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I slide out of the row of seats and let Cooper guide me through the packed house of spectators, back down the roped-off corridor, and past the security guards who are half the size of the men they’re protecting. Undercard fights have been happening for hours already, crowding the halls long before Hudson and his team got here.
Coop knocks on a heavy door before Imogen opens it and steps aside, and a wave of nervous energy washes over me.
Cade’s glare is the first thing I see, and it grows with each step I take deeper into the crowded room. But I block him out and move around the space until I find Hudson at the very back, sitting on what looks like a padded massage table. His dark shorts fit snug over his muscled quads, and that shirt I knew I’d be matching stretches tightly over his powerful chest, highlighting every hard ridge and rippling muscle. His golden skin is glowing under the light, and my goodness... Is it possible to spontaneously go up in flames? Because this man lights a fire in me. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before and want things I didn’t think I ever would. Heat builds slowly until I can feel it singeing the strands of my hair, while I stand in this chaotic, testosterone-filled room, anticipating being alone with him later. Imagining myselffinallylicking every line of his ink tonight.
A league official is watching someone tape Hudson’s hands before he signs his initials on Hud’s knuckles, then leaves the room.
Cade whistles, getting everyone’s attention. “Okay, let’s focus, King.”
Hudson’s dark eyes meet mine and hold me in place as excitement moves down my skin. “Can everyone give us the room for a minute?” The statement is worded like a question, but the commanding voice is demanding, not asking.
The tension hangs so thick, the weight of it sits heavy in the air. And Hudson’s eyes never leave mine.
Nobody responds. They simply begin to filter out of the room, but I stay put, knowing deep down I’m who he wants in here.
Cade, however, doesn’t move either.
“King—” Cade starts, but Hudson doesn’t give him the chance to finish.
“Just give us a minute, coach.” His tone is clipped.
Cade’s expression is tight when he shuts the door behind himself, leaving us alone.
“Come here, sunshine.” Hudson’s velvety voice wraps around me and tugs. His hungry eyes warm my skin as I walk into his outstretched arms. I cup the back of his head in my hands and lean my forehead against his, breathing him in.
We connect in the stillness, absorbing the magnitude of the moment.
The energy in the room has a static charge, andthisfeels important.
Being here beforethisfight.
Being in his arms while he silently centers himself.
“You’re sitting with my family.”
“Yeah, King. The girls and I are right behind your family.” I run my fingers through the short hair at the nape of his neck. “Do you need anything?”
“No, baby. You’re here, and I’m ready. That’s all I need. We’ll have to make an appearance at Kingdom afterward, then we’ll go home.”
With every breath he exhales, I inhale. “You gonna win tonight for me, King?” I tease and scrape my nails lightly against his scalp. “I can be your prize.”
“You’re gonna be my everything, Madison.”
With a soft inhale, I lift my head and drag my shaking thumb over his bottom lip. “Then I guess you better go win this thing.”
He doesn’t kiss me.
This isn’t sexual.
It’s so much more.
Two people realizing thatwe’reso much more.
“I’ve got to get back out there,” I whisper, knowing my time is running out.
Hudson pulls me closer for a single beat before dropping his hands. “Can you send Cade back in, sunshine?”
“Of course. I’ll see you soon.” I smile and walk out of the room, coming face-to-face with Cade on the other side of the door. “He’s asking for you.”
