Page 15 of Stone's Promise

“Body con is trending. It’s perfect.” She lifted the dress from where it was splayed on the couch to hold it up to my frame. “Understated, but elegant. You’ll look beautiful.”

I took the dress upstairs to my bedroom mirror and glanced at my reflection. Cody and I were supposed to head to dinner after the press conference. The dress was more than I’d normally wear out, but this wasn’t just any outing. I had another night where I had to play my role.

I could do this. Ihadto do this. Once Family Day and Cody’s big fight was over, everything would return to normal. A nagging feeling stayed in my chest after I showered and lotioned my body.

Normal was good, right? Safe, predictable. But as I slipped into my dress and caught my reflection in the mirror, the thought of going back to the way things were felt... hollow.

I decided on an evening purse and ordered an Uber. I figured I might want a glass of wine tonight, and didn’t want to worry about parking in the heavy traffic that the press conference would attract to Warriors Den.

Cool evening air settled around me as I stepped outside when my ride arrived. On the drive to Cody’s training facility, I looked out at the neon lights and street traffic of the town. Car horns and the patter of light rain on the windows filled the silence.

The car turned down the street where Warriors Den was located. My fingers tightened around my clutch bag. The closer I got to the press conference, the more the weight of the night settled on me. Another event. Another set of eyes watching.

By the time I arrived at the facility and was ushered into the press room, it was already alive with flashing cameras and murmured questions. I sat down in the front and smoothed my hands over the dress, watching as Cody sat at the longtable with the other fighters. He wore a black dress shirt, the fabric stretching just enough to hint at the strength beneath. His big hands were enough to send my thoughts in an entirely inappropriate direction. Paired with dark slacks and his usual quiet confidence, he looked sharp and controlled.

As if he could sense me watching, his eyes lifted, cutting through the chaos of the room until they locked onto mine. It was only a flicker of recognition. He gave me a small nod and a quirk of a smile before he refocused on the reporters.

He sat at the long table with the other fighters while they answered questions. Some of the guys leaned into the moment, cracking jokes and playing to the crowd. Cody, though, didn’t waste words as he answered each question.

“Stone, what do you think about your opponent’s statement that he’s going to knock you out in the second round?” a reporter asked.

Cody barely reacted. “He’s welcome to try.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“What more is there?”

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, but Cody remained serious. He wasn’t there to perform, at least not in the way the others were. I admired that about him.

Max sat by his side, panting happily, completely at ease in the noisy room. The dog was practically an extension of Cody, strong and watchful.

The conference wrapped up, and as Cody made his way toward me, my pulse picked up. He didn’t hesitate, sliding an arm around my waist and drawing me close. His lips brushed my cheek, warm and firm.

“Let’s get out of here.” His voice tickled as he murmured into my ear.

I barely had time to process his touch before a voice cut through the room, louder than the murmuring reporters.

“I have a question.” Trey popped his head up from the back of the crowd.

My stomach dropped. A few reporters turned, some already raising their phones to capture whatever spectacle was about to unfold.

My ex adjusted the cuff of his tailored blazer, his Rolex catching the overhead lights. His smile was all polished confidence as he ignored the reporters waiting their turn. Instead, he directed his attention straight to Cody’s opponent, Marcus Ray.

“How exactly do you plan to knock out Stone? I can’t see him lasting too long in the ring with you.”

A hush fell over the crowd. I shot Trey a sharp look, my irritation burning under my skin. He was embarrassing himself, and to an extent, me. Cody, however, remained calm. His expression didn’t change, though a tightness set into his jaw.

Marcus leaned forward, playing into the moment with a wink and a smirk. “It won’t take long. He’s tough, sure, but I’ve got power. He won’t last past round two.”

Cody exhaled through his nose, turning his attention to Trey. “You seem pretty invested in my fight.”

Trey put on his slick businessman grin. “I just like to bet on the winning horse.”

Cody hooded his eyes, looking more bored than angry. “Better rethink your wager.”

The tension stretched between them, thick and heavy. Then, with a dismissive glance, Cody turned back to the reporters. “Any morerealquestions?”

Laughter broke out, and Trey’s smirk faltered just a fraction.

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