Maddox:
The clang of weights hitting the padded floor echoed through the gym like a war drum. My chest heaved as sweat dripped down my spine, soaking through my sleeveless hoodie. I gritted my teeth, refocusing on the barbell in front of me. My muscles burned, but it wasn’t enough. Not even close. I added another plate, ignoring the tightness in my forearms. Pain was welcome right now. Pain was simple.
But no matter how much iron I lifted, it didn’t quiet my mind.
Jules.
Her name repeated like a metronome in my head. That damn scent she wore still lingered in my senses. Soft, clean, something sweet—maybe vanilla? The exact kind of scent that made you lean closer without realizing it. Her laugh. Her voice in class. The way her eyes had flicked to me and away again like she didn’t know w
