Page 125 of Celestial Combat

And worse…

Imissedit.

“So,” Tony said, in that casual way of his, picking up a pair of thirty-kilogram dumbbells like they weighed nothing. “You and theSamurai, huh?”

I blinked. “What?”

Tony arched a brow, like he didn’t believe my innocence for a second. “C’mon,Kals. I got eyes.”

“There’s nothing going on. He’s my bodyguard. Trevor’s best-friend. That’s it.”

Tony chuckled behind me. “Right. So, you just happen to stare at each other like you’re either about to kill each other or tear each other’s clothes off… For fun.”

My cheeks flushed despite myself. I focused on my form – slow, steady lateral raises, anything to keep my hands busy and my mind offhim.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I can’t believe you’re lying to me right now. After everything we’ve been through!”

I swallowed. My chest tightened.

“He works for my family,” I said finally, voice low. “He’s sworn to protect me, not…Whatever you’re implying.”

Tony paused, setting his weights down gently. “Right. Cause you’re both such rule-followers.”

I stayed quiet.

He leaned against the rack beside me, arms folded again, watching me with something softer in his eyes this time.

“Look, I like Zane,” He said. “He’s scary as fuck and way too serious, but… He’s a good guy. And if there’s something between you two, maybe don’t ignore it just because of your last name.”

“I don’t think I have a choice.”

“You always get to choose.”

I stood there a moment longer, dumbbells in hand, heart louder than the music.

Oh… My God.

Tony was… Right?

I scoffed, setting the weights. “Since when are you so wise?” I asked, half-joking, half-serious.

Tony laughed. “Please. I’ve been wise since birth. My mother used to say I came out quoting Sun Tzu.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “Your mom also thinks you’re a saint.”

Tony was Silvia DeMone’s youngest kid, meaning he’d always been the adored baby.

“Exactly.” He flashed a grin. “She’s clearly got good judgment.”

I rolled my eyes and reached for my water bottle.

“Just saying. Whatever you and Zanearen’t… Figure it out before it figures you out. Shit like that doesn’t stay buried. ‘Specially in our world.”

I paused mid-sip. The air in my lungs felt heavier.

“Noted,” I said quietly, clearing my throat.

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