“Understood.”

The older guy on the end, who hadn’t said anything, finally spoke. “You mean what you said about fighting any of our guys at any time?”

Deacon squinted at him and recognized him as Dan “the Destroyer” Destin, one of the first MMA fighters who’d spoken out against the popular World Federation–style wrestling. He challenged martial arts fighters to do something “real” that was entertaining because of skill and training, not showmanship and stupid costumes. “Yes, Bob, I mean it. You got a fighter in my division who needs an opponent? I’m there.”

“Even if it’s next week?”

“Yep. I’m in fighting shape and I wasn’t even fucking winded after Needham, so I’m ready for a challenge.”

Bob nodded. “Then we’ll be in touch.”

Deacon shook hands with everyone and left the room.

Maddox caught Deacon in the hallway. “That throwdown is gonna come back and bite you in the ass.”

“Good.”

“You going to the after-party?”

“Not on your fucking life. Had enough of fighters, promoters, trainers, and fans for one night.”

•   •   •

WHEN Deacon walked into the locker room, he headed straight for Molly. He pulled her body against his and took her mouth in a kiss that left no question how he felt about her.

True fucking love. Body, heart, soul.

And he didn’t give a good goddamn who knew it.

As he continued to kiss her, falling deeper into the place where urgency met peace, she forcibly ripped her mouth free from his.

“Dammit, Deacon. Quit mauling me. We are not alone,” she whispered.

He looked over his shoulder. Beck and Fisher both smirked at him. “Beat it,” he said, and turned back to Molly, stalking her until her spine hit the locker bay.

“You’re welcome for us keeping an eye on your girlfriend,” Fisher said, making kissing noises as he passed by.

Beck clapped him on the back. “See you next week.”

“Lock the door behind you.”

“Deacon!”

Beck laughed and said, “Will do.”

“If you keep everyone from coming in here for the next fifteen minutes, I’ll sign over my Jiggles VIP pass to you for the rest of the year.”

“Done.” The door slammed.

Molly was gaping at him.

“Like you didn’t know I was gonna fuck you as soon as possible.” He dropped his mouth to her neck and sucked. “Fighting makes me horny, babe. Winning a fight? So much adrenaline pumps through me for hours afterward that I can probably go all damn night.”

“Probably?”

“Let’s get the first time outta the way now.”

“And once again he fucks me against a door,” she deadpanned.

“Is that a challenge?” he said, after he slipped the last button free on her blouse.

“So what if it is?” she whispered in his ear.

“I’d say I’ll take it. And it’s time you fulfill one of my fantasies.”

She went still. “I’m not up for a surprise ass-fucking in a boy’s locker room. That’s a little too, ‘Hey, bend over for the soap and squeal like a pig’ clichéd for my liking.”

“Christ, woman. The shit you say sometimes.” Deacon groaned. “I’m not gonna fuck you in the ass tonight, especially not after that visual. And that ain’t even close to one of my fantasies.”

“Oh.” She slid her hands under his hoodie. “What’s your fantasy?”

“Turn around and strip.”

She hesitated.

He curled his hand beneath her jaw. “I’m on edge. I need to fuck you. It’s like a . . . compulsion. I can’t move beyond that, and I don’t even wanna try. I need that release. I need you.” He closed his eyes. “Please. Give me this.”

“I’m yours, Deacon. I’ll give you whatever you want.” She paused, and her lips met his. “Because I love you.”

His eyes flew open.

“I know you’ll want me to say it again, so I will. I love you. With my heart and soul. With my entire being down to my bones. I’ve been trying to find the perfect time to say it to you. So it’s not very romantic, saying it in a stinky locker room—”

“It’s fucking perfect.” With the storm rising inside him, his answering kiss was surprisingly gentle. Then he said, “I need you to strip really fucking fast now.”

He ripped off his clothes and set his supplies on the bench.

When he saw Molly had completely bared herself to him, he moved in behind her, pressing his chest to her back. “My beautiful Molly.”