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Zara looks surprised. “Ares is a cop?”

I sigh. “He is. Dad was very disappointed when he couldn’t talk him out of it. He had always thought that the twins would follow in his footsteps and become sports agents when they retired from racing.”

There’s a pensive look on her face for a long moment.

“So many things have changed since the last time I saw you.” She muses.

“You’re right. And Zara, Dad is very excited about you moving in. I think he sees this new blended family as a new beginning for us. He isn’t a bad guy, and he’s head over heels for your mom. There’s just one thing that could cause trouble in your relationship with him.”

Zara isn’t just pretty. She’s also extremely smart.

“Don’t mention motorcycles in front of him. And of course, don’t mention my dad.” She works it out without me having to tell her.

“Pretty much.”

She shrugs. “Those are the same topics my mom hates. You’re right that it’s no surprise that our parents fell for each other. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to fly under the radar. Dad willget a hotel room anyway when he visits, but I’ll have to let him know that he can’t bring his bike within town limits.”

I pull her closer to me and she comes willingly when I circle her waist with my arms. “Let’s not talk about our parents for now, though. They’ll monopolize our time all week long since it’s crunch time with the wedding preparations. You’re right that a lot of things have changed. There’s only one thing that’s still the same from the last time I saw you.”

“What is it?” she asks.

“How attracted I am to you. I like you, Zara.”

I usually don’t pursue girls. Or at least, not with the intention of offering anything more than a fun hookup. I don’t date, and I’m upfront about it. If Lev and I compete for a girl’s attention, it’s just until one of us gets to sleep with her, and then we move on.

But no girl has ever lived rent free in my mind like Zara has for the last two years.

“I like you too,” she smiles. “But I?—”

“Did you leave someone important back in Connecticut? A boyfriend?”

She shakes her head. “No, nothing like that. It’s just that Lev…”

“He likes you too,” I chuckle. “Don’t worry, it’s ok. For now, let’s get to know each other, and then you’ll figure out who’s the one you like best.”

“Really?” she asks. “You don’t mind if I hang out with him, too?”

I put her out of her misery. “Of course not. He’s my best friend. He’s the coolest guy you’ll ever meet. After me, obviously.”

She laughs. “You’re so humble.”

“Nah,” I say, leaning closer. “I just know my worth. I know what I want, and when I want something? I go after it.”

My hand has come up to cup Zara’s delicate jaw. I give her a moment to pull away if I’m going too fast for her. When she doesn’t, I kiss her.

Fuck, I’ve wanted to do this since the last time I saw her.

Chapter 10

The God Of War

ZARA

I’ve been wanting to kiss Chance since the second I saw him again.

His lips are as soft as I remember them.

Chance is hesitant at first, as if he wanted to give me the opportunity to move away if I’m not into this.

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