Jasper nodded toward the corridor leading to the cat enclosures.
“She decided to pick out a kitten,” he said, sounding a bit more relaxed now, though his gaze remained guarded.“Come on.”
They walked down the narrow hallway together. Nina was acutely aware of how his hand occasionally brushed her elbow as they passed close to each other.
At the cat section, Lynn was already crouched by one of the cages, reaching her fingers toward a tiny gray kitten with huge eyes. Veronica stood beside her, clutching a clipboard to her chest, enthusiastically pointing from one kitten to another as she talked.
“This little gray one is the most energetic,” Veronica was saying, tilting her head so her red curls fell over her shoulder.“But he’s also the most affectionate. And this tabby—he’s a born hunter. If you’ve got mice or feather toys, he’ll adore you.”
Lynn smiled and slipped her fingers between the bars. The gray kitten immediately latched on with tiny claws, nibbling and licking her hand with enthusiasm. Nina couldn’t help smiling at the sight—Lynn’s face lit up, her eyes shining with pure delight.
Jasper stepped closer and stopped beside Nina. She felt his warmth at her side, as if he were deliberately staying close. Or maybe that was just her imagination.
“You picking one?” he asked Lynn.
Lynn looked up at both of them, grinning.
“I don’t know,” she said, still petting the kitten.“They’re all adorable. But probably this one. He’s hilarious—look, Dad!”
Jasper leaned down to peer into the cage. Nina watched his expression soften as he gently touched the kitten’s paw.
“Good choice,” he said with an approving nod.
Warmth spread through Nina’s chest as she watched them together. For a moment, they looked like a real family—the kind she’d always longed for.
Veronica smiled too, observing the scene. But when her eyes met Nina’s again, that smile faltered slightly. As if she suddenly remembered Nina didn’t belong here.
Nina ignored it. She was here for Lynn.
“We’re planning to grab lunch after this,” Jasper said suddenly, straightening and glancing at Nina.“You coming with us?”
Nina hesitated for a heartbeat, her pulse quickening. She wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do—if she was getting too close, too fast. But it was a chance to spend more time with Lynn.
“Yes,” she said softly, forcing calm into her voice.“Why not?”
Immediately, she felt Veronica’s sharp, almost hostile stare. Her eyes flashed, bright and furious—like Nina had just taken something that rightfully belonged to her.
CHAPTER 56
The urge to pound the heavy bag drowned out everything else.
Jasper tightened the wraps around his hands, listening to the sound of his own breathing. It grew deeper, heavier. Everything inside him churned, but he kept it locked down.
Nolan appeared in the doorway of the gym, tossed his sports bag onto the bench by the wall, and stretched with a crooked grin, rolling his shoulders. His eyes landed on Jasper, and Jasper felt that familiar knot tighten in his gut. What the hell was he doing here? Jasper hadn’t invited him.
“Ready?” Nolan asked casually.
“You should be asking yourself if you’re ready,”Jasper smirked.
“I’ll go easy today. Give you a chance to work off some anger.”
Jasper snorted and stepped forward, pulling the wraps tighter. He saw how carefully Nolan was watching him, jaw set, already sensing this wouldn’t be a normal spar.
“So you know I’m still pissed,” Jasper said, stepping into the ring. The ropes flexed under his weight, the mat creaking beneath his feet.
Nolan lifted his gaze, his expression turning serious.
“You think I did something wrong,” he said evenly, moving closer.“But I don’t owe anyone explanations. Not even you.”
