Page 176 of Knotting the Firefighters
So close.
Millimeters from tactical victory.
Next time I won't miss.
I huff—theatrical indignation while climbing to my feet with less grace than his evasion.
"I'm going to kick your ass properly next time," I threaten without actual heat, already moving toward the exit.
"Off to shower in the male locker room!" he calls, retreating toward safety with speed that suggests genuine concern about follow-up attacks.
Male locker room.
Separate facilities.
Because apparently integration has limits.
"Fine!" I project the volume to ensure he hears from a distance. "I'll just shower all aloneeeee in my designated Omega space!"
Alone.
In the shower.
Completely naked and unsupervised.
Subtle hint.
Extremely subtle.
He pauses mid-stride—body language broadcasting internal conflict, torn between safety and temptation I'm deliberately offering.
I don't look back, maintaining a pretense of disinterest while executing a perfectly calculated move. Bending down with deliberate slowness to retrieve a hair tie that I absolutely dropped on purpose, ensuring my position provides an optimal viewing angle.
Thin leggings.
Soaked through with sweat in all the right places.
Glimmering in early morning light that highlights every curve and damp spot.
Particularly, the damp spot that indicates exactly how affected I am by him specifically.
The gasp behind me is subtle but unmistakable—a sharp inhale that communicates his body's immediate response to the visual stimulus I'm providing.
Got him.
Hook, line, sinker.
Tactical seduction successful.
I straighten slowly, still not looking back, a smile spreading across my face with predatory satisfaction. My feet carry me toward the women's locker room, a newly constructed facility that Station Fahrenheit added specifically to accommodate my presence.
Private shower.
Designated Omega space.
Complete with a lock that I definitely won't be using.
The facility is modest but functional—single shower stall, small changing area, bench for sitting, basic amenities that suggest they'd consulted actual women about design rather than making assumptions.
