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Max pauses briefly, glancing up. “I do. She’s heading undercover tomorrow. Not my place to spill specifics—you know the rules—but it’ll be good for her. She needs this.”

I nod slowly, satisfied. “Just wanted to confirm someone’s watching her back.”

“Always,” Max assures me quietly. “She'll be fine.”

With a final nod, I accept the gentle dismissal. “I'll see you soon, Max.”

“Stay safe, Seanna.”

I step back into the hall, closing Max’s door behind me with a quiet click. The muted echo of my boots on polished concrete keeps me company as I head toward the exit, but my pace slows when I notice unexpected noise spilling from the training room. Usually, operatives stagger their schedules to keep suspicion at bay, yet tonight the mats buzz with restless energy.

Pausing in the doorway, I lean casually against the frame, crossing my arms and absorbing the scene. In the center, Bodhi and Thorn are locked in fierce, unyielding combat—two alpha males equally as broad, powerful, and brimming with ego, neither willing to surrender an inch. Fresh-faced recruits surround them, wide-eyed, laughing, and heckling the spectacle unfolding in front of them.

Bodhi moves with dangerous grace, ducking smoothly beneath Thorn’s heavy strike. Thorn mirrors him, solid muscles rippling beneath a thin sheen of sweat, matching Bodhi’s cocky grin with a calculating smirk. The raw, competitive energy between them fills the room, barely restrained beneath their playful façade.

Bodhi’s eyes flicker toward me, his grin wolfish and teasing. “Look sharp,” he calls out suddenly, his eyes sliding toward me. “Boss’s kid is watching. Can’t let Seanna report back that we’re slacking.”

Oh, perfect—someone to take my frustration out on.

Thorn straightens slightly, offering an equally cocky grin. “She’s just jealous she missed all the fun.”

I roll my eyes dramatically, stepping forward from the doorway. “You two enjoying your little show for your fan club?”

“Always,” Bodhi drawls lazily, eyes glittering with amusement and challenge. “Think you could handle a round, princess?”

Thorn chuckles darkly, arms folded confidently across his chest. “Careful, Bodhi. She bites.”

“Only if you beg nicely,” I reply, arching an eyebrow, lips curving into a slow, wicked smile.

The recruits erupt in amused cheers and whistles, encouraging the challenge. Thorn gestures arrogantly toward the mats. “Prove it, sweetheart. Unless you’re worried about ruining up your pretty little outfit.”

“Cute,” I retort smoothly, slipping my leather jacket off my shoulders and tossing it aside without hesitation. “The only thing I’m concerned about ruining here is your fragile male egos.”

Laughter roars through the room as I step onto the mats, rolling my shoulders slowly, adrenaline already pumping like liquid fire. They both regard me with matching cocky grins, clearly confident that I’m no real threat. Let them underestimate me—it’ll make victory all the sweeter.

Bodhi steps forward first, theatrically cracking his knuckles, eyes gleaming mischievously. “Alright, princess, let’s see if you’re more than just talk.”

“Funny,” I reply sweetly, adopting a fighter’s stance. “I was about to say the same to you.”

The recruits laugh louder as Bodhi feigns hurt. “Ouch. And here I thought we were friends.”

“We are,” I smirk playfully, eyes glittering with challenge. “I just like reminding you of your place.”

Thorn chuckles. “Better watch yourself, Bodhi. You might lose your dignity here.”

Bodhi lunges swiftly, aiming to catch my wrist. “Predictable,” I tease, sidestepping effortlessly and driving an elbow sharply into his ribs. “Maybe try something original?”

He pivots quickly, retaliating with a low kick I barely dodge. “Better,” I admit sarcastically, circling him, eyes locked in challenge.

He charges again, feinting high and attempting a quick sweep to my legs, but I leap back gracefully. I immediately return fire, striking swiftly with rapid jabs. He blocks expertly, grinning widely as he lands a glancing strike to my shoulder.

“Not bad,” he concedes, eyes gleaming. “I almost felt that.”

I smirk back, breath quickening slightly. “Then let me make sure it sticks this time.”

He lunges again, gripping my forearm firmly. “Gotcha,” he taunts.

“Think again,” I retort sharply, twisting free and spinning behind him to land a solid strike between his shoulders. Bodhi stumbles forward, quickly recovering and closing the gap, his powerful arms encircling my waist. I drive my knee upward sharply into his thigh, forcing him to loosen his grip.