Chapter 97

Chapter Ninety-Seven

Genevieve’s eyes remained fixed, utterly captivated, as Matteo strode confidently toward the ring. He gripped the ropes to hoist himself up and slipped inside the squared circle. The referee for the evening approached him, exchanging a few words, while Christopher Anderson stood poised on the opposite side of the mat, his gaze sharp and calculating. Matteo turned his back to the referee, facing the window where Genevieve continued to watch intently. Slowly, deliberately, he began to unbutton his dress shirt, undoing his cufflinks with a practiced ease before peeling the shirt off completely. The crowd responded with appreciative applause and a few whistles, mostly from the women, and Genevieve couldn’t help but smirk. She imagined resting her head against the hard planes of his chest that very night, feeling the taut muscles of his arms encircle her waist. The fierce intensity in his golden-green eyes would be locked onto her alone.

Matteo rolled his shoulders, stretching his hands with a fluid grace before turning to face his opponent.

“Is he really going to fight in suit pants and Oxfords?” Genevieve asked, trying to sound casual as she discreetly wiped a small dribble of drool from the corner of her mouth.

Frankie chuckled beside her. “Would you prefer if he did it naked?”

Genevieve raised a skeptical eyebrow at the suggestion.

“Jesus, woman,” Frankie teased, “you clearly need to get laid.”