“How does steak sound tonight? A new Brazilian restaurant opened up, and they serve you until you tell them to stop,” he explained to her.
“That sounds good, but I can’t eat that much,” Ria said.
“I know; it’ll put a little meat on those bones and give me something to hold on to next time I fuck you,” he replied as he quickly rolled out of the bed before she could hit him with the pillow.
“You’re lucky I’m still basking in the afterglow,” she threatened.
He laughed as he put his clothes back on.
“The next time we’re together, I’ll give you an afterglow to remember.”
Ria took a deep breath. She was nervous and excited at the same time. She already thought she was going to have a hard time when he finished with her.
He was almost done getting dressed, so she forced herself to get up and put on a pair of white shorts and a pretty, coral top. She noticed her hair was a mess and brushed the tangles out, starting to braid the thick, unruly hair.
“Leave it loose,” he said as he ran his fingers through her hair and undid the braid. It fell loose in big waves, and even she liked the way it looked when it was fanned out over her shoulders.
He bent down to kiss the side of her neck and she felt the shiver of delight run through her body as she leaned back into him.
“We better go before I throw you back on the bed,” he said as he pulled her out of the bathroom.
I want to be thrown back on the bed, Ria said silently to herself with a smile. “After dinner. You need to feed me first.”
“What does Dios mean?” he asked, holding the door open for her.
“It means, okay,” Ria lied.
“Just okay?” He arched a brow.
“I believe in calling a spade a spade.”
They were both still teasing each other as he pulled out and drove them to the restaurant.
Chapter 22
Ria sat in the chair by Emiliano. She had asked to be present for Nicholas’s last fight. She couldn’t sit in her apartment while the fight was going on, knowing he was only doing it for her.
She twisted her hands on her lap.
“Calm down, Ariel. Angelo is no match for Nicholas.” Emiliano’s smooth voice next to her drew her gaze.
“He shouldn’t be fighting at all! He’s only doing this for me.”
Emiliano shrugged. “That is not the only reason, but if that is what you wish to believe, I won’t disabuse you.”
“What do you mean by that?” she asked sharply.
“You are naïve. Why didn’t Nicholas go to the police? Your friend did. I had to spend quite a bit of money to avoid them searching for you.”
Ria was shocked. Lacey hadn’t told her she had actually gone to the police. Doubt began to enter her mind, but she pushed it away. Nicholas had felt guilty she had lost her job because of him, hadn’t he?
She trusted him. They had spent the last two weeks together, drawing closer and spending all their time together whenever he wasn’t at the gym.
As the lights turned on, illuminating the pit, she stiffened when Nicholas was introduced. He walked out into the spotlight, removing his t-shirt to the cheers and boos of the crowd.
Angelo walked out next with his arms in the air. He was easily twice Nicholas’s size.
She scooted forward in her seat when he took off his T-shirt, revealing a muscular chest. Nicholas was muscular but lean compared to the other man. He was going to be hurt. She was unaware of the small whimper passing her lips.
The two men stepped into the pit, circling each other in the small space. The bell rang, and immediately, Angelo’s fist struck out, hitting Nicholas in the temple. He staggered back, almost falling out of the pit; instead, he used the momentum to come forward, using his fist to hit Angelo in the mouth.
The fury that she could see emanating from the man didn’t bode well for Nicholas. He began striking Nicholas wherever he could. Nicholas bent over after one to his stomach.
“You have to stop it!” Ria grabbed Emiliano’s arm.
“Why? He’s going to win. Watch.”
Ria turned back to the pit. While Angelo was reacting with bloodlust, Nicholas was remaining calm. He was hitting Angelo with quick jabs on the jaw and temple. Nicholas was coldly beating Angelo’s ass.
Angelo’s threw a punch at Nicholas, landing on his cheekbone. He returned it with one on the underside of Angelo’s jaw with such force it had him staggering back. Before he could regain his senses, Nicholas struck again in the same spot, and Angelo went down. Ria couldn’t help herself, jumping to her feet, and then jumping up and down.
The lights came on and two men carried Angelo away as Nicholas left.
Bets were being taken when Emiliano stood up.