Page 128 of Celestial Combat

His voice, rough and dark, halted me in my tracks.

I froze in the center of Zane’s office, stolen access card in hand. Taking a deep breath, I finally gathered the courage to turn around, only to realize Zane hadn’t addressed me.

He didn’t know I was here. But… He’d said my name.

Curiosity tugged at me, and before I could second-guess myself, I stepped closer.

Peering through the crack in the door, the bathroom was a haze of mist, the tiles glistening with condensation. Through the steam, I glimpsed Zane under the spray of the shower, his back to me.

His wet, black hair clung to his neck, and water cascaded down his body, tracing the contours of his muscles.

One hand was propped above his head on the tile, his other hand…

Moving in rhythmic strokes in front of him.

My eyes widened with realization, as I felt my face slightly warming. To stop myself from doing something stupid, like say his name and get his attention, I bit my lip.

His muscular form was adorned with intricate black Japanese-style tattoos, the designs flowing seamlessly over his shoulders and down his spine.

I’d never seen him shirtless before – and now I knew why. The sheer power and force he exuded made my heart race.

A deep groan rumbled in his chest, and his hand started moving faster.

Realizing the intimacy of the moment, my cheeks flushed, liquid fire dripping between my thighs.

I stepped back, careful not to make a sound, and exited the office.

Leaning against the closed door, I exhaled, trying to steady my racing heart.

One thing I now knew for sure… Zane wanted me.

Chapter 33

Present

Midtown, New York City

HEAT WRAPPED AROUND ME LIKE silk.

Thick clouds of steam clung to the cave-rock walls of the spa chamber, curling into the dim, golden light that poured down, soft from lanterns overhead. The water was milky, almost white, rich with minerals and healing herbs.

Python had a whole floor dedicated just to private rooms offering spas, jacuzzies, saunas, and more.

I was nearly chest-deep, arms spread across the cool stone edges of the pool, head tipped back, eyes shut. Muscles uncoiled in the silence. I hadn’t felt this still in days.

Then –

A splash. Soft, careful.

My eyes opened.

She was already in the water, slipping between the haze and steam like a siren that was about to drown me.

Her curly hair was tied up, little coils framing her face at the edges. Only her shoulders and face broke the water’s surface. Pale skin glistened under the amber light.

A black cherry blossom tattoo curled over her left collarbone, ink dancing just where skin met shadow.

“Kali,” I said, not moving; my voice low and steady.