One Plus One Equals One

Chapter 11 - Cohen's POV

I can't believe I used to have a crush on Gwen as a child. When our families used to meet up, her flowing blonde locks and innocent demeanour always captivated me. Not much has changed. Well, apart from my crush of course, she may be nice to look at but I am certainly not harbouring any romantic feelings for her anymore. Don't get me wrong, I think she is a nice girl, and I feel sorry for her obviously boring and sheltered life, but she is very naïve and innocent - like a child. It is as if she has never had the chance to grow up properly.

Her features are stellar though, and I find myself thinking about her doe-like eyes and plump heart-shaped lips more then I should. If only she wasn't so annoying. Seriously, at school she follows me around like a fifth limb with her wide eyes and observing smile, and even if I haven't seen her, I can tell that she is tiptoeing around behind me. Oh well, at least where I have to keep her busy and teach her to act and speak normally she serves as a good distraction from Raven. Her betrayal still hurts, but I'm not as angry or sad as I was last week. Maybe I wasn't as in love with her as I thought.

Gwen – or Rayne - as I have to remember to call her, has been at school for a week, and I think she has blended in quite well. She is quite whimsical and strange, and also highly intelligent, so I believe the general opinion of her is 'hot but a swot'. She has a few friends, her favourite being Torryn Newmont. No one at school can quite believe Torryn has a friend – especially not a peppy sunshine girl.

Torryn bunks from lessons, swears like a solider, smokes heavily, gets high and drinks to an oblivion every weekend (and some weeknights too), and doesn't have respect for anyone. The only reason she hasn't been expelled for her unruly behaviour is that her father is some big shot investor and donates thousands to the school every year, meaning Torryn is tolerated. Also, her mother is world famous and heavily in the public eye. No one wants to upset top fashion designer Donna Genesis. Friends of Torryn are scarce - non-existent, because she pushes everyone away, and honestly looks quite scary with a permanent scowl stamped onto her face. You do not want to get on her bad side. I was initially worried that she would be a bad influence on Gwen, but if anything, it is the other way round! She has attended more lessons this past week then she has for the whole semester! Also, she hasn't been seen smoking so much. It's lucky that Gwen is such a good girl.

Not everyone is attracted to Gwen's sunny attitude and happy manner though. Some are only interested in her body. Just two days ago, I had to threaten the boy's in the locker room to stay away from my Rayne, as the general conversation was speaking about her in a vulgar manner. I need to protect her since she is too innocent and sheltered to understand how men work and what they really want.

Currently I am working out in my home gym, as I do every morning. I have to keep myself in prime condition. I am on my 46th push up, and even though my muscles are tired and begging for me to stop, I have to keep going to reach my daily requirement of 80. Next is weights, and then onto abs. Abruptly I stumble from my rhythm as the gym door slides open and none other then Gwen warily steps in.

Her eyes glide across the room until they stop and focus on me, widening to an astronomical size as she checks out my topless torso and rippling muscles. A deep, fiery blushes curls out onto her cheeks, as she sucks her desirable lower lip in under her teeth. I wasn't planning to stop my push-ups, but she looks so hot I have to. It takes me a moment to realise I have groaned aloud, my blood rushing south on autopilot.

"Oh Cohen, I am so sorry, I did not mean to interrupt you! Have you hurt yourself?"

"Erm, no. No I'm fine." I grumble out, thankful for her innocence.

Her eyes sweep over my naked chest again, and I won't be surprised if she starts drooling. I doubt she has ever seen any half-naked men before. I don't know why that thought sounds so appealing and satisfying to me.

"Are you ok? Do you need anything?" I ask, standing up to my full height, and grabbing my top off the bench to wipe the sweat from my face. "Gwen?" I question with a smirk as she stays silent, blatantly checking me out.

"O-oh s-sorry, Susy said I, I would f-find you here. I want to try w-working out. You see in L-Losington I ride my horse every day, but here – a-apart from gym class – I have not been v-very active." She explains shyly.

God, why is everything about her so appealing to me? I was never this way around Raven.

"You want to work out? Well..." My words trail off as I take in her attire.

Now it is my turn to unceremoniously check her out. I don't know where she got those ridiculously tight clothes from, but it should be a sin to look that good. Her pink sports bra shows off her handful of assets temptingly, and the second-skin leggings prove she is a horse rider as they wrap around her thick thighs deliciously.

"Erm, ok, come over here." I murmur.

Oh god, working out with her is going to be torture, knowing I will have to fight to keep my hands to myself, and my eyes firmly on her face - sweet, beautiful face.

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Edited