Page 81 of Forever Cursed

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Rome

“Keep it up, one more rep,” I encourage Levi as he works on finishing his bench presses.

His forehead is covered with perspiration. The AC in the gym is working overtime, but his body is working harder.

“I can’t,” he grits through his teeth, struggling to complete his lift.

“You can, come on!”

With a loud grunt, he raises the weights, and I help him place the bar in its stand.

“Fuck, I can’t feel my arms.”

“Good job.” I grip his shoulder and give him a firm shake.

“Fuck you.”

I chuckle at him. His arms are dangling toward the floor, his chest heaving, trying to catch his breath. His cheeks are red, and he’s in need of a cool shower.

“You’ll thank me when you wake up one morning with arms of steel.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.” He brushes me off weakly.

“Are we good for Friday? Is a day enough rest?”

“Yeah, Friday . . . Whatever you say.”

I snicker again as I gather my gym bag. “Shower, eat, drink water, then rest. You hear me?”

“Yes, boss.”

Leaving him to his temporary resting place, I head into the corridor and rest my back against the wall while reaching for my phone; seeing a message from Ash.

Hey man, busy tonight?

Not that I’m aware of. What’s up?

Want to come over? Hang out with me, Zack, maybe Max? Gwen is working, and Zack said something about Chrissy talking to her parents, which tends to run all night.

Sure, sounds great, but be warned, I’m starving.

Per usual. Don’t worry, friend. I have all the snacks! Just don’t touch Max’s yogurt!

Can’t I just have one?! They’re so good! You need to try one.

Fuck me, you can’t say I didn’t try. Don’t tell him, but I’ll try one too lol.

I’m typing out my next message, but the sound of the doors blasting open diverts my attention.

“Chrissy?”

“Hey, handsome.” She sounds distracted as she scans the hall.

“What are you doing here? I thought Ash said you were going to call your parents?”

She looks disheveled; her cheeks are red like she ran here.

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