The weight room smelled of sweat, metal, and the faint menthol of muscle rub. Afternoon light slanted through the high windows, catching on the racks of iron and the mirrors lining the far wall. Most of the team had already finished their lifts and headed out, but Caleb had lingered—ostensibly to spot the last few guys, really to keep me in his line of sight.
I was on the bench press, teeth gritted, trying to push through the lingering pain in my ribs. The bar felt heavier than usual today, each rep pulling at the deep bruises Kane had gifted me. I managed three more before my arms started shaking.
Caleb was there instantly, hands hovering under the bar without touching it. “That’s enough.”
“I’ve got two more,” I hissed, arms trembling.
His voice dropped, low enough for only me to hear
