Chapter 62

VESTA'S POV

Dom was late. Again. Fifteen minutes late, which wouldn't normally bother me, except today all the good equipment was hogged. I scanned the weight room, disappointment prickling my skin. Every squat rack was occupied, barbells were scattered across the floor like fallen soldiers, and the only treadmill available was the one perpetually stuck at a slow jog.

"Ugh," I muttered, grabbing a stray yoga mat and heading for the corner. At least I could stretch while I waited. Just as I unrolled the mat, Kia, the resident know-it-all, sashayed in, her perfectly manicured nails glinting under the gym lights.

"Hey Lila," she drawled, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Mind if I borrow those weights?"

I raised an eyebrow, noting the empty squat rack behind her. "Actually, yeah. I was going to use them."

Kia scoffed, a high-pitched sound that grated on my nerves. "Were? Honey, this gym isn't a reservation system. First come, first served."

"Except I was here first," I pointed out,