Beneath the Ink

POV: Nadia

The steady, rhythmic thud of a heavy punching bag echoed down the hallway the next morning. Martha had pointed me toward the massive home gym on the east wing of the estate. I pushed the glass door open. The scent of fresh sweat, leather, and lingering cigarette smoke filled the room. Cassian sat slumped back on a steel weight bench, taking a break from his brutal workout.

He was shir