too much—” I could barely hear Alec’s

voice over my own thoughts because in the end it’s all just a game for Roman.

“Fine.” I clenched my teeth together before speaking again. “But if I see you anywhere near her, the next bones I’ll be breaking will be yours.” And walked away without looking back.

Roman followed me the entire way here, talking more than usual, trying every argument he could think of.

He kept waiting for me to change my mind, hoping I’d come to my senses before stepping into the ring.

Instead, his plan backfired.

“What were you thinking, giving me an ultimatum like that?” I hiss through clenched teeth, my gaze raking over the crowd gathered around the ring.

“I didn’t think you’d choose her. Who is she, anyway?” Roman jabs his finger in my chest.

I pin him beneath my glare. A vulnerability that’s only associated with Elara flashes across my face, and his eyes ignite with realisation.

His expression tightens, suspicion flickering across his face. Then the pieces click, his eyes widening, his mouth parting in disbelief. “She was here this whole time…and you didn’t tell me?”

“Fuck off.” I grumble.

“It’s her.” He studies me for another second before a look of utter disbelief settles over his face. “Fuck…she actually exists?” An incredulous laugh escapes him. “The girl from the bridge?”

“I said fuck off, Roman.”

“That’s why you wouldn’t let us expel her?” He shakes his head. “Bloody hell.”

“Why are you still talking?”

“You’re pissed.” He says, far too amused by his own discovery.

“I’ll let you guess that.” I roll my shoulders, working the tension out of them as my opponent steps into the ring.

“Then you’re really not going to like what I’m about to tell you.” My head snaps in his direction. The lazy smile spreading across his face has me scanning the crowd once again before he even speaks.

“Security just texted.” He pauses just long enough to watch the colour drain from my face. “She’s here.”

The bell rings as the referee steps aside and I feel the punch on my left cheek before I see the man lunging towards me.

I’m still scanning the crowd when another blow lands beneath my ribs, driving the air from my lungs, but I don’t stop looking.

Where are you, solnyshko?

The next punch comes but I catch his wrist before it lands, twisting it at an awkward angle until the joint snaps beneath my grip.

What are you doing in a place like this?

His scream cuts through the arena but I don’t remember hearing the crack.

When you condition a non-violent person to become violent, he reacts and there’s nothing but disaster in its wake.

My principles tell me not to hurt him, but I’m doing this for her and she’s above my principles.

My opponent drops to his knees, surrendering before the fight has truly begun. My grip loosens without me noticing because, at last, I find her.

Those green eyes, they were all I was looking for.