Lila’s POVTHE FIRST thing I heard was breath. Not mine. Not the horses either.It was the sound of controlled exertion, steady and sharp, cutting through the cold night air like a blade being honed.“Again.”Jacob’s voice carried from the far end of the stables, low and hard, followed by the dull thud of impact. Something heavy met something harder. Wood. Leather. Maybe flesh. I paused just inside the open doors, the smell of hay and oil wrapping around me, grounding me in a way the house no longer did.I should have turned back.I did not.He was shirtless.Of course he was.Sweat slicked his skin despite the chill, muscles moving with ruthless precision as he drove his fist into a hanging bag. Each strike landed with intention. No wasted motion. No anger spilling loose. It was anger folded tight, compressed into discipline.Again.The word did not leave his mouth this time. His body said it for him.I stayed quiet, leaning against the stall door, watching. I told myself it was curi
Last Updated : 2026-01-28 Read more