Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 268

A few minutes later, he was being carried out horizontally.

When he finally regained consciousness, he was lying on the floor beside the ring. The harsh overhead lights made his eyes burn.

He blinked, finding Hudson leaning against the ropes, drinking water. His Adam's apple bobbed with each swallow, stray drops tracing the sharp lines of his chest.

Arthur pushed himself up and wiped the blood from his mouth. Just as he got to his feet, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

"Madam?"

"Arthur, where is Hudson?"

Nora's voice came through the speaker. "I woke up and couldn't find him. Are you guys at the office?"

The moment she finished speaking, a sickening thud of a body hitting the mat echoed over the line.

"What's that sound? Where are you?"

"Ma'am, the Boss is handling some business outside. He'll be back later."

"What business? Boxing?"

A brief silence hung on the line before Nora's voice dropped. "Arthur, tell me the truth. Is his condition acting up?"

Arthur didn't answer.

"Give me the address. I'm coming over right now."

"Ma'am, it's not very appropriate here..."

"Arthur Knight."

She used his full name.

Arthur hesitated for a few seconds before giving her the address.

...

By the time Nora arrived, the gym was a complete wreck.

Arthur was sprawled on the floor, bruised and battered, his mouth still bleeding as his chest heaved for air.

Olive was sitting nearby, her face covered in bandages. Her left eye was swollen shut, but her right eye zeroed in on the doorway.

Liam was leaning against the wall, a strip of tape over his nose and a massive black eye, looking thoroughly defeated.

Archer, who had been fully prepared to march to his doom in the ring, was stunned to see her walk in. "Mrs. Lancaster? What are you doing here?"

"If I didn't come, were you all planning to get beaten to death?"

Nora threw her arms around his neck. "I don't want to leave."

He tapped her hand. "Let go."

"No."

"You're pressing on my bruises."

Nora froze and immediately released him.

Hudson stared at her for a few seconds before a low chuckle escaped him.

"Be a good girl. Go home first, and I'll come find you later."

Nora gazed up at the man, his face striking but softened by a rare smile, and she reached out to touch his cheek.

Hudson's brow pinched. He opened his mouth to say something, but she cut him off.

"Hudson..."

She went up on her tiptoes, cupping his face in both hands, her thumbs gently brushing against his reddened cheekbones.

"Want to kiss?"