The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 123

Another beat of quiet. Then Zane’s voice dropped, rougher now, weighted in a way I hadn’t heard before. “I don’t want you to see me that way.”

I froze, my hands stilling on my armor straps.

…Right. That was my cue to leave.

*

When I returned, the tent smelled of leather, dust, and the coppery tang of sweat. My armor clinked as I unfastened the buckles one by one, the straps digging into sore shoulders. The chest plate slid forward, heavy in my hands, before I propped it against the bench.

I was halfway through loosening the bracers when a faint rustle brushed against the canvas behind me.

I didn’t turn. I knew that scent by heart. “You know,” I said, tugging at a stubborn strap, “peeking into a girl’s changing tent is generally frowned upon.”

A low voice, smooth and irritatingly amused, answered, “I apologize. But I should get points for the lengths I go just to talk to you. Besides, it’s a good thing I’m not just anyone.”

I glanced over my shoulder. Callum stood inside the flap, one hand braced on the pole, eyes scanning the room before landing on me.

“You’re blocking the light,” I said, not bothering to hide the smile tugging at my mouth.

“You’re blocking half the school’s expectations and sponsors right now.” He stepped in, letting the flap fall shut. “Congratulations. I heard you obliterated the speed trial. Or most of it.”

I shrugged like it was nothing, though my chest was still buzzing from the scoreboard. “I heard you did the same in the men’s category. Guess we just had a good day.”

“That wasn’t luck,” he said, voice dipping lower. “I’m strong, but you’re just unreal.”

I looked up from my bracer. “Careful, Callum. Compliments start to sound a lot like encouragement.”

His mouth quirked in the faintest grin. “Maybe I mean them to.”

The space between us hummed for a beat before his expression shifted, warmth cooling into something more deliberate. I edged back, the tent suddenly too small.

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