Page 46 of Impossible Thrills

Raucous cheering and screams for ‘Nick’ or ‘Jagger.’ More for Nick in her mind, but Jagger was impressive too, and she was certain many women in the crowd were drawn to him. They’d better stay away from Nick, though. She smiled at her own possessiveness.

“After three rounds, the judges have reached a decision. The winner, by unanimous decision, is … a tie!” Mercedes cried out.

Everyone froze for a second, stunned. It made sense as the battle had appeared even to her, but a tie? A tie against Jagger was still a win in her mind. What happened now?

“The parameters of Impossible Thrills were that Darcy and Nick could only lose one event.” Mercedes looked at Darcy. “With this tie, they only lost one other event. Open Arms and Darcy Saint win a million dollars.”

Darcy whooped and leaped to her feet. She punched both fists in the air and screamed herself hoarse. They’d won! She was so happy. For her children. For her ability to help more children. For Nick. He was her hero.

Jagger grabbed Nick’s hand and threw their clasped hands into the air. The crowd went insane. The men gave another back-slapping hug, but then Nick was focused on her. He darted across the space, and she rushed to the edge of the ring.

Nick plucked her off her feet, over the ropes, and finally she was in his arms.

“We won!” she screamed. “I love you!”

Nick grinned, then he dipped his head and kissed her. The crowd’s cheering wasn’t nearly as loud as the cheering inside her own heart. She loved him. He’d won the money for her. Somehow, they had to be together. It was meant to be.

Chapter

Fourteen

Nick kept Darcy in the circle of his arm as he received congratulations, talked to far too many people he didn’t know, and cheered with everyone else as she was presented the million-dollar check from Mercedes.

He probably stunk to high heaven, but Darcy didn’t seem to care. Finally, the crowd died off and Shawn insisted Mercedes needed to rest. The poor lady looked like a stiff wind would finish her off. Nick, Darcy, Hays, and Jagger were taken to a hotel suite where the men could shower off and a nice lunch waited.

It was great to shower, eat, and tease with Darcy, Jagger, and Hays one last time, but he was plummeting off the high he’d achieved when Darcy won the money and he’d kissed her in celebration.

Darcy’s purse and his wallet, phone, gun, and knife were waiting on a side table for them. He needed to get a hold of Aiden and check in, but he wasn’t ready for real life to intrude yet. He didn’t have any idea how he’d let Darcy go. He’d work night and day to find the proof to have Trattori arrested.

After lunch, he knew it was time to say goodbye. He stood and shook hands with Hays first, clapping him on the shoulder.

“It’s been great, man. Thanks for being there for Darcy,” he said.

“Of course. It was fun to play good cop this week.” Hays stepped over to hug Darcy, and Nick wasn’t even jealous. He knew Darcy loved him. If only he could say it back, but love was a commitment, and he couldn’t commit to her until he took out her ex.

Jagger shook his hand, then pounded him on the back. “The fight’s judges must’ve been former Marines. That’s the only explanation I can think of.” The guy was still smiling. If somebody would’ve claimed Captain Jagger Lemuel would react this well to a tie in fight and an overall loss four days ago, Nick wouldn’t have believed them.

“Honest truth, I think you may have had the upper hand, but I’m sure the judges wanted Darcy to win the money,” Nick said.

“I don’t know about that. One of the best fights I’ve been in. Besides when Aiden knocked me out.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m still ticked about that.”

“I’ll tell him you want another go.”

“You do that.” Jagger grinned.

“If you ever decide to retire from the SEALs …” Nick didn’t know what offer Aiden would want him to make, but he wanted these two on their team someday.

“I know.” Jagger nodded. “Aiden told Hays and me. Thank you.”

Nick nodded to him.

Jagger turned to Darcy and hugged her. “I’m worried about you.”

Nick frowned. He didn’t know if worried was the right term, but he didn’t want to leave Darcy’s side. It felt every kind of wrong to not stay with her.

“I’m fine, big brother,” she said.

Jagger chuckled. “Do you even have security?”

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