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,

up, quietly backing away

steady, Mia

you," she said. "I know you're tough. But if we're both here, we're

his mouth as he spoke, unreadable thoughts flickering in her gaze. She nodded.

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

head. "Everyone kere is an adult. They think for themselves. Sure, I'm different, but what they really

you do is dodge. That's

bait her, get her to lose

smiled, cool as ice. "Just watch. Boxing's about brains as

away, elusive as

a tense, sweaty deadlock, the energy

tournament favorite, "Ox," stood up to watch. "Why

anxious. "How should

stood rooted to the

Mia was slammed to

mat

He couldn't tockered

it

e shouted.