Leo smirks at her response.
Leo leads us to a silent section of the building, a corridor that has numerous rooms. He stops in front of one door and begins entering the code. Suddenly, a loud commotion shatters the quiet corridor.
Men, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, rush toward us. Some are buzzing with excitement, others exhausted. I instantly spot two familiar faces.
Roxion quickens his pace when he sees me. “Hey, Avira!” He pulls me into a tight hug. He’s so drenched it’s as if he just emerged from a swim, my jacket sticks to his chest.
I pull back slightly, I’m not exactly a fan of soaking wet bodies. “Congratulations,” I say.
He grins, running a hand through his dripping hair. “Thanks. Want to come with me?”
I open my mouth to refuse, but a low, growling “No” comes first. I glance at the man who wants me to love someone else, looking visibly pissed.
So I say, “Oh, why not,” and give that hypocrite a sweet smile. “I’ll be fine.”
He watches me, jaw clenched. The beads of sweat running from his scalp down that sculpted jawline only make him look hotter than hell. Did I say I’m not a fan of sweaty bodies? Forget that, so long as it’s Zoan, I’m a devoted fan.
Roxion drapes an arm around me. “Let’s go.”
Well, I’ll use this opportunity to make things clear with Roxion.
From behind us, someone calls out, “Hey, beautiful.”
A sharper, silencing voice cuts through: “Stay away from her.”
The corridor falls silent again. The players disperse to their rooms. Roxion opens his suite, and we step inside.
He presses me gently against the door. I chuckle awkwardly and step aside. “The race was nice,” I say, moving away from him.
He watches me with a serious expression. “You don’t like me.”
I came here ready for this conversation, but a little warm-up would have been appreciated. Never mind.
I drop a fake chuckle. “I love someone else.”
Disappointment flickers across his features. “Then why did you agree to go on a date?”
“My family forced me. I can’t tell them about the man I love. He is… you know,” I glance around, “an enemy.”
Yes, I’m cribbing straight from my novel’s script.
He nods in understanding, then offers a sad smile. “He must be lucky to have you.”
I look down, guilt washing over me. I told him my family forced me to go on the date, but that’s not entirely true. I also entertained vivid fantasies of making Zoan jealous.
“I’m sorry, Roxion.”
He places his hands on my shoulders. “It’s okay. I like you, and I’m not thrilled about you loving someone else, but I understand the situation.”
I look up at him. He’s so genuinely good. I wish he meets someone who can love him unconditionally.
I muster my courage, embracing my inner shamelessness, and ask him the favor I need.
chapter 23
Zloban
Four minutes, twenty-five seconds. Thirty-five more seconds.
