Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The man Mia hauled across the ring, already riled up from her jabs and the grating applause, turned his head with a crack of his neck. You could see him gearing up, ready to strike back.

Except Mia didn't give him the chance. Her fist flashed out, catching everyone off guard-nobody expected her to make the first move.

He took the punch straight on, stumbling back two steps. The crowd sucked in a breath-had they all misjudged her?

Noah, watching the scene unfold, leaned toward Andre. "Boss, your 'Auntie' is quick. She's got real skill-slick, unpredictable, always looking for the perfect opening."

But Andre was hardly comforted. With his wife in the ring, it didn't matter who had the upper hand-he couldn't relax for a second.

Molly, who'd been yelling encouragement just moments ago, pressed her lips together, tension written all over her face as Mia started to dominate.

That one punch flipped the match-now it was a true showdown, the whole room crackling with energy.

Andre, for the first time, noticed his palms were slick with sweat.

Everyone watched, breathless, as Mia was suddenly thrown to the mat. Andre's

jaw clenched so tight you could see the muscle twitch.

Noah caught the stress on Andre's face and hesitated-should he call for a break?

falling over her shoulders. She yanked out her hair tie and tossed it aside, not missing a

backing away to her spot at

wild, eyes steady, Mia faced her

know you're tough. But if we're both

her eyes on his mouth as he spoke,

"Everyone's here because you're a woman. The first to get this far. They treat you like some rare animal,

his lips as he spoke, then shook her head. "Everyone kere is an adult. They think for themselves.

sneered, "Do? All you do is dodge. That's

trying to bait her,

watch. Boxing's about brains as much as

away, elusive

by in a tense, sweaty deadlock, the energy in

the tournament favorite, "Ox," stood up to

anxious. "How should

stood rooted to the spot, eyes

Mia was

mat

for her. He couldn't tockered Andre's eyelids

it

e shouted.