LOREN
The difference tonight as we stepped into Upswing was tremendous. Last night, we’d been poised to take down a madman, and tonight, we were celebrating the start of our new beginning.
“You’re gonna be amazing. Don’t forget your reward for winning,” I teased, kissing Wells on the lips. He snorted, pulling me closer.
“I’m not sure the consequence is as significant this time,” he purred, kissing my neck.
“Oh, did I not tell you?” I smiled, waiting for him to pull back and look into my eyes.
“No, what?”
“Nicco said the new reward was letting you take my ass, but the consequence was him taking yours. Your diamond is in your locker in case you lose.” I kissed him quickly, walking away, leaving him stunned. At the door, I paused, turning my head over my shoulder. “I’m already wearing mine.”
Winking, I blew him a kiss for luck and made my way to the VIP area. It was still early so none of the fights had started, but Wells wanted to have some time to center himself. I imagine after that parting gift he’d need a minute to wrangle the beast between his legs.
I was greeted by Monroe smirking at me when I stepped into the VIP lounge. Nicco was chatting with a few people, and the teens were gathered around a table with Sax. The only one missing was Atticus.
Monroe walked over, wrapping his arm around me, leaning down to whisper. “He went to talk with the O’Sullivans and Vasquezs. He won’t be long.” Nodding, I relaxed into his arms. “Did you really leave Wells with a hard-on?” He chuckled.
Smiling, I nodded. “Maybe. I just told him the new rewards and consequences Nicco offered.”
“What about me, Beautiful?” Nicco asked, walking over. My breath caught at the sight of him, and I got lost for a few seconds as I stared. All of my husbands were just so yummy.
“Just how you like to incentivize the fighters,” I managed to say when I realized the people he’d been talking to earlier were with him.
“Ah, yes, I do have my ways.” He grinned, the teasing light hard to miss in his eyes. “Loren, I’d like you to meet the family of one of the fighters I’m considering sponsoring. This is Steel, I mean, Elias’ girlfriend, Sawyer, and her other boyfriends, Henry and Rhett.” He winked at me, and I realized what he wanted.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’m excited to see Elias fight now. Nicco is the best at spotting talent and taking care of them, so he’d be in good hands. It’s so good that you could all make it to support him. I know how important it is for fighters to have that.”
“We’re excited to be in Chicago. It worked out that we had another competition as well. Not all of us could make it, but we have our family here to support him,” the young woman said. It looked like she physically forced herself to stop before she seemed to lose the battle and blurted something out. “You’re not going to say anything about me having multiple boyfriends?” She cringed like she was embarrassed about her outburst.
Laughing, I shook my head. “No, why would I when I have five husbands?”
She stood still for a second before she chuckled, laughing at herself. “Okay, well, I think I like this place even more now. It hasn’t been the easiest when traveling and meeting people who don’t know us to explain I have seven boyfriends.”
My eyes grew wide in surprise. “That has to be a lot of work. But no judgment here. We’re all about family and love. It’s the Mascro way.”
“That’s nice to hear,” the shorter male said. The other one just stood, staring at us, giving Sax a run for his money on the quiet, stoic front.
“Well, if you need anything or want a tour of the city, let me know. We also have two teenage children, so if we don’t know the hip spots, they might.”
“Hey, I just turned thirty. I’m still hip!” Nicco protested as we all laughed. Patting his cheek, I kissed him.
“Sure thing, babe.”
Monroe and I said our goodbyes as we walked over to the kids. Atticus was sitting with them now, and I relaxed, knowing most of us were here. Nicco would head down before Wells fought to make sure he was ready and walk with him out to the ring since he was acting as his coach. The bond the two had built was solid, and I loved seeing all of my husbands finding their way into each other’s hearts.
Atticus looked up as we neared, reaching a hand out for me, but Sax stood and picked me up, sitting me in his lap as he sat. Atticus huffed, but let his friend have his way. Smiling, I patted my giant’s arm, feeling safe in them.
“Lor, have you decided where we’re going on vacation? I think my presentation was the best,” Imogen said.
“New York is too easy,” Jude argued, “we should go out west. See the national parks and the Grand Canyon.”
Smiling at them both, I debated if I wanted to tell them now or not. “Well, as a matter of fact, for our first vacation, we’ve decided to go all out and do a tropical location where we can go repelling, snorkeling, shopping, and chill at the same spot.”
Their faces brightened as they listened, turning to one another in glee. “Oh, this will be a blast,” Jude said. “Could I get an underwater camera to take pictures in the ocean?”
“Of course, that sounds like a great idea.”