Chapter 2
T he scanner beeped rhythmically as I ran the items across, my mind far from the monotonous task at hand.
Beep.
I pictured Byron's piercing blue eyes.
Beep.
I felt the ghost of his strong hands directing my posture.
Beep.
His deep voice reverberated through my body...
"Excuse me, miss?" A gruff voice interrupted my reverie. "I think you double-scanned that."
Heat flooded my cheeks as I looked up at the annoyed customer, then down at the register. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" I stammered, quickly voiding the extra charge with trembling fingers.
As he left with a grunt, I exhaled shakily, trying to regain my focus. But my thoughts kept straying to Byron and his mysterious gym. I reached into my pocket, fingering the sleek edges of his business card.
Complete Surrender.
The words thrilled and terrified me.
"Everything alright, Poppy?" My manager's voice startled me.
Joan was one of those people who lived and breathed their work. You could just tell that she adored supermarkets. Most likely, she had a room at home set up like one, with products lining shelves and bright lights blasting all day long.
I plastered on a bright smile. "Yes, just a bit tired today."
She eyed me suspiciously but moved on. I knew I needed to pull myself together, but I couldn't shake the intoxicating pull Byron seemed to have on me. I had to know more.
When my lunch break finally arrived, I bee-lined for the staff room, craving a moment alone with my racing thoughts. But before I could even sit down, Mia—the only person at work I was anything close to being friends with—plopped into the chair across from me, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Spill it, girl. You've been totally spaced out all day. What's his name?"
“What? I don’t know what you mean!” I was a terrible liar.
“Don’t even pretend I’m wrong,” Mia said, a playful gleam in her eye.
I bit my lip, hesitating. But I knew Mia wouldn't relent until I confessed. "Fine.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s called Byron," I admitted softly. "He's a trainer at that new gym downtown."
"A trainer, huh?" Mia smirked. "I bet he's ripped. So what's the deal? Did you sign up?"
"They had a free trial at the gym, but Byron’s program isn’t included." I felt my cheeks coloring again. "We just talked. Told me he thought I could benefit from his methods. But Mia, the things he said... He told me his training requires 'complete submission'. What does that even mean?"
"Sounds kinky." Mia raised a sculpted eyebrow suggestively. "You sure this is just about fitness?"
"Of course it is!" Even to my ears, my protest sounded weak. I awkwardly tried to explain. "I think he just meant pushing past my usual limits, you know?"
Mia clearly wasn't buying it. She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Okay, but the real question is, is this Byron guy hot or not?"
I groaned, covering my burning face. The image of his god-like physique flashed through my mind. "He's . . . conventionally attractive, yes. But it's not like that. He made it very clear it's strictly professional."
"Maybe you should make it unprofessional then," Mia winked. "Seriously Poppy, a little fling with a sexy trainer could be just what you need to get out of this funk you've been in. Live a little!"
“No-one like that would be interested in someone like me.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re gorgeous!” It felt good to have Mia stick up for me like this. She was a diamond.
I chewed my thumbnail uncertainly. Byron was tempting, no doubt. But allowing him to push me physically and mentally? Surrendering control? It felt dangerous. Complicated.
Mia rolled her eyes. "You're overthinking, as usual. What's the worst that could happen? Go for it, Poppy. Take a chance!"
I sighed, my mind and heart torn. Should I call Byron and take this leap into the unknown? Risk baring my body and soul to this mysterious man and his methods? Mia made it sound so easy. But nothing about Byron felt easy. He was a force, and I sensed surrendering to him could change everything . . . if I dared.
L ater, at home, obviously, I was still thinking about Byron. I took a deep breath, turning over his business card in my hands. Mia's words echoed in my head.
What's the worst that could happen?
Take a chance. . . .
The dissatisfaction I'd been feeling lately gnawed at me—the monotony of scanning groceries, the loneliness of my tiny apartment, the persistent softness of my body despite half-hearted attempts at dieting. Maybe Byron and his unorthodox training were the jolt I needed to finally transform myself.
Pulse quickening, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number before I could second guess myself again. It rang once, twice. I held my breath.
“Hello?”
“Hello, you probably don’t remember me, but—”
"Poppy." His rich voice caressed my name, sending a shiver down my spine. "I've been expecting your call."
"You have?" I fought to keep my tone even, thrown by his presumption.
"Of course. I could see the curiosity in your eyes. You want more than the life you're living." His insight unnerved me.
"I . . . I was wondering if your offer still stands? To train with you?" The words tumbled out in a rush.
"Absolutely. The question is, are you ready to commit to your transformation? To push your limits and leave the old Poppy behind?"
I hesitated, chewing my lip. "Could I maybe just try one session? See how it goes before signing any contracts?"
A weighted pause. "I'll make an exception for you. Meet me at Celestial tomorrow at 6pm sharp. We'll see if you have what it takes."
"Thank you. I'll be there." Anticipation and nerves somersaulted in my stomach.
"I look forward to it, Poppy. Until tomorrow then."
The line went dead and I released a shaky exhale. I'd done it. Taken a chance. Now I just had to prove to Byron—and myself —that I had the strength to be sculpted into something new. No matter how much it hurt.
I stepped through the glass doors of Celestial Fitness, the cool air raising goosebumps on my skin. Or maybe that was just the knowledge that I'd soon be under Byron's intense scrutiny once more.
"Welcome back, Poppy." The receptionist greeted me with a knowing smile, star tattoos winking from her collarbones. She’d remembered my name? All the staff here were so . . . extra. "Byron's expecting you in Studio Three."
"Thanks." I adjusted my grip on my gym bag, the weight of my nerves making my palms slick. In the changing room, I slipped on the silky black workout gear that molded to my figure like a second skin. The clingy fabric made me feel exposed yet empowered, accentuating curves I usually tried to downplay.
Drawing a steadying breath, I made my way down the hushed corridor. You've got this, I told myself firmly. It's just a workout. One hour. How bad can it be?
I pushed open the door to Studio Three. Byron stood with his back to me, powerful shoulders straining against his inky tank as he adjusted something on the weight rack. At the sound of my entry, he turned slowly. Piercing blue eyes swept over my body, taking in every inch. My pulse stuttered under the heat of his appraisal.
"Punctuality. I like that in a client." A ghost of a smile flickered across his chiseled features.
"I didn't want to keep you waiting."
He glanced pointedly at the clock. "Cutting it fine. Being early is on time, Poppy. On time is late, and late..." He cocked a brow. "Well, let's hope we don't need to have that conversation."
"No, sir." The words fell from my lips unbidden. Something flashed in his eyes. Satisfaction? Amusement?
Byron closed the distance between us, his sheer size making me crane my neck to maintain eye contact. This close, his presence was overwhelming, intoxicating. I fought the urge to take a step back. Or maybe forward.
"Today, we push boundaries. I'll be testing your limits, seeing how deep your determination runs. Because transforming your body is only half the battle. It’s easy, in fact." He tapped a finger to my temple. "The real work happens here. Understood?"
I nodded mutely, already slightly breathless. His proximity made it hard to think straight.
"Use your words, Poppy."
"Yes. I understand."
"Good." He circled slowly around me, gaze raking over my trembling form. "This journey demands discipline. Sacrifice. And most importantly, trust." Byron paused behind me, his breath tickling the sensitive skin of my neck. "We’ve only just met, but I hope, in time, you’ll learn that I can be trusted.”
"I’m willing to try."
“Good. Then we begin."
B yron's hands were firm as he guided me into a deep lunge, his breath warm against my ear. "Lower," he commanded, pressing gently on my shoulders. I sank deeper, my quads trembling with the effort. His touch sent sparks through my exhausted muscles.
"Good girl," he murmured approvingly. Pride and something else fluttered in my stomach at his praise.
I tried to focus on my form, but my eyes kept drifting to Byron's chiseled physique, the way his shirt clung to his sculpted chest. Heat rose in my cheeks as I noticed the prominent bulge straining against his tight athletic pants.
"Eyes up here me, Poppy." His voice was sharp but laced with amusement. Mortified, I quickly looked up, meeting his intense blue gaze.
"S-sorry," I mumbled, my face burning.
"Don't apologize. Just concentrate." His stare seemed to pierce right through me. "Push through the discomfort."
I nodded, taking a shaky breath. My heart raced, though whether from exertion or his proximity, I wasn't sure. *Focus, Poppy.* I willed my mind to clear, channeling all my energy into the exercise.
The intensity soon mounted as Byron increased the pace. Sweat poured down my face, my lungs screaming for air. My muscles quivered on the verge of failure.
"Five more reps," he barked as I struggled to lift the heavy dumbbells.
"I . . . I can't . . ." I panted desperately. The weights felt like lead, my arms trembling uncontrollably.
"Yes, you can," Byron insisted, his tone uncompromising. "Mind over matter, Poppy. Don't let your body limit you."
Gritting my teeth, I attempted another bicep curl. Pain lanced through my muscles. I managed two reps before my strength gave out. The dumbbells clattered to the floor as I stumbled forward.
"Careful." Byron caught my arm, steadying me. For a moment I leaned into his solid warmth, craving his reassurance. But he released me, stepping back. "That's enough for now."
"I'm sorry," I whispered, blinking back tears of frustration. "I thought I could do it."
I wanted to do it for you.
"Interesting to see where you draw the line." His voice was neutral, unreadable.
Swallowing hard, I met his appraising stare. "What do you mean?"
"Some people find the will to push past their physical limits. Others allow the pain to defeat them." His words stung my fragile pride.
"I didn't let it defeat me," I protested. "I just . . . couldn't continue." Even as I said it, I wondered. Couldn't or wouldn't?
"Hmm." Something flickered in Byron's eyes. Respect, perhaps. Or disappointment. I couldn't tell. "Fair enough."
He regarded me thoughtfully, his piercing gaze seeming to penetrate my very soul. "You have potential, Poppy. But you're holding back."
I looked away, unable to bear the intensity of his scrutiny. "Maybe I'm just not cut out for this," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Nonsense." His reply was firm, unyielding. He stepped closer, his presence commanding my attention. "Transformation isn't easy. It requires breaking down barriers—both physical and mental."
I felt my resolve wavering under the force of his conviction. "I don't know if I'm ready for that," I admitted, my eyes still downcast.
“Today was just a taster,” he said, reassuring me. “My real methods, the ones that I’d like to use with you, are about the mind as well as the body. Because truthfully, we want to work toward a place of loving acceptance of who you are.
I looked up at him. There was tenderness in his eyes.
“Losing weight, working on our bodies, it’s good, there’s no doubt. It can make us healthy, and help us to enjoy our life more. But it’s so much more important to love yourself. And I can teach you how.”
“I’d like that.”
“It’s not going to be easy though. Are you willing to push yourself? To trust me to guide you?"
My breath caught in my throat. *Trust him.* The words echoed in my mind, a tantalizing invitation. "I thought I was," I whispered. "But now..." I trailed off, uncertainty clouding my thoughts.
“Take a minute,” he said. “Have a shower, freshen up. Then meet me in my office. I want to show you just how deep the rabbit hole goes. I want to show you a contract.”
I swallowed, hard. I had a feeling that things were about to get serious.