“Why can’t we talk now?” I ask as my stupid heart hopes and prays that maybe, after all this time, she’s rethought our relationship and is willing to give me a second chance.
“Because we need privacy.” She tucks her silky hair behind her ear and tilts her face up to mine. “You’ll be there?”
I nod. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.” But I might die from curiosity in the meantime.
“Good.” She touches my shoulder, and even through my shirt, the shock of the contact is enough to make me shiver. “I’ll see you then.”
“Wait—” I call, but she’s already walking away, a swing in her hips that will be imprinted in my mind forever. I’ve never forgotten anything about Ashlin Isles, and I’ve never felt even a quarter of what I feel for her for another woman. Seeing her is a sign. Whatever may have come between us in the past, Ashlin is meant to be mine, and I won’t let her out of my life again. Not this time.
Extended Epilogue
Devon - One Year Later
I couldn’t be more proud as I watch a man the size of a freight train wrap a championship belt around Harley’s waist while thousands of people chant her name. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric. Although we’re both fighting tonight, she went before me and won her first title bout. Now everyone is speculating whether I’ll do the same. We’re the reigning power couple in MMA, and I, for one, have my fingers crossed that we’ll be heading home with matching accessories. But belts aren’t the only thing I have in mind.
Standing to the side, I catch Seth’s eye, and he nods. I have his support for what I’ve planned. Considering he’s practically family, it seemed right to talk to him ahead of time. Plus, I need his help.
In the cage, Harley finishes thanking her support team, and when her gaze locks on me and her expression softens, I know her words are all for me. We’ve got our own language, she and I. She keeps her attention trained on me while she farewells the interviewer, then she saunters down the stairs and launches into my arms. Grinning, I bury my face in the crook of her neck and hold her tight. It took a lot for her to get comfortable enough with me to be so open, and I’ll never take it for granted.
“You were amazing out there,” I tell her, pulling back so I can kiss her. “You deserved that win, Harls.”
Sydney and Lena appear, and group-hug her.
“Guys!” she protests. “I’m sweaty and disgusting.”
“You’re a queen,” Lena says, and I have to agree. Hopefully, soon, she’ll bemyqueen.
I take her hand and give them a meaningful look. “Harley is gonna come help me get ready now.”
They both beam, and Sydney winks while Harley is busy looking at me.
“Good luck, Dev.”
“Thanks, ladies.”
As we head toward the exit, Harley murmurs, “We could have stayed with them for longer.”
“Maybe,” I allow. “But I wanted you to myself for a minute.”
“Oh?” Her tone is light, but I’m not fooled. She’s intrigued. “And why’s that?”
“Because I want you to make me a promise.” We enter the room reserved for Crown MMA, which has been emptied thanks to Seth. She doesn’t seem to notice, just sits on one of the benches that line the walls. I sit beside her. My stomach is in knots, but I have no doubt. “If I win, you say yes to the next question I ask.”
Her brow furrows. “Is it going to be some weird sexual favor?”
I guffaw. If only she knew. “Nope.”
Eyes narrowing, she searches my expression for any hints. “Why should I say yes when I don’t know what it will be?”
“Because you trust me,” I suggest.
She nibbles her lip, thinking it over.
“Pretty please. Have I ever asked for anything you haven’t wanted?”
She rolls her eyes, but the wary purse of her lips softens into amusement. “Okay,” she concedes. “But you’d better not make me regret it.”
Gleeful, I kiss her cheek. “I won’t.”
