Page 28 of Everest

There’s a beat of silence between us, not uncomfortable, just thick and unspoken. It's almost like she's reading my thoughts. The sound of the crowd fades, and for a half second, I feel the same pull I always feel when she’s around, like gravity is getting stronger.

London speaks up, and I prepare for the usual sass. Instead, she surprises me with, “It’s an incredible turnout.”

“Not gonna bust my balls?” I respond blandly.

London smirks. “You want me to?”

I’d rather be balls deep in you.The thought sears my brain, and by the look on London’s face, I’m questioning if the words fell out of my mouth.

London huffs, crossing her arms under her breasts. “I’m trying to be nice. I know what this place means to you.”

“Seen the inside yet?” I ask, leaning into the pleasantries she’s dishing out.

“You offering to give me a tour?” She studies me.

“If you’re willin’.”

“I’ll lead the way.” London saunters toward the entrance, her hips swaying slightly.

The second we step into the gym, the shift in sound is noticeably quieter. I spot Luna and Tequila at the back of the room and feel their eyes tracking our movement as we walk around the ring. London walks beside me, taking it all in.

London scans the room. “Why boxing?”

I look at her. “It requires discipline. You have to follow the rules and learn respect. It encourages kids to think about themselves and others. This place can provide a refuge for kids when the temptations in the streets start whispering in their ears. I know it won’t save everyone. But it might save one. That’s what matters.”

Her gaze lingers on me for a beat longer. There’s something in her expression I can’t quite read. Whatever it is, it’s softening the edge she usually wears like armor.

I gesture to the ring. “You ever box?”

London smiles. “Only in court.”

I chuckle. “I believe it.”

We start walking the floor, passing walls lined with framed photographs of the kids we’ve helped and come to know over the years, along with headshots of famous boxers for inspiration.

“This is impressive,” she says, rolling her hand along the bottom rope and momentarily pausing. “I enjoy giving you shit,Everest, but I’m sincere when I say your dedication to the kids in this community is commendable.”

Outside, the noise swells as Charlie’s voice cracks through the megaphone. He is about to announce the raffle winners.

With that, the tour is over.

London and I drift toward the door, sunlight slapping us in the face as we step out into the hot, sticky southern, no-mercy kind of heat. A ripple of laughter explodes nearby. Then, out of nowhere, a swarm of kids charges past like a damn stampede.

I react on instinct. My hand clamps around London’s waist, hauling her against me just as a kid barrels too close. Her body crashes into mine, her soft curves press against my chest, and fuck if it doesn’t short-circuit my brain.

London gasps, her hands braced against me and her eyes snapping to mine with surprise. Her pupils dilate, and her lips part like she’s about to speak but can’t find the words.

I keep my hand on her waist, feeling the heat of her skin burning through the thin fabric of her shirt.

I should let her go.

But I don’t.

Neither does she.

We’re locked in. Everything around us fades. It’s just the two of us in this charged second. Right now, all I can think about is how good she would taste if I leaned in and kissed her.

“Lon.” A voice cuts through the moment like a blade.

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