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.noveldrama

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?

Mia's hair had come undone, falling over her shoulders. She yanked out her hair tie and tossed it aside, not missing a beat.

Molly stooped to pick it up, quietly backing away to her spot at the edge of the ring.

Hair wild, eyes steady, Mia faced her opponent.

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

She kept her eyes on his mouth as he spoke, unreadable thoughts flickering in her gaze. She nodded. "I know."

He shot 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 reason they cheer."

Mia watched his lips as he spoke, then shook her head. "Everyone kere is an adult. They think for themselves. Sure, I'm different, but what they really like is what can do in the ring."

He sneered, "Do? All you do is dodge. That's not real skill."

He was trying to bait her, get her to lose her cool.

Mia just smiled, cool as ice. "Just watch. Boxing's about brains as much as fists."

She slipped away, elusive as ever.

Ten minutes dragged by in a tense, sweaty deadlock, the energy in the room rising.

Even the tournament favorite, "Ox," stood up to watch. "Why isn't 'Auntie' attacking?"

Molly exhaled, anxious. "How should I know?"

Andre stood rooted to the spot, eyes locked on Mia.

Suddenly, Mia was slammed to the

mat

in pain for her. He couldn't tockered Andre's eyelids f

it

e shouted.

anymore. "Time out!" he

But before the call could go through, Mia, flat on her back, planted both hands,

kicked up, and landed a brutal shot to her opponent's jaw.

Blood spattered from his mouth.

Mia rolled and sprang to her feet, already facing him down.

The crowd was stunned-what kind of move was that?

Noah, hand halfway up to signal a stop, turned to Andre. "Boss, was that her plan all along?"

Andre shook his head, still in awe. "No-she really was thrown. But

(in

this ring, nobody reacts fet

than

That kick was pure instinct."