He's got a killer smile and a flirting skill that makes me want to punch the teeth right out of his face. He holds a hand out for Shelby and she takes it—with the opposite one holding mine, and he lifts it to his mouth to kiss it with a wink. I jerk her away with a scowl that makes him laugh.

"That's enough," I growl. Shelby looks up at me with a subtle smirk on her face, and I get the feeling she likes to see me acting jealous.

"She'll be safe with me while you're in the ring," Vic teases me. Fuck this guy.

"Looks like you're up," he laughs and points to the opponent waiting in the ring. I've fought this guy before, and I'm actually pleased to see him. He's not an easy win or an asking-for-a-beating opponent. He's a decent competitor. The only problem is...I don't hate the guy.

He's actually a fireman, and we work together a lot. He's the only hot-head who comes to these fights, and I know it's because he rides the straight and narrow otherwise. We all have our vices.

The problem with not hating him is that it makes it that much harder to win, and I have Shelby here to hopefully not watch someone beat the shit out of me.

I give her hand a squeeze and pull her aside so I can talk to her before leaving. Her eyes are nervous as she stares up at me. "Be careful," she mumbles.

I smile at her. "It's cute when you're worried about me." At which she rolls her eyes.

"Stay up here by Vic, but don't let him get too close. Don't freak out if I get punched a couple times. I've done this a million times. I'm not going to get hurt like last time, but I want you to stay away from that crowd. They can get rowdy."

She steps up on her tip-toes and brushes my hair back. "It's cute when you're worried about me."

Then, I lean down and capture her mouth in a kiss. She clearly didn't expect it because she lets out a little yelp as my tongue invades her mouth. Melting in my arms, I hope she feels how fucking hot she makes me. And I really fucking hope Vic sees this kiss and keeps it in mind while she's up here with him.

As I pull away, she has an intoxicated look in her eyes. Then without a word, I walk straight for the ring. I don't need anyone seeing the hard on straining in my pants right now, but the tension sure as fuck is going to help when it comes time to win this match.

After wrapping my hands and bumping fists with my opponent, I keep Shelby in my peripheral vision as I go in for the first punch. It connects with his cheek just right, and he stumbles back.

He comes back with a smile on his face, and I manage to block and evade his next two swings. This fight is going to be tough, and I feel a moment of panic that it may end badly if this guy has been working out as much as it looks like he has been.