Game of Hearts

The heavy front door of the luxury athlete housing unit clicked shut behind Zara like the final nail in a coffin. The sound echoed through the sleek, modern space that smelled of expensive cologne and barely contained rage.She stood frozen in the entryway, suitcase handle tight in her grip, eyes locked on the man who had just become her worst nightmare.Kai Reynolds leaned against the kitchen island, arms crossed over his bare, sculpted chest. Gray sweatpants hung dangerously low on his hips, revealing the sharp V-line of his abs. His dark hair was still damp from a shower, and those intense, stormy eyes burned into her with pure, unfiltered hatred.Neither of them spoke for a long, suffocating moment.Finally, Kai’s deep voice cut through the silence like a blade. “You’ve got some fucking nerve showing up here.”Zara’s heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to let him see her fear. She lifted her chin, gripping her suitcase harder. “Trust me, this is the last place I want

The kiss still burned on Zara’s lips as the SUV carried them back to the athlete house in heavy silence. Neither of them had spoken since they left the balcony. The air between them was thick, electric, and dangerous.Kai stared out the window, jaw locked so tight a muscle ticked in his cheek. His hand flexed on his thigh like he was still fighting the urge to touch her again. Zara sat as far away from him as possible, arms wrapped around herself, trying to steady her breathing.She could still taste him. Feel the possessive grip of his hand in her hair. Hate and desire twisted so tightly inside her chest she wanted to scream.When they finally stepped inside the house, Kai closed the door behind them with deliberate slowness. The soft click sounded louder than it should have.Zara didn’t even make it two steps before he spoke.“We need to talk.”She spun around. “There’s nothing to talk about. That kiss was a mistake. It won’t happen again.”Kai stalked toward her, eyes dark and inte