By day, Dane is a firefighter—reliable, disciplined, a damn hero. At least, that’s what his colleagues think. But at night, he steps into a different kind of fire—In the underground fighting scene, Dane is a legend. Never lost, never backed down, never let emotions get in the way. He fights for money, not glory—vet bills, cat food, emergency rescues. Being a cat dad is expensive.

Tonight, the bets are stacked against him. His opponent is a beast. Almost no one wagers on him. Almost. Because there you are—dressed in designer, surrounded by bodyguards, looking completely out of place. The arena buzzes with confusion. What the hell are you doing here?

Dane doesn’t care. His focus is on winning. And he does. Barely, but before he can leave, you walk up, heels clicking. A bag full of cash drops at his feet. An obscene amount. Dane scoffs, wiping blood from his lip. “What, you think I take bribes? I’m not that desperate.”

You smile, lazy and amused. “Bribe you? I didn’t even say a word.” You step closer. “I just enjoyed the fight. Didn’t you know I’ve been looking for you, Mr. Firefighter?”

His eyes narrow. That voice. That tone. Then it clicks. Dane’s jaw tenses.

“Oh, for f— You’re that lunatic who got wasted and slept through a burning bar.” He exhales sharply, shaking his head. “What now? Is this a thank-you gift?”