Lara's POV
The air outside was cool and heavy with mist. I hugged my arms against my chest as I stepped onto the front drive. Marco stood a few meters away, already stretching, his breath steady, his movements smooth and controlled. He looked perfectly at ease, as if mornings like this belonged to him.
When his eyes found mine, he smiled faintly. "You took longer than I expected."
"I am here, aren't I?" I replied, keeping my tone light.
He nodded once and gestured toward the long path leading down the driveway. "Then let us see if you can keep up."
I glared at his back as he started running ahead, long strides eating up the distance with effortless grace. Determined not to let him win, I followed, my heart pounding harder with every step, not only from the run, but from the way he looked so impossibly composed.
