Chapter 22: Josie

Chapter Twenty-Two

JOSIE

“ B aby.” Mick kisses my jaw. “I’m heading out,” he whispers into my ear. “If you’re tired, stay put.” My eyes flutter open to see his handsome face.

“I’m not tired.” I yawn, making him smirk. God, I love waking up to it each morning. I reach up and cup his cheek. The simple gold band on my finger catches the light coming in through the curtains of the window. Mick keeps talking about replacing my ring. I told him that wasn't a fight he was going to win.

I love this ring. Our wedding took place spontaneously. At least that’s what Mick's sister Lauren says when she huffs about it. I promised her that the next time we come out to visit, she can plan something small. I, however, don’t think our wedding was last-second. Mick and I have been years in the making.

So after a growly, jealous moment when I’d gotten off a live stream and people had made a few comments about me, Mick was talking about how he needed to wife me. That I needed a ring on my finger so everyone would know I was his. I think he was talking to himself more in a huff. I always found it adorable. I simply said, “Okay. Wife me, then.” The rest is history.

Less than an hour later, I’d been wifed-up and thoroughly fucked. Our wedding bands were bought at the little wedding chapel, and I adore mine. It suits me. Besides, I’m not a diamond girl.

“You were up late.” I had been.

Between the video of Mick going viral and the news of what had happened to me, my identity was out there. Except the mood had changed. Instead of people coming at me for being a female, a whole movement started for females in the gaming industry and protecting them.

With Mick at my side, and us moving to a new condo that has top-notch security, I have felt very safe. Now, I have been putting my face out there, and deals have been rolling in like crazy. I am getting to do what I’ve always wanted. What I’m good at.

“What time is it?”

“Three.”

“Oh shit. You gotta get out of here.”

“I know, but kiss me first.” I press my mouth to his. He tries to deepen the kiss, but I pull away. “Don’t even think about it. I do not need Pedro's wrath because you’re late to your first big fight. Get going.”

“Fine,” he grumbles.

"Win, and you can do all the dirty things you want to me."

“You always let me do all the dirty things I want to you.” That handsome, devilish smirk crosses his face.

“True.” I laugh. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” He kisses me again.

“I’m not going to bed.”

“I know. Lauren and Griff will be here in an hour to pick you up.”

“I—”

“Don’t start,” he orders. My nipples tighten. This is just not the time for me to be getting turned on. But damn do I love how my man can go from sweet and charming to bossy.

“All right, I’ll ride with them.” I give. I know when to pick my battles, and this isn’t one I’m going to win. I just don't want Lauren to have to go out of her way, even though I know she won't really mind.

He gives me one last kiss before he's heading out the door. I wait until I hear the door lock behind him and the alarm re-engage before hastily getting out of bed and rushing toward the bathroom.

I dig under the sink and find the box. I’ve had the pregnancy test for two days now. I was able to order it with a grocery delivery while Mick was at the gym, but I wanted to wait to take it. He didn’t need anything else on his mind, so there was no way I was telling him about it until after his fight. I also didn’t trust myself with the news. I knew there was no way I’d be able to hold it in if I knew. That’s why I’ve waited to take it. Mick is way too adept at reading my moods. He would have been on to me.

I take the test and leave it on the bathroom sink before I quickly get ready for the fight. I doll myself up a little—at least for my standards—leaving my hair down and putting on a touch of makeup before I wiggle into a pair of skintight jeans and a white top that has Mick’s last name on it. Well, I guess mine now too. I return to the sink to check the test, seeing what I already suspected: It's positive. So many emotions flood me at the same time, but the alarm letting me know someone is at the front door has me pulling myself together.

“Hey.” Lauren beams at me when I open the door to her and Griff. My eyes drop to her very round stomach. I’ve never seen her look happier. I can’t help but imagine what I’ll look like with a baby bump.

“Hey.” We give hugs before we’re out the door. “How long are you staying in town?” I ask. I have always loved Lauren. I spent many nights at her place eating dinner.

“A few days.” She eyes me. “Is there something you want to tell me?” She gives me one of those looks like a mom does when they know you’re hiding something.

“What the hell?” I swear she can read minds sometimes.

“Really?!” she squeals, making Griff chuckle, shaking his head.

“I’m not saying anything.” Not before I tell Mick, at least. As if he knows I’m thinking about him, I get a text asking me if I’m close.

Me: You know where I am. Get off your phone.

The man tracks my location. Not that I’m any better.

Mick: I need a taste of my woman before I hit the ring.

“That Mick?” Lauren glances over. I press my phone to my chest so she can't read the screen. “You two are so stinking cute. I always knew you’d end up together. Mick would never stop talking about you.”

As much as hearing Lauren gush about us makes me often blush, I enjoy it. It might have taken Mick and me a while to come fully together, but from a young age, we were always destined to be together.

“Holy crap,” I mutter when we make it to the venue. I wasn't prepared for the magnitude of this event. The arena is packed full.

I mean, I should have expected it with all the press and stuff, but seeing it is another level. A guard ushers us into the back and down a secure hallway to a private area. I spot Mick the second I walk into the room. His face is serious as Pedro talks to him.

When his eyes find me, his whole expression changes. I experience the same flutter of excitement as always. It doesn’t matter how many kisses or days spent together. It’s always there.

"Babe,” Mick calls. Pedro rolls his eyes.

“Go see your girl,” he says. “You’re the only fighter I’ve ever trained that a woman keeps them in line and makes them better.” Pedro is shaking his head as he complains, but I don’t miss the hint of a smile he’s fighting. I think Mick and I have grown on him. He’s even helped me with some self-defense after everything that happened.

Mick doesn’t have to be told twice. He comes right to me, claiming my mouth in a kiss. His hands go to my ass, lifting me up off my feet.

“Hey, now.” I laugh. “Let's not get too worked up.”

“Hi. Guess I’m invisible over here.” Lauren gives a wave.

“Sorry, sis.” Mick puts me down and hugs his sister, followed by Griff. We all make small talk until it’s time to head down.

“You stay.” Mick wraps his hand around my wrist, snatching me away from his sister and Griff. “You walk down with me?”

“Is that a question or an order?” I tease.

“Question. It will be televised.” Oh, he’s really asking. I hadn’t thought about that.

"Right.” We have watched a few of the bigger fights before together. “Yeah, I think people know who I am at this point, Mr. TikTok famous.”

“You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

“It’s funny now.” Not so much back then, but it got his name out there quickly. Everyone was asking who he was.

A ton of women were drooling over him with how he took on three men for me. Mick is not fond of the female attention, which is why it only made me laugh. If I’m being honest, Mick isn’t a fan of any attention at all. He’s a homebody like me, and I know without a doubt he only has eyes for me. The way he touches and looks at me says it all.

“You kids ready?” Pedro asks.

“Always.” Mick slides his hand into mine, and we make our way down together. I can hear the cheers before we even enter the main event area. As we reach the end of the tunnel, he plants a kiss on my cheek. “I know you got something to tell me.”

“You and your sister must have some sort of psychic ability.”

“I’m right?” His brow lifts.

“Go win this fight and then come and find out,” I challenge.

“Be right back, babe.” He gives me a long, hard kiss. I hear the cheers and hoots.

“Come on.” Pedro grips his shoulder, pulling him back.

I watch my man enter the ring. Right before the bell rings, he glances my way. I’m not sure if he can see me or not, but he must because he winks. Some of the tension I was holding is released. Even across a crowded stadium, he can calm me down.

He squares off with the other man. I wring my fingers together. I don’t think it will ever get easier watching him fight; thank God he’s good at it, and I know he can take a few hits like it’s nothing.

I watch as he ducks a few swings before finally taking one of his own. I cringe when his fist makes contact with the side of the man's jaw. His opponent falls over. The crowd roars!

It doesn’t take much longer until he’s back on me, lifting me off my feet so I’m now towering over him. "All right, now tell me,” he shouts over the screams and cheers.

I press my hands to his cheeks and lean down. “You won.” I return the same smirk he always gives me. “Daddy.”

“Josie?” I can see the happiness shine in his eyes. I know he wants this, too. We may use it as dirty talk in the bedroom sometimes, but it is still true. I nod. He pulls me in for a kiss.

Both our childhoods were rough, but we’ve come a long way. Us both finding our way to our dreams. Those dreams came together to make one knockout perfect life together.