Page 116 of Divine Obsession

Soft ambient music and lavender wrapped around me as I stretched into a downward dog. The yoga studio was peaceful, a small oasis in the middle of the chaotic city. It had been weeks since I’d made time for this, and every breath I took helped to slowly unwind the knot of tension in my body.

This was my escape; my space to breathe without the weight of the world, the job, or anything else on my shoulders.

As I switched into a cobra pose, a flash of black in the mirror caught my eye. Standing at the back of the room, his gaze locked on me.

I tensed, my heart skipping for a split second before the irritation quickly flooded in.Of course, he’d show up here. He always had a way of appearing at the most inconvenient times, no matter how much I tried to avoid him.

It had been a month since I’d last seen Trevor. I knew the next time would come, butin my yoga class?

I shook my head slightly, trying to refocus, but his presence as imposing as ever, made it impossible to ignore him. I continued to stretch – from cow, to one leg pigeon, to lotus – trying to push him out of my mind, but his eyes stayed on me, unwavering.

The instructor moved to the front, signaling the end of the class, and I slowly rolled up my mat, collecting my things slowly – careful to avoid Trevor’s eyes.

Walking over to where he was by the frame, I pushed through the door. He was right there, stepping out just as easily, his presence settling beside me like a weight I couldn’t shake off.

“You couldn’t wait another fifteen minutes?” I asked, trying to sound casual, but irritation leaked into my voice.

He smirked, matching my pace as we walked through the luxury SoHo gym.

“You couldn’t text?”

“I like seeing you in person. Less room for misunderstandings.”

“More room for you to piss me off, you mean.”

“Always a pleasure, Natalia.”

I didn’t respond, just kept walking, my footsteps quick and sharp. But Trevor didn’t let me get too far ahead. His stride matched mine as if we were still in sync, still tethered to each other in ways neither of us fully understood.

“You could’ve waited in the car like a normal person,” I said, half under my breath, as we stepped outside the gym, onto the sidewalk.

Trevor’s footsteps were too close behind me as I walked across the street, to the place that served the green smoothie I always got after yoga. Pushing open the café door, the familiar sweet, earthy smell of matcha and fruit pastries comforted me.

“Your usual?” The barista, a girl I recognized from my regular trips, asked before I could even say anything.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Trevor leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching me with that look I’d come to hate. That smug, knowing gaze that said he thought everything was some kind of game.

Four years ago I would’ve avoided his eyes.

Now, I raised my chin and stared right back at him.

“So, yoga, huh?” He mused, breaking the silence. “Who knew you were the zen type?”

“It’s just a workout,” I replied, not bothering to look away as I picked up my cup and moved to walk past him.

“Looked different from where I was standing,” Murmuring, he leaned over and paid for my order before I had the chance. “And you went for the smoothie because it’s good for your health?”

“It’s calming. Unlike you,” I shot back, my pace quickening slightly as I pushed toward the door. The icy, spring air hit me again as I made it outside.

“Ah, so I’m the problem,” His voice followed me, smooth and taunting.

“Finally, you understand.”

He chuckled softly, though I practically felt it more than heard it since he was so close behind me. “You still wearing thatGivenchyperfume?”

I glanced at him over my shoulder, frowning. “What’s it to you?”

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