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Chapter_211
Hera knew that nothing secured the heart like a feeling of absolute trust. She smiled up at Nash as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss.
Her arms wound around his neck, and she closed her eyes, lost in the warmth of his embrace—
“Her—!”
The office door flew open. Skadi, clad in her crisp white martial-arts uniform, froze mid-step.
Hera and Nash sprang apart, their cheeks aflame. Skadi stared in stunned silence.
Hera’s face burned even hotter. “Skade, I—”
“Uh… carry on, you two!” Skadi stammered, backing out of the room as fast as her uniform allowed.
Nash’s brow furrowed. “No—wait—”
By the time he recovered his composure, Skadi had already closed the door.
“I—really didn’t mean to interrupt!” Skadi called from the hallway.
Hera sank behind her desk, mortified. “It’s your fault for barging in without knocking!”
Nash shot her an amused glance. “You were the one who wrapped your arms around me!”
Hera’s blush deepened. “Doesn’t matter—it’s still your fault!”
“Hey, show some mercy to your single best friend here!” Skadi shouted, then re-entered with mock indignation.
Hera threw herself onto the desk, giggling. “Alright, alright—truce!”
Skadi crossed her arms. “I’m warning you: next time I’ll tickle you until you cry.”
Hera squealed as Skadi delivered a few gentle jabs. Nash merely cleared his throat.
“Knock it off,” Hera panted, thwarted. “Or I’ll have Nash teach me a secret technique and get my revenge.”
Skadi straightened, smoothing out her crisp uniform. “Stop teasing—didn’t I tell you I have a match today?”
Nash raised an eyebrow. “A challenge?”
Skadi nodded. “Last night, the Sagen Martial Arts Academy issued a formal duel to the Zabel school. I’m on my way to represent my grandfather’s association—and I wanted to see you before I left.”
Hera’s eyes shone with excitement. “A school-versus-school showdown? Tell us everything!”
Skadi grinned. “Later. Right now, I have to go warm up and bless your desk with some sage for good luck.”
She delivered a quick hug, then dashed out, leave-behind steps echoing down the hall. Nash and Hera exchanged amused glances.
“Well,” Hera said, leaning back, “at least we’re not the only pair mixing business with pleasure.”
Nash chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Indeed. Now shall we get back to those expansion plans—once besties and rivals have had their fill of sparring?”
Hera nodded, sliding her chair forward. “After that kiss interruption, I think some very productive work is in order.”