Chapter 17: Cool Off!
She spun around in an instant, her sharp violet eyes locking onto Lucas, who stood a few feet away with his hands tucked into his pockets.
He had that damn smirk again, the one that made it look like he knew something she didn't.
Her glare hardened. "What are you doing here?"
Lucas shrugged. "Stretching my legs. You know, taking in the view." His gaze flicked to the dumbbells. "Didn't expect to see you sneaking off to lift weights in secret, though. That's dedication."
Nina exhaled through her nose, unamused. "I don't train in secret. I train in peace."
Lucas chuckled. "Same thing when you don't tell anyone."
She clicked her tongue, crossing her arms. "What do you want?"
Lucas took a step closer, his eyes casually scanning her athletic frame. Unlike some of the other girls, Nina wasn't delicate — her body was built for endurance, for movement.
And yet, she still had a softness to her.
A balance of strength and femininity.
"Maybe I'm just impressed," Lucas admitted, tilting his head. "Most people are taking it easy right now, eating, relaxing. But you? You're out here lifting weights on an empty stomach."