Heat warms my cheeks, but lucky for me, I’m already sweating. I don’t think he notices.
We restart. It's like fighting in slow motion, but Luca is careful. Each time I falter, he adjusts my movements rather than scolding.
“You've got this,” he encourages, brushing my hair back from my face. I feel the surge of gratitude and tension all at once. His closeness is comforting but it also has my heart fluttering.
The last exercise is working on endurance. Short sprints across the gym, ducking and weaving under low bars. I feel like a newborn deer trying to walk. My muscles protest. I push through. Luca matches me stride for stride, occasionally catching me when I stumble.
When the last round ends, we collapse onto the mats. My arms are trembling, my legs feel like lead, but all I feel is pride. I made it, and I'm getting stronger every day.
“Not bad for a month-and-a-half out of hell,” Luca says, shaking his head in mock disbelief.
“I'm... getting there.”
“You're getting stronger for sure,” he confirms. “I'll be here to cheer you on and make sure you never doubt it.”
The words linger in the air between us. I lean back, letting him help me stretch my cramped legs. His hands linger on my shoulders, and I feel the pullof desire, confusion, and trust all at once.
“You know, if you keep looking that good while punching me, I might start enjoying these workouts too much,” he teases, a sly smirk tugging at his lips.
I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my mouth. “Get out of here.”
“I'm serious, you're going to have me developing a weird ass fetish where I pop a boner every time I get punched.”
We both burst out laughing, and I nudge him.
“You're absolutely ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous is my specialty,” he grins. “I enjoy seeing you like this.”
“Like a newborn animal trying to learn how to walk?”
“No,” he chuckles, shaking his head at me, “like you again. Your light is coming back.”
His words cause a flutter in my chest I can't ignore.
I'm standingover a spread of maps and intel on the table with Maeve beside me, Lucian leaning over at the head of the table.
The safe house is quiet except for the soft hum of the computer screens and the occasional tapping of fingers on keyboards. My stomach tightens. Today isn't just another day of training. Today, the others go into the field, and I stay behind.
“Your target will be one of Gideon's businesses.” Lucian points to a set of buildings on the map. “Heavy security, multiple entry points. Cameras, guards, patrols. This is going to be a tight operation. Other teams will hit other buildings and businesses simultaneously.”
I nod, memorizing every detail. “We can use the alley here as a blind spot, and the side loading dock has less reinforcement. They'll likely call for reinforcements once they realize our presence, so they'll need to move fast.”
Maeve leans in, eyes scanning the blueprints. “Comms will be open. We're on standby. Isobel, you'll direct them from here. No improvising beyond what we planned, okay?”
I swallow hard and nod again, gripping the edge of the table. My hands feel clammy. This isn't a simulation. They are going into real danger, and I can't do anything but watch.
The door opens and the boys step in. Jace, Luca, Noah, Felix, and Kellan, all in gear, ready for action. My chest tightens at the sight of them. Especially him.
Luca's eyes flick to me, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Ready to order us around, pretty girl?” His tone is teasing, but there's an undercurrent of worry that I know is meant for me.
I glare at him, feigning annoyance. “You better listen to every word I say, or there'll be hell to pay.”
Jace steps forward, voice low but firm. “We know the plan, Iz. Don't worry about us.”
I want to meet his gaze, to tell him that regardless of everything that has happened, I worry. My throat constricts, so I just nod. Keeping my back straight and my expression neutral.
Noah taps a tablet against his chest. “Comms secure, route loaded. We're ready to move.”
