Page 97 of Stiletto's Savior

I catch sight of my father, his imposing figure cutting through the throng.

He’s talking to an interviewer, gesturing animatedly.

I can almost see the pride radiating off him.

“Hey,” Nova waves, pulling me from my thoughts. “We need to get the opening ceremony started!”

“Right behind you.” I force a smile, but my mind drifts.

This isn’t just a gym—it’s our legacy.

It’s my chance to prove I’m more than what my old man wanted me to be.

“Any idea where my woman is?” I ask, scanning the crowd.

My chest tightens at the thought of her.

“She said she’d be here right before we kick things off,” Nova replies, adjusting her ponytail. “You nervous?”

“Not about the gym. Just… her.”

“Go find her real quick then,” Nova nudges me. “You’re gonna need her by your side.”

“You’re right.” I nod, pushing through the chaos, searching for that familiar spark—and then I see her.

Stiletto stands near the entrance, her long hair cascading past her shoulders, eyes bright with excitement.

She catches my gaze and smiles.

A rush of heat fills my chest.

I stride toward her. “Hey, you made it,” I say, breathless.

She steps closer, the energy between us crackling. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I lean in, capturing her lips with mine.

Everything else fades away, only leaving room for me and her.

“Whoa,” she whispers when we pull apart, her cheeks flushed. “Where the hell did that come from?”

I grin, and my father approaches, a knowing look on his face. “Nothing, babe. Just how I feel about today.”

My father pulls her into a warm embrace, and I watch them, a mix of pride and anxiety swirling inside me. “Hello, Song.”

“Good to see you again, Mr. Lion,” she beams, genuine warmth in her voice.

“Called it from the start, didn’t I?” he grins. “Happy you two are finally together.”

“Yeah, never thought it would happen,” she laughs, glancing at me.

But there’s something deeper in her eyes, something that tells me she’s glad it did.

Dad steps up beside me. “I’m glad it did. But, look at this place. You two kids did a damn good job,”

His eyes scan the crowd.

Camera flashes pop like firecrackers.

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