Hit It’s algorithm would push the Live out to her followers as well as folks who’d rarely interacted with her content but showed an interest in MMA.
She stepped closer to the tripod, speed-reading some of the comments as they scrolled up her screen.
@jollybaker420: Is Sebastián single?
Lily read the question with a laugh and shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. Seb’s pretty private, so I couldn’t even tell ya if he’s into girls, gays or theys. Good luck, though. He’s a cutie.”
@georgiarain66: Clout chasers. She and the coach are married.
“Humph.” She stuck her right hand on her hip and flashed the left one in front of the camera. “If we’re married, he owes me a ring. Someone tell Kieran I like rose gold, not yellow, and I hate diamonds. Emerald or moissanite is preferred.”
At least most of the comments were positive. Lots of “heys” and “hellos.” A few “good lucks” to the team.
@daBears2022: Who do you think will win the Local Legends fight?
“Kieran.” It wasn’t even a question, nor was there a sliver of doubt in her mind. Lily knew next to nothing about MMA, and even less about how these tournaments worked, but she trusted Kieran—believed in him. “Look at his stats. He was unstoppable. But in case you need more proof, I’ve set up our own little tournament for today.”
She stepped back, giving room for her phone’s camera to take in the Octagon and the team milling about. Some of the guys waved with broad smiles on their faces. Others, like Kieran, stood as still as statues—arms crossed and expressions guarded.
“For anyone who didn’t know.” Lily projected her voice so the Live as well as the team could hear her. “Today, June 22, is National Kissing Day. And I thought to celebrate, I’d make the guys an offer: Anyone who can last longer than two minutes in the ring with Coach Sullivan will earn a kiss from me. Right here. On camera.”
“Oh, fuck yeah!” Carter called out, and several of the guys chuckled and clapped hands as excitement washed over them.
It wasn’t even just about kissing her. It was the chance to prove themselves against their coach in front of their followers.
Pride was easily manipulated.
“What if I win?” Kieran leaned against the cage, arms extended above his head and flexed in an unholy distraction.
Lily tilted her chin up in a challenge. “You really think you can beat all of them?”
“Oh, Princess.” A smirk twitched at the corner of his mouth. “I know I can.”
“Damn, Coach,” Billy laughed. “Glad to see you believe in us.”
Kieran shrugged and took his place in the back right corner of the ring. “I do believe in you, but right now, I’m fighting for Lily. I don’t intend to lose.”
Butterflies scattered in her belly, and Lily sucked in a breath, calming her blush.It’s all for the camera.Because yes, they were looking for clout. For interest in the gym and the tournament. For memberships and sponsorships. If the chemistry between Kieran and herself brought in revenue, he’d play along.
Billy joined Kieran inside the Octagon first, and while Lily couldn’t even begin to name all the techniques used in MMA, it seemed Kieran was enjoying the fight well enough. He glided around the ring, knees bent and movements fluid. He owned the space around him—from the walls of the cage to the air in his lungs. He was all confidence. All power.
Before the clock hit ninety seconds, he had Billy twisted in a submission hold.
“Tap out,” Kieran growled.
Though pained, Billy laughed through clenched teeth. “I only gotta hold on half a minute.”
“Tap out now, or I’ll dislocate your shoulder.” Giving weight to his threat, Kieran wrenched Billy’s pinned arm, hovering on bending it out of position.
“Fuck! Okay!” He tapped his fingers against the mat.
Kieran sprang away, all smiles and holding out a hand to help Billy up. “Good round, man.”
While they waited for the next opponent, Lily wiggled her eyebrows at the camera and checked the feed.
@itsbritneybitch2005: “I’m fighting for Lily.” Oh, my godddddd. Someone tell #thatgymguy I’m submissive and breedable.
Lily couldn’t hold back her strangled shriek of laughter. “Hey, Coach!”
