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Reese and I blanched. “What?” we squawked, just as Mikey and Marilyn stepped up to join us.
Neo’s gaze lifted to Rose, then hardened. My skin prickled in fear, and he wasn’t even directing that cold gaze at me. “That woman… she’s tried to get me alone a bunch of times.”
Marilyn’s head whipped around to glare at Rose. Mikey whistled lowly. “You, too?” he asked. “They’re so persistent. It’s borderline obsessive.”
“They’re trying to get pregnant,” Neo said, his eyes back on Reese. “That’s their whole prerogative: have strong offspring they can present to the King and Queen and contribute to the growth of their kingdom.”
Reese had stiffened next to me while Mikey openly gaped.
“That’s why they won’t take no for an answer,” he whispered. “Because it’s not just about sex.”
Disgust clawed at my stomach as the group laughed behind us. “When you say they don’t understand consent…?” I asked, apprehensive.
“She tried to drug me with some sort of root concoction, but she didn’t mask the smell as well as she thought she did,” he explained.
Reese’s mouth fell open.
“That bitch. That little fucking bitch,” she said after a few seconds. It was kind of cute how she’d taken a step closer to Neo without realizing it.
He, of course, noticed, and pulled her into his body, wrapping his arms around her shoulders protectively.
“Don’t get into that ring and try to avenge me or something,” he warned. “I want to be very clear: I know you’re stronger than when you started, but she’s a pyrokinetic with a bad attitude.”
Mikey tsked. “She’ll fight dirty, too. From the way she’s been staring at Neo, I’m gonna go ahead and assume that she’s delusional enough to think that if she beats you, he’ll magically be interested in her.”
“That’ll never happen,” Reese said at the same time Neo said, “And pigs will fly.”
They both froze at Reese’s words.
I suppressed the urge to laugh at her deer-in-headlights look as Neo cupped her chin and tilted her face to his.
“Glad we’re finally on the same page,” he crooned.
“Reese Montgomery versus Rose Misthorn,” Lucia announced, interrupting their moment.
Neo glanced at the ring quickly as Rose climbed over the ropes, eyeing Reese like she was fresh meat. “Tap Marilyn in,” he said quickly, guiding Reese to the ring. “I don’t give a fuck about your pride, Reese. If you start wavering, tap Marilyn in.”
Marilyn nodded. “Please do. I’d like to wipe that smug smile off her face.”
“Guys…” Reese began to protest.
Neo cut her off with a short, rough kiss, and I gasped.
Reese blinked dazedly at him when he helped her into the ring. Mikey’s lips pulled into a slight smirk, and Marilyn laughed when Neo glared at Rose.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” he said carefully, his tone laced with malice.
“Ladies, meet in the middle to shake,” Lucia announced, staring pointedly at Neo until he stepped down. The rest of us stepped up to the ropes.
Reese grabbed Rose’s hand and froze, and I held my breath as they shook. It lasted seconds, but from the way Reese’s hand flexed at her sides when they returned to her corner, it was obvious Rose had already started with her dirty tricks. Reese lifted it and massaged it, wincing so only we could see. I frowned.
“Seriously?” Marilyn growled.
Neo’s eyes were glued on Reese as Lucia lifted her hands, signaling for silence.
“Remember, ladies: keep it clean, tap in someone else when necessary, and try not to die in my ring.” She glared pointedly at Rose, whose lips were pressed into a knowing line. “Begin!”
Rose moved first, almost too quick for me to see her move at all. Reese had, though, and she hopped to the left quickly, avoiding Rose’s blow. She grabbed Rose’s arm and attempted to spin her, but Rose scoffed loud enough for us to hear over even the crowd’s encouragement.
