I give him a wink. “Can’t imagine.”

“You’d better get going before I get in trouble,” he says with a grin. “Seeing you in that outfit makes my fingers itch and I like my head where it is.”

I take a step away and then turn back. “Thanks for looking in on Gloria Martinez. My friend Sergio really appreciated the extra follow-up after her surgery.”

Dr. Drake waves a dismissive hand. “I was happy to do it. It made me rethink my decision to move into administration. I’m meeting the board next week to talk about getting my admitting privileges back. I’m a healer, like you, Mac, not a paper pusher.”

By the time I reach the ring, Max and the newbie are already in position. Rampage and Homicide are snickering in the corner. The newbie is quaking in his too-tight shorts. Max’s face is devoid of expression, but I can see the humor in his eyes.

I take a seat in the front row beside Jake.

“Looking good, Doc.”

“Back at you.”

Jake gives me a lopsided grin, and for a second I forget I hate him for hurting my best friend.

“You here alone?” He shuffles his feet and twists the ring around his finger.

“You mean other than with Torment?”

Jake shrugs. “Yeah. Like, did you bring any friends? You brought that big guy last week—the one who wanted to get in shape.”

“Charlie.” I laugh. “He loved it. LOVED it. He goes to the hospital gym every day now to practice his Muay Thai moves on Drake. He’s coming back this week to learn some Brazilian jujitsu.” All paid for by his promotion to green slip manager.

Jake nods. “Drake is climbing the ranks pretty quick. Everyone thinks he’s just a pretty face, but when he gets in the ring, he sure packs a punch.”

So does Max. I look up just as he stalks over to the newbie. He growls and the newbie dives under the ropes and scrambles off the platform. Rampage catches him and roars with laughter. The newbie manages to crack a smile.

My phone buzzes and I check my caller ID. Amanda. She’s going to freak when she finds out I’m sitting beside Jake.

“What’s up?” she asks.

“I’m at the club. Max is intimidating a newbie. He still insists I come to every fight, even if he’s just sparring. I can make it through anything less than five minutes so long as there is no blood. I’m pretty proud of that.”

“You’re too good to him,” she chastises. “If you cave in all the time, he won’t respect you.”

“He respects me,” I whisper. I slide off the bench and step out of Jake’s earshot. “Once a week I get to be on top, and I insisted all sex toys have to be soft, pink, or have ribbons or feathers. It’s kinky sex, Makayla style.”

Amanda giggles. “Sounds like you’re keeping him in line.”

“Well, he did go out and buy a pink paddle. When he gets too bossy, I turn off my phone and do something crazy—like cliff jumping or skydiving. After the inevitable explosion, he grabs his paddle and we have wild punishment sex.”

“I haven’t tried that one.” Amanda breathes. “I’ll have to toss a few paddles Drake’s way when he comes over tonight. He’s doing an edible theme—edible panties, chocolate sauce, popsicles, dill pickles, pepperoni sticks, whipped cream…it will be a veritable feast.”

“There’s a veritable feast sitting on the bleachers,” I whisper.

“Jake?” Her voice drops. “Did he ask about me?”

“In a roundabout way.”

“Do you think he’ll call?” Her voice wavers. “Should I tell Drake not to come over?”

I glance sideways at Jake, engrossed in the fight. “Not yet. Give him time. I don’t think he’s written you off.”

A whistle blows. Rampage nods and I end the call and climb into the ring. Max is facing the other way, talking to Obsidian. Rampage clears his throat.

“We have a line crosser for you Torment. This one’s trouble. I’ve seen her around before.”

“Wait,” the newbie yells. “You can’t put her in the ring with Torment. She’s a girl. She’ll get hurt.”

“I’m not afraid of him,” I assure the newbie. Not anymore.

Max spins around. His eyes rake over my barely there skirt just covering my tiny exercise shorts and my even tinier fringed top. I shake my girls and my fringe dances. Obsidian catcalls. Rampage whistles. Max’s jaw tightens.

“Club is closed. Everyone clear out,” Max hollers.

Rampage gives me a wink and herds the last of the fighters out of the warehouse. By the time everyone has gone, I have almost lost interest in my own game. Almost. Not quite.

Max’s biceps twitch like he wants to catch someone. “Ready?”

My heart pounds and I nod.

He stalks toward me, and I push myself back against the ropes as hard as I can. When he is close enough, I let go.

Whump. We’re down on the mat. I am lying full out on top of Max. From the state of affairs under his shorts, he likes this position. A lot.

“One point for me,” I whisper and wiggle.

The smoldering look in his eyes sends white-hot need ratcheting through me. We get to our feet, and I look down to adjust my top.

Whump. I’m down on the mat. Max is kneeling astride me. His eyes darken and my body heats in an instant.

“I like it when you mount me, Max.” I lick my lips. “But that wasn’t fair. I wasn’t ready.”