Page 168 of Irresistibly Wild

“What?” He shook his head. “I just told you that—”

“Send the fucking plane back.” I demanded. “Otherwise, I’ll be on it in ten minutes and bring her here myself.”

Silence.

“Travis, she’ll be here in some capacity for the fight.” He sighed. “Trust me.”

“How do you know that for sure?”

“I’ve spoken to her,” he said. “I doubt that she was lying.”

“When were you planning to tell me about this?”

“I wasn’t.”

“I see.” I crossed my arms. “What does ‘some capacity’ mean?”

“How it sounds, I guess.” He avoided my gaze, but I moved in front of him.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means she agreed to take some staged pictures for the press, since you’re still legally married, but she’s trying her best to move on with her life,” he said. “She wants you to do the same.”

“What time will she be here?”

“No, Travis. Focus on this match, please.” He placed his hands on my shoulders. “Your legacy is on the line, and I know that Mrs. Carter would want you to be at your best.”

I said nothing.

“If I tell you how good she looked when I saw her earlier, would that help at all?”

“Start talking.”

FORTY-SIX

PRESENT DAY

TATIANA

Fight Night

MGM Grand Garden Arena

Las Vegas, Nevada

UFC Card 302: Christopher Juarez v. Travis Carter

My heart ached as I looked up at the billboard above the arena. Mr. Faber was standing outside the town car with his hand outstretched, patiently waiting for me to step outside.

Breathe, Tati. Breathe.

“You look lovely this evening, Mrs. Carter.” He served me a compliment. “I hope you’re not stalling in this car because you’re second guessing that stunning dress.”

“Thank you, Mr. Faber.” I smiled at him. “I’m just nervous.”

“Do you mind if I join you on the seat for a second?”

“Be my guest.”

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