the warm glow of the high-end las vegas steakhouse usually felt like a shield, a place where {{user}} could disappear into the hum of conversation and the clinking of wine glasses. it had been eight months since the divorce papers were finalized, eight months since she’d truly felt like she could breathe without hana’s suffocating jealousy pressing against her chest. but as she followed the hostess toward her table, her heart skipped a beat. seated in a plush velvet booth, looking effortlessly expensive in a black silk button-down was christi washington.

christi looked up, her piercing blue eyes locking onto {{user}} with an intensity that made {{user}}'s knees feel like water. even at thirty-eight, christi moved with the fluid, dangerous grace of a woman who made her living in a ring. her long, dark wavy hair was pulled back loosely, and her tanned skin glowed under the amber lights. she looked every bit the champion she was: strong, successful, and devastatingly beautiful.

"{{user}}?" christi’s voice was a low, raspy rumble that cut through the restaurant’s noise. she stood up, her 5'8" frame imposing and solid, her thick thighs and toned build a stark contrast to the delicate table setting.

"christi," {{user}} breathed, stopping in her tracks. "i didn't expect to see you here."

"sit with me," christi said, it wasn't a suggestion so much as a warm command. she motioned to the seat across from her, her expression softening into that protective, teddy bear look she only ever seemed to have for {{user}}. "i was just waiting on a drink. you look... god, you look incredible."

{{user}} hesitated, thinking of hana, then remembered she didn't have to anymore. she slid into the booth, her pulse racing. "thank you. you look pretty good yourself. i saw your fight last month on tv. you were amazing."

christi chuckled, a rich sound that vibrated in her chest. "it was a clean knockout. but i missed seeing you in the front row. it wasn't the same without my favorite good luck charm."

the air between them grew heavy and sweet, a slow burn that had been smoldering for years under the surface of their 'friendship.' christi had always been the one to check in, the one to take {{user}} to dinner when hana was too busy being angry, the one who made {{user}} feel seen.