Page 92 of Hero's Heart

“Sloane, don’t leave town,” he said as she turned away. “That’s all I ask.”

“Is that a request from the sheriff or the man?” She walked away, not expecting an answer.

Maybe because she already knew.

For him, they were both the same.

Chapter 32

The solid metal of the key felt cool in Callum’s palm as he turned it in the lock of Linear Tactical’s private gym. Normally, at this predawn hour, he’d be working out in his garage at home, but today, the very walls of his house seemed to suffocate him with reminders of Sloane.

After the hellish day he’d had yesterday, he thought exhaustion alone would grant him a few hours’ reprieve. But sleep had proven elusive, his mind churning with all the ways he’d screwed things up.

He shouldered open the heavy door, hoping to find solitude, but paused when he spotted a large figure already lifting at one of the weight racks. Bear. The younger man sat up, giving Callum a nod of acknowledgment.

“Hey, man. I can clear out of here if you need the space to yourself,” Callum offered, even as his muscles itched to unleash some of his pent-up energy and turmoil.

Bear shook his head. “Nah, it’s all good. Plenty of room for both of us. What’s your poison today? Bench? Squats?”

“Actually, you up for a few rounds in the ring?” The urge to hit something, to take a few hits himself, suddenly overwhelmedCallum. A heavy bag wasn’t going to cut it. He needed to spar, needed the adrenaline and endorphin release of skin-on-skin combat. “I’ll go easy on you, of course.”

Bear barked out a laugh as he hopped up and began strapping on protective gear. “Pretty sure it’s you who’ll be wanting me to go easy, old man. But sure, I could use the practice.”

They met in the center of the ring, tapping gloves before the match began. Despite the age difference, Callum knew Bear would be a formidable opponent—young, strong, with boundless stamina and a hell of a right hook. Callum had experience and technique on his side, but he found himself wanting to draw out the match, to feel each landed punch in his bones.

So, he did. He threw himself into the fight, holding nothing back as they circled and jabbed. A hook to Bear’s ribs. A cross that snapped the younger man’s head back. He took hits of his own. The sting and ache felt good, grounding. Slowly, the rolling turmoil in his gut began to settle. This, at least, was something he could control. Something he was good at.

Unlike relationships.

After three brutal rounds, they leaned against the ropes, chests heaving and sweat dripping. Despite the safety gear, a cut over Bear’s eye trickled blood, and Callum could feel his own cheek beginning to swell. But damn, if he didn’t feel a little better.

“Jesus, Callum,” Bear panted, unwrapping his gloves. “You were really going at it today. Everything all right?”

Callum huffed a humorless laugh. “Not really. But I could say the same about you. What’s eating you?”

“Ah, just the usual,” Bear replied with forced lightness. “Wanting things I can’t have. Story of my life.”

Callum opened his mouth to press for more details, but Bear turned the questioning around on him. “So why are youreally here at this ungodly hour? It’s obviously something to do with Sloane. Everyone could see the tension between you two yesterday at the Eagle’s Nest. And Joy looked ready to skin you alive.”

Callum’s shoulders slumped. He’d already told Bear about his relationship with Sloane. The urge to confide, to unburden himself about the rest, suddenly overwhelmed him. “It’s…complicated.”

“Isn’t it always?” Bear’s tone was gentle.

Callum took a deep breath. The words came out in a rush. “Sloane’s pregnant. With my baby.”

Bear stood frozen, his mouth agape. “Holy shit,” he finally managed. “I, uh… Wow. That’s… I mean, congratulations? Or…sorry? I don’t know what to say here, man.”

Callum barely registered Bear’s stammering. The reality of everything crashed over him like a wave, stealing his breath.

He was going to be a father.Responsible for a tiny, innocent life.

His legs suddenly felt rubbery beneath him. He needed to sit down. He staggered to the edge of the ring and sank onto the floor, his back against the ropes.

He was going to be a father.

Bear rubbed the back of his neck, still looking supremely uncomfortable. “Wow. That’s…big news.” He grimaced. “I’m probably the last person who should be giving relationship advice. I don’t exactly have a stellar track record with women.”

“Why don’t you let me take over this conversation, Bear.” They both spun to see Zac Mackay leaning up against a far wall. “I slipped in while you two were going at it in the ring.”

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