Chapter 5: Gym Day (R18+)

DAMIEN'S POV

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. My bedroom was still dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of my alarm clock. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, feeling a mix of exhaustion and determination.

I reached over to turn off the alarm, which was blaring in my ear. 5:30 AM. Gym day.

I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the cool air hit my skin. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

My mind is still fresh with my conversation with Adrian last night. I do get his concerns so I decided to think of it. But for now, I pushed those thoughts at the back of my mind.

Sometimes it hurts my ego that he is thinking more mature and clear-headed than me even though I am four years older than him. He isn't just a best friend for me, he can even pass as my little brother given how close we are to each other. He always thinks in advance in everything using his calculated mind.

After a quick stretch, I got out of bed and began my morning routine. I stumbled to the bathroom, flipping on the light switch and squinting at my reflection in the mirror. A quick shower later, I was feeling more alert. I stood in front of my closet, scanning the rows of clothes for the perfect gym outfit. I finally settled on a pair of fitted gray sweatpants and a black sleeveless hoodie.

As I changed, I mentally prepared myself for the workout ahead. I had been slacking off for a few weeks, and I knew I needed to get back on track. I headed to the bathroom to grab my gym bag, which was already packed with everything I needed: my water bottle, towel, and headphones.

I headed to the kitchen to grab a protein shake. When I reached the kitchen, Adrian was already there holding his protein shake while his gym bag was on the counter top. He is wearing fitted gray compression shorts and gray tank tops.

"You ready?" He asked.

"Yeah, I feel like my body is stiff so I needed to loosen it today." I replied "Is that mine?" I asked while pointing at the protein shake near him.

"Tsk. As if you don't know the answer." he answered smugly.

Adrian and I usually go to the gym together. We actually have small gym in the penthouse which we usually used on our gym day during weekdays. The building had also a gym but I insisted on going to the VIP gym five blocks from our place. Well, I chose it because I met a lot of new people there.

Adrian exited the penthouse first then I decided to follow. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, ready to take on the gym and push myself to new limits.

As I locked the front door behind me, I felt a surge of energy and motivation. Time to get to work.

A few minutes later, I stepped into the gym, the familiar smell of sweat and metal hitting me like a punch to the gut. I loved this place. It was my sanctuary, my happy place.

Adrian and I parted ways and headed to different sections of the gym as he needed to shoot some videos for him wellness vlog.

I made my way to the weights section, my eyes scanning the room for an empty bench. I spotted one in the corner and headed straight for it.

As I lay down on the bench, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. This was it. This was my time to unwind, to clear my head.

I grasped the barbell and lifted it off the rack, feeling the weight settle into my hands. I took a deep breath and began to lift.

The burn in my muscles was almost immediate, but I welcomed it. I reveled in it. This was what I came here for – to push myself, to test my limits.

Sweat dripped from my brow as I continued to lift, my muscles screaming in protest. But I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.

This was my therapy, my release. And I was just getting started.

I noticed on my peripheral vision that a familiar woman is watching me while working out. A smirked registered on my lips then I do extra moves to subtly flexed my muscles. I saw her throat blobbed down. I looked at her, our eyes met then I delivered the killer blow by winking on her. She blushed and felt a little shy.

Almost an hour passed, I decided to go to the shower room.

The cool tile beneath my feet contrasted sharply with the heat that surrounded me in the gym shower room. I had just finished an intense workout, my muscles still throbbing from the effort, and the steam rising from the multiple showers created an inviting haze that wrapped around me. As I stepped under the water, it cascaded down my body, washing away the sweat and fatigue.

My mind wandered as I let the hot spray envelop me. I was lost in thought, enjoying a rare moment of solitude when I heard the unmistakable sound of the door swinging open. I glanced over my shoulder, catching sight of her.

She stepped in, and for a second, all time stood still. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, and the droplets on her skin glistened under the overhead lights. I recognized her from the gym—Vera, the striking woman who often accompanied her workouts with fierce determination. But today, there was a relaxed air about her, as if the weight of the world had been lifted, leaving behind only the hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Hey,” she said, casually running a hand through her hair, her voice mixing with the sound of rushing water.

“Hey,” I replied, a little breathless, feeling the heat rise in the room—and not just from the steam.

She walked further inside, seemingly unaffected by my gaze that traced her every movement. I couldn't help but admire the way her skin glowed, the way water cascaded down her curves. I felt heat radiate from my body, and I swallowed hard, reminding myself to play it cool.

We stood in silence for a moment, the air thickening with unspoken energy. I was acutely aware of the space between us, a magnetic pull drawing us closer. As I turned to rinse the last traces of soap from my body, I felt her presence beside me.

“Mind if I join?” she asked, a playful lilt in her voice that sent shivers down my spine.

“Not at all,” I managed, trying to maintain my composure as she stepped under the spray next to me. Instantly, a warmth enveloped me that had nothing to do with the water.

The spray hummed around us, and as we stood side by side, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Water dripped from her fingertips, and she laughed softly, a sound that felt intimate in the confined space.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” she said, tilting her head back and letting the water run through her hair.

“Yeah, it does,” I replied, my voice a little huskier than I intended.

There was a charge in the air now, one that made my heart race. I could feel her warmth radiating from beside me, our shoulders almost touching. I turned to her, and in that moment, the world outside vanished, the only sound the beating of our hearts.

We held each other's gaze, the tension building between us. My hands found their way to the tiles on the wall for support, and I took a small step closer. I could feel her breath quicken, our bodies responding to the unspoken dance happening between us.

“Do you ever feel like just… letting go?” she asked, her voice low and inviting.

“Every day,” I replied, my heart pounding as I took another step closer, narrowing the space that separated us.

”Do you mind doing extra work out sessions here with me?" she asked again, her voice is flirty and seductive.

"Of course I don't mind as long as you don't. But I want to warn you, I like it hard” I replied again, my voice huskier.

The intimacy of the moment settled around us, thick and electric. I reached out, fingers lightly brushing against her arm, the sensation igniting a fire within me. She leaned into my touch, her skin soft and warm beneath my fingertips.

Without thinking, I closed the distance. Our bodies pressed together, the water drenching us both, but it was the heat of contact that left me breathless. Her eyes widened slightly, surprised yet intrigued, as if she had been waiting for this moment too.