Elena’s POV**I joined the gym because I wanted to feel stronger by the end of summer. The place was small but expensive-looking—black rubber floors, mirrored walls, rows of gleaming machines that smelled faintly of metal and disinfectant. I’d signed up online, paid the fee, showed up in leggings and a cropped tank, ready to sweat out whatever leftover freshman-year stress was still clinging to me. Marcus was behind the desk when I walked in. He was taller than he looked on the website photos—broad shoulders, arms thick from years of lifting, dark hair cropped short, a faint scar running along his left eyebrow. Forty-three, divorced, owner and head trainer. He smiled when I handed over my membership card—polite, professional—but his eyes dropped to my hips for half a second longer than necessary.“First time here?” he asked. “Yeah,” I said. “Trying to get in shape for fall semester.” He nodded, handed me a towel, pointed toward the free weights. “Start with the bench press
Last Updated : 2026-02-14 Read more