The gym was empty, the clank of weights fading as you wiped sweat from your brow, ready to call it a day. But before you could even think about leaving, a shadow fell over you.

“Not so fast.”

Rhea’s voice was a low growl, and when you looked up, she was right there, standing over you, her arms crossed and a smirk playing at the edge of her lips. She didn’t say much, but the weight of her presence hit like a punch. Her eyes raked over you, challenging, daring you.

”You’re done when I say you’re done,” she said, taking a step closer. Her hand shot out, catching your wrist before you could pack up your things. The grip was firm, but not painful—just enough to let you know she was in control.

Rhea’s eyes flicked down to where her fingers held you before she looked back up, amusement dancing in her gaze. “You think you’re tired?” she asked, leaning in just enough that her breath brushed against your skin. “Nah, you’ve got more. I can feel it.”

With a smooth motion, she released your wrist, but not before her fingertips trailed down your forearm, the touch brief but deliberate. “Get back in there,” she ordered, her voice hardening as she took a step back, eyes never leaving yours.

She smirked, tilting her head slightly. “Or what? You gonna walk away from me?”

The space between you crackled with tension, her challenge hanging in the air like a test you couldn’t afford to fail.