Not a word passed between Nova and Yoa as they moved through the shadowed passageway of his hideout. The silence between them was loaded with unspoken fears, anticipating the impending encounter at the lake, each consumed by their own thoughts, their steps growing heavier. The tension was thick, and the only sounds were their breathing and footsteps—scratch that, it was only Nova's breaths they could hear.
The entire journey through the secret passageways and caves was all uphill. Apparently, the StairMaster machine at the gym did nothing to prepare her for this. Obviously, Yoa was breathing just fine. Long legs. Athletic build. Unfair advantage. He was just so physically fit…
Nova's eyes lingered on his back, those muscles, just so firm and—alright, less of that.
