Raj To The Max

Chapter 6

After school the next day, we sped home on the motorcycle. Yes, I'd surprisingly gotten used to being a biker by now, though I still wasn't convinced it was the safest option in the coldest city in the world. As we peeled through Yakutsk's icy streets, the chill seeped through every layer, and I could feel my bones practically freezing over.

Once home, we freshened up, and out of the blue, Max turned to me with that confident glint in his eye.

"Come. I'll take you to the gym."

We suited up and took the bike to his gym. Inside, it was finally warm enough to peel off our jackets, and I almost wished I hadn't. Max was in a muscle shirt and joggers, looking way too fit, his shoulders and arms on full display. Meanwhile, I stood there in my basic dri-fit shirt and track pants, feeling like the universe was doing its best to test my willpower.

Max led me through some warm-ups, showing me the ropes for our workout plan. But right in the middle of it, a pale-skinned Asian Russian girl—beautiful, with sleek black hair and warm brown eyes—strode over with a smile and said something to Max in Russian. They talked briefly, and she giggled before walking away, casting a final glance over her shoulder.

I tried to shake off the prickle of jealousy creeping up, but couldn't help myself.

"What was that about?" I asked, aiming for casual, though I could hear the edge in my voice.

Max glanced at me, an amused smile playing on his lips.

"I rejected her."

A wave of relief hit me, and I just nodded, trying to keep the smug grin from creeping onto my face as I internally kicked myself, fully aware I have a boyfriend.

"Uh, just curious, how often does that happen to you?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"A lot, actually," Max replied, his confidence radiating. "But I'm not into any of them."

I couldn't help but wonder if he had a girlfriend.

"So, you must have a girlfriend, right?" I ventured, hoping he'd say yes, so I could just forget about him.

"Nope," he said, the word hanging in the air for a moment.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" he shot back, his gaze locking onto mine.

My stomach dropped. The truth was a heavy weight in my chest, and I could feel the hesitation creeping into my voice as I answered.

"No."

Max raised an eyebrow, his expression curious.

"Huh. I thought you did."

The implication hung between us, sending my heart racing. Did he think I was cute? I swallowed hard, my palms getting a bit sweaty as I fumbled for a response.

"I've never had a girlfriend," I confessed, trying to keep it casual. But he obviously doesn't know that I'm as straight as a circle.

Max nodded, looking thoughtful.

"Well, I've had quite a few," he said, the words coming out lightly, as if he were just sharing a fun fact. But it made me feel lowkey intimidated. So, he's popular and straight.

But what if he's bi deep down...

Stop it, Raj!

"Alright, enough talk," Max announced. "Let's hit the weights."

We moved over to the weight area, and I couldn't help but feel the nervous flutter in my stomach. Max demonstrated a few exercises, his muscles flexing as he moved. I tried to focus on my form rather than the sight in front of me, but it was hard to ignore how effortlessly strong he looked.