Elena's Pov 

  

  “Wait,” I blurted, my voice trembling, weaker than I wanted, betraying me completely.

  

  Marcus stopped mid-step. His broad shoulders stiffened, muscles taut beneath his shirt. Slowly, he turned around, his dark eyes locking onto mine. Heavy and unreadable, but burning with a fire that made my stomach flip and my thighs clench without permission.

  

  I swallowed hard, twisting my hands nervously at my sides. My chest heaved, my breath jagged. My whole body trembled, not from the workout, but from the low, coiling fire in my belly, raw and insistent.

  

  “I… I can still go on,” I murmured, voice barely a whisper. “I mean… I’m fine. I… I...