Page 160 of Celestial Combat

Kali gave the most exaggerated stretch I’ve ever seen – arms high over her head, back arching like she’d just yawned after a nap. But her fingers brushed the edge of the album.

I watched it all happen from the periphery, biting down on the inside of my cheek.

She flicked her wrist casually and the cover of the album closed with a softthup.

No one noticed but me.

Trevor kept talking, but my attention was nowhere near it.

Kali, eyes innocent and unreadable, sat up straighter and leaned back on her palms – like nothing had happened. Like she hadn’t just saved both our asses with a single flick of her fingers.

I cleared my throat, nodding at something Trevor said, though I barely heard it.

Kali gave me the faintest glance.

But it was enough.

I wanted to pull her into my lap and thank her with my mouth, but all I did was offer the smallest smirk across the living room.

We were safe.

For now.

The door clicked shut as Trevor left, and suddenly the loft felt too big. Empty. Echoing.

That’s when her eyes caught it – the piano in the corner, glossy black, its polished lid reflecting the soft late-afternoon glow. I’d had it delivered last night, slipped it in while she slept.

Kali stepped closer to the instrument, silence swallowed by her soft footfalls. I followed, heart pounding.

“You got me a piano?” she breathed, running a hand along the sleek wood.

“Yes. You told me you used to love playing the piano when you were younger. Said you wanted to start playing again… Thought this would be perfect to pass the time here.”

Her breath hitched. She blinked, eyes shining. “Why would you do this for me?”

I stood and moved closer, words rushing now. “Because you deserve something beautiful–”

“Zane,” She interrupted me. “What are we doing?”

There was nothing casual in her tone.

“What do you mean?”

She swallowed, gaze flicking to the piano, to me, back to the piano. “We’re not supposed to be… Together,” she whispered. “This – this isn’t right. I’m your boss’s daughter. Your best friend’s little sister. You’re supposed to be my bodyguard.”

“I know that,” I replied, voice tense.

“So then, what are we even doing? We can’t be together.”

“Look. I know exactly how wrong it feels to sneak around people that we care about,” I said softly, taking small steps toclose the space between us. “But every time I’m with you – there’s nothing I want more.”

“What if this ends badly?” she asked, voice cracking.

“I’d lose a lot.” I stopped in front of her and without hesitation, reached out and pulled her close. “But I’d lose more if I never tried. You’re worth it.”

Her chest trembled. She looked everywhere else but me, tears gathering. “I don’t know if I can–”

“Kali,” I said sternly, my jaw flexing.

---