Chapter 0152 Ella POV The next morning , I headed to the capitol for my first day of training with Alexander .
I didnt know exactly what to expect .
When hed introduced me to the trainers previously , Id been a bit overwhelmed , and truth be told , I hadnt been paying much attention .
After my conversation with Elizabeth , I had a lot on my minit , so I arrived at the gym still distracted .
That all changed very quickly the moment I laid eyes on Alexander in his workout gear .
I hadnt seen him when I first entered , so I went straight to the locker room to change .
But when I came back onto the gym floor , there he was , wearing a snug tank top and a pair of gym shorts .
Realistically , his outfit wasnt any more revealing or tight than mine , yet the way it showed off his muscular frame made my thoughts stray .
Suddenly , memories of our hight together came rushing back memories Id been trying very hard to keep buried .
Good morning , Alexander called out when he noticed me if he could tell I was embarrassed or nervous , he didnt mention it .
He walked toward me with a broad smile , looking remarkably alert despite the early hour .
Are you a morning person ? I asked , making a face at him Maybe a little , he admitted with a smile .
You have to be when you work the hours I do .
Or you could try taking some time off once in a while , I suggested .
Thats never going to happen , Alexander replied , amused .
Now , do you prefer to start with cardio or weights ? No time to waste , huh ? I asked with a grin .
Honestly , I dont even know where to start .
Ive never had a workout regimen like this before .
Surely you worked out when you played team sports , he said .
I did , I answered , but that was different .
That was preparing for a specific activity by practicing it .
This is more abstract , and Im not sure what the best way to approach it is .
I see , he said thoughtfully .
Well , its a good thing youve got me here to help , isnt it ? Oh , Im absolutely grateful for the assistance of the great Alexander , I replied , rolling my eyes ..
You truly are a lucky woman , he smirked .
Lets begin with cardio to get your heart pumping and your lungs working before we move on to strength building exercises .
Sounds good to me .
Alexander led the way to the treadmills , where one of the trainers hed introduced me to a tawny skinned young man with a lean build was waiting .
He smiled as we approached .
Good morning , Miss Rowan , he greeted politely .
Good morning , I replied , hesitating as I tried to recall his name .
Benjamin , he said with a slight grin , looking amused .
Its good to see you again .
I see youve made the wise decision to start with cardio .
That was Alexanders decision , I answered with a smile .
Our Alpha , showing his wisdom yet again , Benjamin chuckled .
Ill just be observing today , taking some notes Chapter 0152 +25 BONUS so I can start putting together a personalized plan for you , he explained .
I appreciate your hard work , I responded .
Having a personalized workout seems like a lot .
It will be fun , I promise , he said .
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and your confidence .
You just have to find the right schedule to follow so that its effective without being too overwhelming .
Π Ill take your word for it , I said as I glanced at the treadmill .
Running this early in the morning certainly wasnt my idea of fun .
Please dont mind me ; just pretend Im not here .
I laughed .
It might be a little hard to pretend youre not here while youre watching me and taking notes , but Ill do my best .
Benjamin laughed again and stepped aside , giving me access to the treadmill .
Remember , this is just a warm up , Alexander said as he stepped onto the treadmill beside me .
As much as Im looking forward to your challenge from yesterday , lets take it easy .
Theres no point in either of us getting injured so early in the day .
If you say so , I replied , a little embarrassed that he remembered my boast .
Id been trying to distract from my embarrassment when I said it , but it seemed Alexander was holding me to it .
Yesterday , Id felt fairly confident that I could keep up with him in a challenge , but seeing him now being reminded of how fit he truly was made me doubt myself a bit .
1 kept my gaze straight ahead as I set the treadmill to a brisk pace and stepped on .
The rhythm of the activity helped me focus , and as long as I didnt look at Alexander , he couldnt distract me .
The gym was mostly empty at this early hour ; perhaps Alexander had arranged for some privacy .
Either way , it was nice not to feel as if I were being watched or needing to look over my shoulder .
Privacy was something I rarely had anymore , unless I was at home , shut up in my room .
Spending too much time alone like that wasnt healthy either , but Alexander was good at creating these quiet , safe moments for me without my even asking .
He seemed to understand instinctively that , despite the public nature of everything we did , I valued privacy from time to time .
It was one of the many thoughtful ways Alexander looked out for me .
I hoped Elizabeth would have a good idea for a gift I could give him .
There had to be some way I could show him my gratitude for all the little things and the big things that he did for me over and over again .
I didnt want to seem ungrateful .
He regularly went above and beyond what I expected , and it only seemed right to express my appreciation for that .
I felt a twinge of guilt that I hadnt figured out how to do it yet .
I glanced sideways at Alexander , catching the focus in his eyes as he ran , but I quickly turned back , my cheeks warming .
My embarrassment had me so distracted that I lost my footing on the treadmill .
I tried to catch myself , but it was Too late I slipped , tumbling backward and landing hard on the gym floor .
A hiss escaped my lips , a mix of pain and frustration .
In an instant , Alexander was by my side , kneeling with concem etched across his face .
My breath caught as he gently cupped my face , his eyes scanning me .
Ella , are you all right ? he asked , his voice a little breathless .
Fine , I said softly , attempting to stand to prove it .
But as put weight on my foot , a sharp pain shot through my ankle , sending me off balance all over again .
Alexander was on his feet in a flash , catching me before I could fall .
He held me firmly against his chest , his +25 BONUS Chapter 0152 strong arms wrapped protectively around me .
I looked up a him , wide eyed , feeling a wave of heat surge through me as memories of our night together flooded back .

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The exertion of our exercise had left us both breathing heavily , and I was acutely aware of his heartbeat against me .
A low , involuntary rumble escaped from deep in my chest .
Alexanders eyes widened in surprise , and in the same moment , we both realized I had growled .