Valentina jumps. Her eyes widen. "Who is it?"
I shake my head and rise. I go to the door and open it.
Zara pushes past me with sharp eyes and fierce energy. She rushes toward Valentina. "Are you okay?"
Shame pops back into her expression. "Word travels fast."
Zara pins her gaze on me and firmly announces, "Sean's waiting for you at the gym."
My jaw tightens. "Now?"
"Yes. Don't drag your feet. Get moving," she orders.
I hesitate. I don't want to leave Valentina. Not today. Not when invisible stitches hold her smile together.
She places her fork down. Her voice is too calm. "Go."
"Valentina—"
"Go," Zara reorders.
I keep my eyes on Valentina. "I'll come check on you later."
Zara's blues dart between us.
Valentina shifts in her chair. She puts on a fake smile. "Brax, I'm fine. Thanks for everything."
Thanks for everything?
I scowl.
Zara pushes my chest. "Go on. Sean's waiting."
I cave, take the stairs two at a time, appreciating the sting in my calves. I exit the stairwell into a gust of wind, find my footing, and break into a jog.
Fresh bread wafts from the bakery. The corner newsstand has a line of buyers, and a group of commuters clutches their coffees like life preservers. Chicago grinds awake around me like everything is normal.
It's not.
By the time the gym comes into view, my lungs burn, and my pulse is a heavy drumbeat in my ears. I lunge up the stairs and pop out into the gym.
The smell of sweat and metal slaps me in the face. Metal weight clunks on machines. Groans, chatter, and dense, meaty thuds vibrate from the boxing bags.
Killian and Finn are already arguing by the ring, their gestures dramatic enough to knock over a grown man.
Finn spots me first. "Well, well. Look who decided to join the land of the living."
Killian crosses his arms. "Thought you died. Or finally got yourself arrested. Or joined a fucking monastery."
I give them a flat look. "Nice to see you too."
Sean jumps toward the ropes, already taped and warmed up. His eyes give me one quick, assessing sweep. He doesn't waste a single second. "Get in the ring."
I duck between the ropes and climb next to him.
Sean peers closer. He mutters, "All good?"
"Yep." I slide my hand into my glove, internally wincing when it hits my skull.
