Page 169 of Celestial Combat

He brushed his thumb across my bottom lip, grinning and voice husky. “No regrets.”

I laughed softly. “C’mon, babe. Maria and Zach will never forgive us.”

The bathroom was all mist and warm light as we showered together, music drifting through the apartment. I emerged wrapped in a towel, hair damp and up in a claw clip while Zane was shaving in front of the mirror, naked.

“You should go dressed like that,” I called over my shoulder as I stepped into our bedroom, searching for my silver party dress.

“Careful.” He called from somewhere behind me. “Keep talking like that and we’ll never leave.”

I laughed, already massaging lotion and scented oils into my skin, and getting ready, before slipping into my lingerie and padding barefoot to my vanity.

As I brushed powder across my cheeks and lined my lips, dried my hair and styled it straight for the first time in months, Zane was getting ready himself behind me. Putting on his aftershave and cologne, and then his suit.

I caught my own eye in the mirror – and then his in the reflection.

I stood and made my way over to him,tugging him closer by his tie. “You always look good in a suit,” I whispered, eyes flicking up to his as he finished putting on his cufflinks and watch.

“And you…” he replied, voice low, gaze raking slowly over my body and the navy lingerie as his hands settled on my naked waist, “Are gorgeous. You take my breath away, baby.”

My heart did a funny twist, so I pushed up on my tip-toes and kissed him senseless, arms holding onto his neck as his wrapped around my waist to hold me up.

By the time he pulled on his jacket and slid his hands into his pockets, he looked every inch my perfect counterpart.

I felt a heat rise in my cheeks as I smoothed out my party dress. “You’re going to have to remember you’re my bodyguard tonight,” I teased. “No kissing. No touching. And no looking at me likethat.”

His mouth quirked into a smile that didn’t quite hide his thoughts. “Hm. I’d rather be your date.”

“Youare,” I murmured, turning around to face him, my hands naturally resting on his chest when he pulled me in close again to kiss meone more time.

Our lips brushedone last timebefore we pulled back.

We left together, my heels clicking against the hardwood floors as we entered the private elevator to head to the garage downstairs.

The doors didn’t even have a chance to fully close before our lips met again and I was throwing my arms around him while he held me up in his strong arms.

The penthouse was glowing tonight – golden light spilling from floor-to-ceiling windows, the hum of laughter and jazz swirling around like the champagne bubbles fizzing in my glass. Outside, the Manhattan skyline sparkled like a thousand tinystars, the sharp contrast of dark rooftops and glowing windows making me feel suspended in some beautiful dream.

I leaned into the corner where Zane and I claimed a pocket of privacy, his hand resting casually against my lower back as we scanned the room. It was one of those loud, happy parties where everyone we loved was nearby, and tonight, the city felt like it was celebrating with us.

“Maria and Zach,” I murmured, nodding toward the terrace where they’d been tangled up against the glass for the past twenty minutes, already forgetting the crowd as they kissed like they forgot about the party around them. I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.

I wanted to kiss Zane like that dammit.

“Not even midnight yet and they’re already making it their own holiday.”

Zane chuckled against my ear, his voice warm. “Soon it’ll be us.”

I stole a glance at him, a small smile on my lips. “Yeah.”

I laughed softly, my gaze gliding to the opposite side of the room. Natalia was there with Trevor, glowing like the world’s happiest couple. The gentle curve of her belly was now a little visible in her pink dress, and my brother’s hand was forever resting on her lower back, sometimes moving slow circles like he couldn’t help himself.

“And those two,” I said, feeling my heart swell.

“Your brother’s protective,” Zane agreed, following my gaze, a subtle softness in his eyes.

“More like hopeless,” I tease.

“I can relate,” he murmured and I had to turn the other way to hide my smile.

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