Devotion

Chapter 7

LEOMI

Ares dropped me off this morning after I woke up, realizing I had spent the night at his place.

Surprisingly, last night turned out fine. I had been nervous about going over there, especially since we hadn't spoken in a week, but he actually agreed to hear me out.

I also thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn't. It made me realize that he doesn't like me; he just wants to tease me like he's been doing since we first met.

We ended up playing video games for the rest of the night. It was fun, and I know he sometimes let me win, but I still rubbed it in his face.

I pick up my phone from my bedside table to check for new messages, and the first one I notice is from Zamira, making sure I'm okay.

Zamira: Hey! Just wanted to check in after last night. I don't know what happened, but we couldn't hear you anymore, and I've been texting you ever since.

Me: Hey, Zami! I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you texted. I'm okay. I told Ares I was just playing.

Zamira: It didn't sound like he was.

Me: I don't think he believed me from the start. He was just playing along.

Zamira: Well, okay then. I'll talk to you soon!

I put the phone away and decide to get up and start my day.

After eating breakfast and taking a quick shower, I grab my gym bag and a bottle of water from the refrigerator before heading to the local gym, wanting to stay in shape. I can't remember the last time I worked out. The first time I tried it was in the gym in my building, but I hated it.

It was too loud and crowded, and I needed something a bit quieter.

As I walk to the gym, I put my headphones on and tune out everything else.

It takes me less than five minutes to arrive. I take the elevator to the third floor, and when I step out, I smile. This is exactly what I've been looking for.

I head to the locker room first to change into my gym outfit: a simple sports bra, leggings, and running shoes. I use a hair tie to secure my hair.

I start with a warm-up, and when I check for an available treadmill, I find one open and head straight for it, not bothering to see who's using the one next to it.

"Ares," I say, removing my headphones when I realize he's using the treadmill next to mine.

"Are you stalking me, Rose?" he smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as I get on the treadmill and start using it.

"No," I reply, rolling my eyes. "I didn't expect to find you here. Why are you here?"

"The gym in my building is getting renovated," he explains, and I nod in understanding.

"What's your reason for being here?" he asks curiously when I don't say anything else.

"I don't like the gym in my building. It's too crowded," I reply with a hint of annoyance.

"And this one isn't? It's bigger," he remarks, raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly. So even if there are a lot of people, they're not as close to me as the people in the last gym were," I explain, gesturing around at the spacious gym.

He hums in response and then falls silent. We both continue our exercises in quiet concentration.

After about five minutes on the treadmill, I step off to do some squats with dumbbells. To my surprise, Ares follows me.

"Are you stalking me?" I ask teasingly, emphasizing the "you" and making him chuckle.

"Maybe we just have the same routine," he replies casually.

"I doubt it," I retort with a grin as I start the squats, focusing on my form.

"How are you liking Hollywood so far?" Ares asks as we continue our workout.

"Are you trying to make small talk, Ares Archer?" I respond playfully, with a giggle.

He grunts before admitting, "Sure, why not?"

"You just don't seem like the type for small talk, gro tèt," I explain.

"What does that mean?" Ares asks, clearly curious.

"I can't tell ya," I reply coyly.

"Why not?" he persists.

"How about this: if you tell me what you said the other day in Italian, I'll tell you what I said in Creole. I have a bad memory, so when I tried looking it up, I couldn't remember the exact words," I propose with a grin.

He grabs his phone to look up what I said, but I quickly run over to him and try to grab it from his hand. He raises his hand out of my reach, and despite my attempts to jump and reach for it, I can't, which frustrates me-something unusual for someone who stands at five feet eight inches tall.

"Can't reach it?" he smirks, looking down at me teasingly.

I roll my eyes in annoyance before deciding to back away and return to my workout. As soon as he lowers his hand, thinking I've given up, I swiftly turn and snatch the phone, holding it behind my back with a triumphant grin.

"Maybe not, but I'm smart enough to trick you," I retort confidently.

"I already told you what it means," he responds casually as he walks closer. I instinctively back away, shaking my head.

"I don't believe you," I start to say, but before I can react, he's already grabbed the phone from my hand.

"Hey!" He laughs as he looks up what I said, keeping the phone out of my reach.

Then, he looks down at me and says, "I do not have a big head."

"Yes, you do. It's okay though, I think it's cute," I tease.

"Stop calling me cute," he retorts, sounding offended, which makes me laugh.

We spend the rest of our time at the gym bantering and joking with each other, and I can feel us getting closer. I smile, realizing I've made a new friend.

Afterward, we both head to our locker rooms. When I come back out, I find him waiting for me.

"You waited for me?" I place a hand on my chest, feigning surprise, and he rolls his eyes.

"No, I was on my way out, but since you're here, let's go," he replies casually, starting to walk.

I shake my head in amusement before falling into step beside him, walking with my head down, simply following him as if I don't have eyes of my own, not realizing how much trust I've already placed in this man.

We wait for an elevator to become available, and as soon as one arrives, I hear him call my name. We both step inside, and I hum along to a song as the elevator descends. Ares remains silent, but suddenly, the elevator comes to a stop with an unusual noise, signaling that something might be wrong.