The gym was quiet, save for the rhythmic clank of weights and the low hum of the air conditioning. Junior wiped the sweat from his brow, his arms trembling as he racked the barbell. He'd been pushing himself harder than usual lately, trying to keep up with the athletes who trained here. But no matter how much he worked, he always felt like he was chasing something—or someone.
Across the room, Aria was stretching, her muscular frame glistening under the fluorescent lights. She was the kind of athletic that made people do a double-take—powerful yet graceful, with curves that defied the stereotype of a "gym rat." Her toned arms and legs were a testament to years of discipline, and her confidence was magnetic. Junior had noticed her the moment he walked in, but she'd always seemed untouchable. Until today.
"You're not gonna hurt yourself, are you?" Her voice was low and teasing, cutting through the silence like a knife.
