Chapter 1: Introduction
The local gym reeked of all kinds of sweat - armpit, feet, thigh. I never understood why people complained about yoga studios. Gyms were the real sweat-houses. All of that was just an excuse though, I guiltily loved perpetuating the cycle—early morning cardio while the rest of the world lay smugly in bed, grateful I didn't need caffeine to bolt upright at ungodly hours like a meerkat on Red Bull.
I was about to start my routine when I heard a sweet chuckle.
"Cardio again? Are you ever going to actually lift a weight?"
I turned around and nearly choked on my water. There stood Alia, clad in gym gear tasteful enough to show off her fit physique without looking too provocative. Although, there was definitely something provocative about her confidence.
"Alia, right?" I managed, surprised by the huskiness of my voice.
"Yep, that's me," she grinned, leaning against the treadmill rack sniffing her water bottle before taking a swig.
"Well then," I said, wiping my face with a towel. "How's your workout going?"
She pulled a face. "Honestly, I could use some help. Mind spotting me for squats?"
Half an hour later, after getting acquainted while correcting her form, we were both a little flushed.
The endorphin rush was flooding our veins, making silly banter come easily. Our eyes would meet more than necessary, the tension crackling softly in the air. I took a deep breath and pointed at the free weights.
"Want to try some bicep curls?" I asked.
She followed me over, watching intently as I showed her the movement. A bead of sweat dropped onto her chest, sliding slowly down her cleavage. I swallowed hard, slowly lifting my gaze back up to meet hers.
She caught me staring and her lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Like what you see?" she murmured, her voice low and sultry. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as she stepped closer, so close I could smell the faint tang of sweat on her skin.
"Alia, I..." I started, but she cut me off with a finger pressed against my lips.
"Shh, don't talk. Just show me."
And without another word, she reached down and gripped the waistband of my shorts, tugging them down in one swift motion.
I kicked them off impatiently, my arousal painfully obvious in my tight boxer-briefs.
She wasted no time, reaching down and wrapping her hand around my shaft, stroking slowly from base to tip. My breath hitched as she explored me, tracing the veins on the underside of my cock.
"Fuck," I muttered, throwing my head back. She smirked, leaning in close to whisper in my ear.
"You like that?"
I could only nod, my voice trapped somewhere in my throat.
Alia's grip tightened, tugging at my sensitive skin with just enough force to send shivers down my spine. She pumped her hand up and down, matching the rhythm of my labored breathing.
I needed more.
Without a second thought, I reached down and slipped my fingers under her sports bra, running my thumb over her nipple. It pebbled at once, eliciting a gasp from her that turned into a moan. I tugged at the cup of her bra, impatient to feel her bare skin against mine.