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He turned in my direction. Despite being in the crowded room, it was as if we were the only two people there. I remembered what I was going to say. "I watched you train day in and out. How are you feeling now that all your hard work has come to this, you keeping your heavyweight title?"
"It's all about the team," he began, his voice resonating with the gratitude that underpinned his success. "And the people who care about you.”
My pulse quickened in response to his answer.
"Without their support, none of this could happen," Ryder continued. "Even those who cover what we do in here day to day to make this possible. They're the real champions behind the scenes."
The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more intimate as though his acknowledgment had woven a thread connecting us. My work demeanor warred with the heat tingling its way up my spine.
"Thanks for coming, everyone," he said suddenly, wrapping up the press conference sooner than we anticipated. "Now I want to celebrate." And with that, he stepped away from the table and back through the door where he came in.
The buzz of conversation swelled once more, comments about his performance and speculation about his next match filling the space he'd vacated. I remained still for a moment longer, lost in our charged connection lingering in the air.
Security ordered us to clear the room. Since the fight was over and I had no other business here tonight, I decided to leave.
Outside, the crisp evening air brushed against my skin as I waited for my driver. The hum of the excitement faded behind me. My phone screen cast a soft glow against my face as a sleek black limo pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down smoothly. Ryder appeared, fresh from his victory, his eyes still ablaze with the thrill of the win.
Yet something in his face, and a tingle in my pussy, told me he didn’t count the night as over.
"Need a lift?" His voice shifted into a blend of playfulness and challenge that always seemed to lure me in.
“Thanks, champ.” I couldn't help but let a laugh escape as I approached the vehicle. "I didn't expect to get a limo upgrade tonight, but I won't complain." The scent of leather enveloped me as I climbed into the limo’s plush interior.
No sooner had the door closed behind me than Ryder leaned over. His lips caught mine in a searing kiss that sent a jolt through me. It was impulsive, intense, and so very him. All the shared glances and unspoken words from the past couple weeks built up in this one act, rekindling the smoldering attraction between us.
Desire danced with reason. I knew I wanted him again. And with the big fight over, I didn’t have to worry so much about being a professional all night.
"Take me back to my hotel," I whispered, my breath hitching as the words left my lips.
“What about my place?” He traced the contour of my mouth with his tongue.
I nodded. And without another word, the limo glided into motion, taking us away from the world and toward a place where only we existed.
As the city lights blurred past us, I caught the driver's silhouette through the darkened screen dividing the front of the limo from the back. Concern flickered across my mind. Should I worry about being seen with Ryder in the limo? But then I remembered how often celebrities were chauffeured around, the press mingling with the stars in a constant dance of visibility and secrecy. Right, I thought, dismissing the anxiety. This is just another night in the limelight.
The drive passed in a blur. When we arrived at Ryder's house, his hands found mine, his touch sending sparks of desire cascading through my veins. Our lips met again, this time with a thirst that refused to be ignored.
We broke apart long enough to walk up the driveway with enough discretion to make it look like I was headed to another interview.
Yeah. Who was I kidding? No one was outside, but even if they were, what grown person in their right mind would imagine he and I were just going to his place to schmooze and talk shop over tea? I heard the limo pull away behind us. Surely the driver was used to being discreet around his clientele.
My thoughts on my poor attempt at discretion were toast once Ryder opened the door to his house. As soon as we were inside, he pinned me against the wall. “You have no idea how much I wanted to take you on the table in the media room.” The stubble of his jaw raked against my cheek as he planted searing kisses on my heated skin.
“It’s good you didn’t try.” My words came out throaty as he nibbled on my shoulders. “Can you imagine all the questions those other reporters would’ve asked?”
“I don’t want to talk about them or the fight anymore.” His erection pressed hot and hard against me through his sweats. “I just want the rest of this night to be about us. I need to feel you, Ava.”
I responded in kind, nails raking down his back as I ground against him with a need that took precedence over being proper.
“God, you feel good.” His groan emboldened me to keep going. I explored the contours of his muscular arms, feeling the heat of his skin beneath my fingertips. His hands roamed my body, igniting every nerve ending as they traced the curve of my waist. Clothes became an unnecessary barrier, discarded with hurried movements.
"I want you. Now."
I nodded to his demand. He scooped me up and carried me into another room. I lifted an eyebrow as he deposited me onto the plush rug in the den.
“Change your mind?”
He followed me down to continue his sensual assault on my lips and skin. “Who said anything about a bed?”
