only HIS

Chapter 19 : Power Play

The gym's atmosphere buzzed with energy as Sofia entered, the familiar scent of sweat and determination hanging in the air. She quickly spotted Abhishek near the weights, his presence commanding even amid his workout. His gaze locked onto her when she stepped inside, a playful grin curling his lips.

"Finally," he said, setting down his dumbbells. "I've been waiting for you. Now we can work out together."

Sofia raised an eyebrow, matching his grin with one of her own. "You were the one acting suspicious. Maybe I should teach you some stealth skills. Clearly, you could use them."

Abhishek chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to vibrate through the air between them. "Stealth skills, huh? I thought I was doing pretty well, considering I got the drop on you."

"Please," Sofia scoffed lightly. "I was going easy on you. Besides, I didn't think you were the type to sneak around."

He raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "Who says I was sneaking? Maybe you're just too paranoid."

Sofia's eyes sparkled with a mix of challenge and amusement. "Paranoid, or just very aware of my surroundings. You never know when someone might try to jump you."

As they began their warm-up, stretching and loosening their muscles, Abhishek watched her closely, noting the way her body moved with each stretch. There was a fluid grace to her, but beneath it, he could sense the coiled strength waiting to be unleashed. He rolled his shoulders, pretending to be casual, but his gaze was sharp, taking in every detail.

Moving on to the weights, Sofia selected her dumbbells with care, her eyes flicking to Abhishek as he picked up a pair slightly heavier than hers, lifting them with ease. "Are you sure you can keep up?" he asked, his tone dripping with playful arrogance. "I don't want to outshine you."

Sofia glanced at his weights, then back at him, her expression set in determination. "I hope you're ready to eat those words. I don't go easy on anyone."

Their movements synchronized as they lifted, but the competitive edge between them was undeniable. With each rep, Sofia's focus sharpened, her eyes narrowing at the challenge. Abhishek kept stealing glances at her, impressed by her tenacity, but also enjoying the way her muscles flexed and her determination showed through.

After finishing their sets, Sofia placed her weights down with a satisfied huff. "Not bad for someone who spends more time in meetings than in the gym."

Abhishek smirked, tossing aside his towel. "And not bad for someone who swings bats at people."

The session continued with cardio. As they hit the treadmill, Sofia noticed Abhishek slowing down a bit. "Already tired?" she teased, a sly smile on her lips. "Maybe that bump on your head slowed you down more than you thought."

He laughed, shaking his head. "I'm just pacing myself so I can outlast you. It's all about strategy."

Sofia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "Strategy, huh? Or maybe you're just getting old."

Abhishek shot her a mock-offended look. "Old? I'm in my prime, Sofia. You just can't handle the competition."

"We'll see about that," Sofia said with a smirk.

As they finished their cardio, Abhishek wiped his face with a towel, tossing it aside as he approached Sofia. "Why don't we settle this with a sparring round? Winner gets bragging rights for the rest of the week."

Sofia's eyes gleamed with excitement. "You're on. Don't cry when I win."

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They both geared up, the anticipation thick in the air. As they faced each other, the playful energy from earlier took on a more intense edge. The light banter faded as they squared off, their eyes locked in a silent challenge.