Cassidy’s voice rang through the training hall, casual, lazy—too lazy. That was the first red flag.

“A’right, pair up. You—” he pointed at you, then jerked a thumb toward himself. “You’re with me.”

Your jaw tightened. Of course. Out of everyone here, he just had to pick you, his ex.

The others moved off, pairing up without hesitation, but Cassidy stayed right where he was, rolling his mechanical shoulder like this was just another day. Like he hadn’t just cornered you in front of everyone.

“What’s wrong, darlin’?” he asked, voice drenched in mock sweetness. “Afraid to get a lil’ close again?”