Off The Beaten Path

I Want My Money Back

She wiped the sweat off her brow, her chest heaving as she pulled down the back of the short pants she was wearing. She grabbed for her water, sipping despite the overwhelming need to guzzle it down. Everything in her body was on fire.

Levi paused lifting weights beside her, looking at her curiously. "Don't stop." He snapped.

Angrily she continued, lowering her body down, and back up. Down. Up. Her arms and chest screamed. "I can't do anymore." She gasped.

"Nonsense." he replied flippantly, "The cadets have to do 100, so do you."

She sat, glaring at him. "I am not a cadet, Levi. I am an old woman with three kids. I didn't go to boot camp for three years and continually upkeep my body. I am a seamstress."

A couple people nearby looked at them sideways; wisely continuing with heir own business. He sat, resting his elbows on his knees, running a hand through his sweat drenched hair. Bernell's heart tripped despite her anger and stubborn refusal to give in to his touches or words until he had decided what he wanted. She hoped he would decide soon.

Spring was coming.

"Next exercise then." He decided, walking away and towards the track that was outlined in chalk in a large area in the back of the gym.

Bernell stifled a groan, following slowly. She hated running.

"Ready?" He set down his towel and water, lifting a brow in the challenging, superior way of his.

She grimaced, nodding and standing beside him at the starting line. She felt his eyes on her again, closing her own. she felt disgusting. She wished he'd stop looking at her. Bernell know she was covered in sweat, she could feel it drying to her skin. Her face would have been red from exertion, her hair sticking to her face and damp. She was absolutely sure she didn't smell so sweet.

"Ready?" He whispered, his voice was low and deep.

She felt that familiar desire unfurl in her stomach. She clenched her teeth and fought against it.

"Go." she whispered, racing off ahead of Levi.

She knew her lead wouldn't last, but she needed to get away from him. Her mind whirred as her feet fell in a pattern she kept rhythm to with her breathing. In, in, out. In, in, out. Vaguely she was aware of Levi beside her, passing her. Bernell couldn't stop thinking. Her braid slapped against her back, her sleeveless shirt kept her well ventilated though the top that constricted her chest had already become soaked through with sweat and even more gathering where her skin touched. She itched, she realized suddenly. Her feet faltered and she stopped, stepping sideways off the track to avoid being an obstacle. Levi was waiting for her.

"H-how long was I running?" She realized suddenly she was out of breath and her legs were burning. They felt like cooked noodles at her hips. She wobbled to a bench.

"Nope." Levi grabbed her arm, hauling her back to her feet. "Walk a lap."

To her dismay he didn't release her arm and didn't pull ahead like normal, instead staying beside her. The silence was awkward.

Levi cleared his throat. "It's been a few weeks since you've started meeting me here."

Bernell remained silent, refusing to look at him.

"I've noticed a lot of changes in you. You're getting stronger."

"You're a brutal teacher." Bernell responded, "Get stronger or die." She exaggerated.

He nodded solemnly, making her grin. "Best way to weed out the weak."

She snorted in response.

"I want you, Bernell." His voice dropped and she felt his gaze.