Page 35 of Crossing Lines

“I can’t have you dying on my watch from the paint fumes.”

“So youdocare about me.”

She flips me off and disappears into the bathroom, taking my focus with her, leaving the world a little dimmer in her absence.

Chapter 9

Nina

The next day, I walk through the house, making notes on what still needs to be done, which is a ton. I haven’t made as much progress as I thought I would. I still need to finish the guest room I’m currently working on, make Stella a cozy music room, maybe a gym, and figure out everything for the dining and living rooms. So basically, I have almost the whole house still to do.

Heading to the room next to the garage, the one I’m planning on turning into a gym, I need to draft some ideas. Unfortunately, I’ll have to buy everything new and not thrift it. Spending money on gym equipment isn’t something I want to do, but I will for Stella. The only issue is I’m allergic to working out and don’t know what’s actually needed.

Taking out my phone, I call Hunter. He works out regularly and must know what’s needed.

“Are you okay?” he asks immediately.

“Yes, why?”

“You never call. And my feelings are hurt.”

“I’m sure Elodie can kiss it better,” I say. “But I need your help. I need to outfit Stella’s home gym and I don’t know what machines to get.”

“Honestly, I’d keep it simple with free weights, ankle weights, a balance ball, a treadmill, and mats.”

“Why?” I ask. “I thought she’d want something complicated?”

“Based on what I’ve gathered from Elodie, I’m pretty sure Stella does a mixture of cardio, weights, and Pilates to stay in shape for her tour. If you start with the basics, she can fill in the items she’s missing.”

A thud sounds from the garage. What the hell?

“Okay, thanks, got to run. Talk later.” I hang up, my heart pounding so hard it’s like it’s trying to break through my rib cage.

Is someone here? I glance at the time on my phone. It’s too early for Evren to be home. I tiptoe to the wall and press my ear against it, listening for any clues before I make a run for it.

There’s music playing, as well as some…grunts? Someone laughs and Evren says something. What the hell? He’s home, and it’s only six p.m.?

I creep toward the open garage door and find Evren and Zeki sparring. There are some black mats on top of the concrete floor while they circle each other. Both are shirtless, sweat covering their muscles. Zeki is leaner anda tad shorter than Evren. Objectively, Zeki’s hot, but next to Evren, he’s average.

How long have they been out here?

My breath hitches as I watch Evren throw Zeki around as if he weighs two pounds instead of two hundred.

Evren and Zeki are locked in a silent battle, their bodies a blur of motion as they spar. I’ve seen Evren shirtless at the pool, but there’s something different about seeing him like this.In the raw intensity of this moment,it’s like he’s stripped bare,not just of clothes but of any pretense.His focus on Zeki is absolute, and I’m not able to look away.

There’s something about Evren that pulls me in when he’s dominating in martial arts. His muscles ripple and flex,and I’m literally drooling at the way his body responds instinctively to every challenge Zeki makes. Zeki lunges,aiming for Evren’s hips,but Evren counters with a swift underhook,using his leverage to sweep Zeki’s legs out from under him.

Zeki hits the mat with a thud.

I must make some sort of noise—one I really hope isn’t a moan because Evren’s acting so dominant and sexy—because the next thing I know, both of their heads snap in my direction.

Sssoooo, I’ve been caught.Clearly.

But I refuse to slink away in embarrassment. Instead, I straighten my shoulders, planning to own this moment.I start a slow clap and walk toward them. “Hope you didn’t hurt anything important there, Zeki.”

“Why?” he asks, breathing heavily. “Are you worried I won’t be able to give you kids?”

“Gross.” I pretend to gag.

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