Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Is Stephania giving you grief at home again?"

Donnie hesitated. "Well... to be honest, the women in your family and Andre's, you really can't compare them to us ordinary folks. Only you two could marry- and survive-women like that."

Chad frowned. "Are you saying Andre and I just have terrible taste?"noveldrama

Donnie ducked the question. "No, your taste is perfect. It's just... your preferences are a little out there."

Pick a wife, and they'd chosen the kind of rare beauties you only see in movies- total prom queens, the type every guy dreams of. So, yeah, their judgment was solid.

But their personalities? That was a whole other story. Call them fiery, and they'd turn sweet the next second. Call them cute, and they'd stir up trouble just for fun. Call them gentle, and suddenly they're posting bail. Call them brave, and next thing you know they're bawling over the phone, "Babe, come get me out!" or "Chad, I need help!"

Chad realized Donnie wasn't wrong. "Go on. I need a minute to myself."

Donnie looked at him, seemed like he wanted to say more, but just nodded. "Alright, I'm outta here, boss."

Chad leaned back in his chair, turning it all over in his mind. "I've been with Molly for over a decade, never thought she was all that much trouble..."

The Silent Ring.

Molly was practically vibrating with excitement. "Hit him! Go! Yes!"

She couldn't get in the ring herself, but she could definitely cheer.

Mia lounged back, arms folded, eyes on the fighters in the ring. She was quiet, studying every move, every feint.

Tonight was tricky-Mia had to face two opponents.

Molly, beside her, was on the edge of her seat. It had been ages since she'd seen

a fight this intense up close. TV just couldn't compare-here, every punch landed with a real thud.

"Mia, look at that guy's muscles," Molly whispered, nudging her. Still, not as good as Chad's.

She patted Mia's arm, grinning.

Mia nodded. "If I get matched with him, I'm toast."

"Why?"

"Just look at him. He'd flatten me."

Down on the next level, Andre watched the live feed. Noah, sharp as ever knew exactly what Andre wanted the camera focused on Mrs. Cedillo, with the ring action a distant second.

Andre lounged back, flipping through the fighter's file. "Nickname: The Elephant. Real name-Colin Howard. Joined The Silent Ring five years ago..."

Noah piped up, "He's fast and

ruthless. They put him up against newbies in the early rounds-it's just target practice for him. He averages eight minutes a fight."

"In the advanced rounds, even at Red Level, he's never gone over twelve."

Andre glanced from the stats to his own girl-so small and delicate, she looked like she'd snap in a stiff breeze. He couldn't help worrying.

Tonight, with Mia facing two people, at least one would be a real contender.

If she got hurt, Andre knew he'd never forgive himself.

The Elephant? He was more suited for sumo wrestling than boxing-no way Mia could go toe-to-toe with him.

"First round, get Mia a mid-level opponent," Andre said quietly. "Second round, I'll step in myself."

Noah hesitated. "Boss, if you're planning to knock her out yourself, why not just handle it in the first round and be done with it?"

He understood Andre's girl-she was stubborn as a wildcat, and with the crowd hyping her up, she'd never back down. Unless she was knocked down for good, she was never going to quit.