Page 111 of The Clinch
“And you lost it.” For a second, I have to fight my own face. His hand tightens at my waist. “I’m sorry.”
I don’t say anything. Neither does he. He doesn’t reach for language. Doesn’t offer a lesson, a plan, a brighter angle. He just stays there, taking the hit with me.
I keep staring at the stroller because if I look at him, I’ll crack. We stay there a moment, his shoulder near mine, giving me something to brace against.
Then Adam’s voice breaks through from the patio.
“I brought zero-proof beer, seltzer, and a morally responsible amount of orange juice.”
Matthias follows, calm and expressionless, holding a small digital kitchen scale as if it belongs at a party.
Nate squints at it, then goes right back to the grill without comment.
Matthias shrugs, compelled to explain. “I’m in a cut.” He sets the scale on the counter and aligns it with the edge using two fingers. “Precision is easier than regret.”
Finn leans close to me and stage-whispers, “This is why we love him. He’s insane, but rational about it.”
Off to the side, Sloane, the Defenders’ new communications director, perches near the patio doors with her phone in hand and sunglasses shoved into her hair, talking to Jessica. Black romper. Gold hoops. The posture of a girl boss who can end a career with two taps.
She listens with focused patience. Jessica stands half turned toward the conversation, half turned toward Aidan and Maeve, tracking both without blinking.
They carry the same kind of calm that makes men either straighten up or step back.
Then the back gate clicks.
“Sorry!” a deep male voice calls. “Traffic was a crime.”
Heads turn as Lukas steps in, big frame, relaxed posture. A presence that makes space without asking for it.
I know him. Everyone does, eventually. Lukas is Eden’s sparring partner—the one who used to ask her out with a grin that made thenoland soft. When Eden chose Nate, he stepped back without a fuss and kept sparring with her anyway.
Eden’s face lights up. “You made it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Lukas’s smile is pure trouble.
Finn drifts toward him immediately, drawn in. Leo follows at an unhurried pace.
“Lukas,” Leo says. “This is Finn.”
Finn’s charm snaps into place automatically. “I’ve heard about you. Eden’s a generous storyteller.”
Lukas laughs. “She’s an animal.”
Leo points at Finn, assigning him. “Finn needs a few rounds before preseason. Keep his hands whole.”
“Sure,” Lukas says. “Come to my gym downtown. We’ll keep it clean. Pressure without damage.”
Leo’s mouth twitches. “He means he’ll make you miserable without bruising your ego.”
Finn beams. “Exactly what I need.”
Sloane steps closer with Jessica at her shoulder, phone finally in her pocket.
“Sloane,” Leo says. “Meet Lukas.”
Sloane looks up and pauses. Lukas’s smile doesn’t disappear, but it changes, as if he’s bracing for impact. The pause runs just a shade past polite.
Sloane’s expression stays professional, but her thumb taps once against her thigh. Fast. Involuntary.
