Page 45 of Clash of Sin and Secret

Zane’s free hand cups my face, his thumb brushing my cheek. When his lips meet mine, the world falls away. There’s only us, only this moment, only the sacred bond flowing between us like molten gold.

When we part, Jack dips his chin. “Congratulations, kids. You’re embarking on one of the most incredible bonds of your lives.”

Zane swallows. “And I couldn’t be happier. I love you, Scots. I’m honored to have you at my side.”

I draw a deep breath. “It’s where I’ve always belonged.”

His gaze softens. “I’m sorry I almost ruined everything.”

I shrug. “We took a long and winding road to get here, but we got here. That’s all that matters.”

When the moment passes, I meet the gazes of the other three men in the room. “What now?”

Jack smiles. “Now you train. Your powers will really come into play, and you need to learn how to wield them. Tucker better up his game.”

Tucker chuckles. “Ready to spar, beautiful?”

My stomach tightens with anticipation while excitement surges through me—I love sparring with Tucker. Jack is always careful with me. He taught my father to fight and Da taught me. I know the style of their moves.

Tucker challenges me in ways I never expect.

Huntley walks to the center of the room with us. “Sit this one out, big guy. I’ll take her on tonight.”

Jack raises an eyebrow at him, bemusement dancing across his features. “You sure about that? She isn’t fully in control of her powers. If she powers up, it could get dangerous.”

Huntley flashes me a cocky smirk and pulls his blond hair back into a man bun. “I’m willing to take the chance. I need to have a solid understanding of what she’s capable of.”

Jack shrugs, amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Just remember—you asked for this.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Huntley

Hot water sluices over my shoulders, easing the ache of fresh bruises blooming across my ribs and back. Scottie didn’t hold back during our training session—not that I wanted her to—and she got a few impressive hits in. The force behind her kicks proves she’s leveled up since she left us.

I’m not sure if it’s the addition of her squire powers or not, but I’m glad.

I truly want her to be the best she can be.

And, if I’m being honest with myself, there’s a part of me that believes that if she excels here, we really can have it all.

Zane hasn’t said much, but I know he and Scotland spent hours naked and reconnecting. Whatever they got up to, it’s like a thousand-pound weight has been lifted off Zane’s shoulders.

He’s got a spring in his step and a smile in his eyes I haven’t seen since it all went bad.

Steam clouds the glass walls as I press my palms against the tile, letting my head drop forward. Bran’s video message playsthrough my mind as it has a hundred times. His stern expression as he explained the “complications” of my relationship with Zane while serving as his protector.

The concern is valid, but the way things are evolving between all of us, Scottie now has the same conflict of interest. Did she mean it when she said she’s picturing all three of us with her?

It seemed so.

The door slides open, bringing a rush of cool air that raises goosebumps across my skin. Scottie steps in, her presence welcome and yet a shock. The angry edge that’s defined our encounters these past weeks is gone.

“Do you mind the company?” Her voice carries none of its usual tension as she moves closer, water darkening her flaxen hair.

“Come on in, the water’s fine.”

“So is the view.”

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