Page 170 of Celestial Combat

My attention caught on the small storm brewing by the open bar. Francesca was perched on a barstool in her short reddress, one elegant leg crossed over the other, her Louboutins shining in the light – and Matteo leaning in a little too close, his grin as smug as always.

The psycho glint in her eyes I knew too well, told me she was about two seconds away from throwing her drink in his face.

“That one’s going to be messy,” I said, sipping my champagne. “Matteo should know better.”

Zane hummed in both agreement and amusement. “He never knows better,” he replied, lips ghosting my ear as his thumb stroked my side.

Out of nowhere, a girl appeared to Matteo’s other side, lightly resting a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. He turned around on instinct, and that was enough for Francesca to make her escape and abandon Matteo at the bar. He turned around to face Francesca within seconds, but she was already gone, disappearing into the crowd.

The sound of the party roared faintly through the penthouse walls – someone was already leading the countdown, voices tangled together, growing louder with each passing number. Zane’s hand was wrapped warmly around mine as we slipped quietly down a hushed hallway. The guest bedroom we ducked into was dark, but the view of Manhattan on the other side of the floor-to-ceiling windows provided more than enough light.

I could still feel my heartbeat racing from the energy outside as he pressed my back against the door. Looking up at him, his dark hair fell slightly over his eyes, the top two buttonsof his crisp black shirt undone, and there was that secret glint in his gaze that always made my stomach flutter.

“Three… Two… One…” Everyone roared together outside, voices distant and yet electric. “Happy New Year!”

And then it was just him and me.

His hands found my waist and pulled me in, the scent of his cologne rich and familiar. The noise fell away like it belonged to another world as his lips brushed against mine – soft at first, then deeper, like he was promising me forever in one kiss. My hands tangled in his hair, my back arching into him as we held each other close.

Somewhere, a cheer broke through again, followed by the distant pop of a champagne cork, but none of it mattered.

When we finally pulled apart, breathless and grinning, my forehead rested against his. His hands framed my face so carefully, as if I were precious.

“Happy New Year, Zane,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over my own pounding heart.

“Happy New Year, baby,” He murmured, thumb brushing my cheekbone before leaning in to kiss me again.

Chapter 44

Present

New Jersey

THE FIRST MORNING OF THE new year was ink-blue and still, the world outside my window painted in deep shadow. Teterboro was hushed at this early hour, the runway glowing with its scattered lights like tiny stars in the dark. My breath puffed into pale clouds as we crossed the tarmac, my fingers laced tightly with Zane’s as my heels clicked softly against the concrete.

Ahead of us, Trevor’s jet gleamed under the floodlights, all sleek silver and sharp lines against the indigo sky. The chill bit into my cheeks, waking me up far more effectively than the coffee I hadn’t had yet, even with Zane’s suit jacket protecting me from the cold.

Trevor was already up, speaking in low tones to the pilot, one broad hand gesturing casually. Natalia, Maria, and Zach were hanging out on the couches and armchairs, laughing, their voices warm and bright even across the distance.

The moment they saw us make it onto the jet, it felt like stepping into a different world – warm, glowing, and filled withan excited, sleepy energy. Natalia, bundled in a cozy cardigan, squealed when she saw me, her hands resting instinctively on the gentle swell of her belly.

“You made it!” she said, eyes shining, and pulled me into a careful hug when I leaned down to kiss her cheek.

Maria grinned like someone already halfway into vacation mode, Zach leaning into her with his arm draped around her shoulders.

“I can’t believe we’re actually going to Hawaii,” She smiled, shrugging off my scarf as Zane helped me out of my coat.

“I can,” Natalia teased, wiggling her fingers at me, already sporting a freshly painted manicure like she’d been planning this forever. “Your brother is–”

“Ridiculously in love with you.”

“So happy you could make it,” Natalia corrected, eyes sparkling. “Me too.”

The jet’s interior glowed warmly – caramel leather seats, dark wood paneling, little vases of white lilies tucked into glossy holders. Soft music played overhead as I slipped off Zane’s jacket and we both took a seat in the armchairs across Maria and Zach.

As we prepared for takeoff, I glanced around at my friends, my heart swelling with a mixture of disbelief and joy. The girls were already chattering about tropical drinks and sunrise swims, Natalia glowing, and Trevor still talking to the pilot upfront.

Zane brushed his thumb along my palm, his jacket covering our hands, leaning in close enough that I could feel the steady heat of him. “Looks like the year’s off to a good start,” he murmured.