3
She hesitated, her eyes wandering into space, as if searching for words in a remote corner of her mind.
- I... I want to feel good about myself, she finally whispered, almost embarrassed. I want to be strong.
He nodded, touched by her vulnerability.
- I understand. It's a good goal. But don't forget that strength doesn't just come from the body. It also comes from the mind.
She had looked at him with an intensity that confused him, as if she were trying to read his depths.
- What about you, Logan? What are you looking for?
This question had taken him by surprise. What, indeed, was he looking for? Deep down, he wasn't sure of himself. He had his life as a trainer, his dual existence as an escort, but that didn't seem enough. He felt like he was navigating an ocean of conflicting desires, torn between Camilla's flamboyant world and Emily's moving simplicity.
As he guided her through their session, Logan couldn't stop thinking about Camilla. Every outing they took together reminded him of how dominant she was. She was a force of nature, her charisma lighting up the room the moment she entered. His demands became more and more pressing, and each time he left her presence to go to his sessions with Emily, he felt the weight of jealousy.
Camilla was quick to notice any changes in Logan's behavior. She didn't like the idea of him spending time on other clients, and it showed in his attitude. When they were together, she sometimes became colder, making snide comments about his schedule.
- You seem to be spending a lot of time with this new customer, she said one evening, playing with her glass of wine. I'm sure she must make you work hard.
Logan had chosen to remain neutral, knowing that any reaction on his part risked making the situation worse.
- She just needs time to adapt, he replied calmly.
Camilla let out a little laugh.
- You're too lenient, Logan. Sometimes you have to be firm.
She said the words with a sharp look, and Logan felt a tension building between them. He understood in that moment that Camilla didn't just see Emily as a customer; she perceived it as a threat.
The weeks passed, and each session with Emily brought a new dynamic. Logan felt comfortable with her in a way he had never experienced before. When he saw her progress, he felt a pride that pushed him to go beyond his role as coach. They shared laughter, encouragement, and sometimes, silences that spoke volumes. Emily gradually opened her heart, sharing snippets of her life.
The gala evening had arrived more quickly than Logan had anticipated. He stood in front of the mirror, his hands on the edge of the sink, studying his reflection with nervous intensity. The black suit he had chosen hugged his muscles perfectly, but it was the flamboyant and daring red tie that caught the eye. Camilla had insisted that he wear this color, telling him that it would represent his passion. But in that moment, Logan wondered if it was passion or possession she was trying to project.
When he finally arrived at the gala, he was immediately enveloped by the opulent atmosphere that reigned in the room. Glittering chandeliers swung above him, illuminating the faces of elegantly dressed people, all moving with a grace that only accentuated the grandeur of the event. Camilla was already there, looking radiant in a red dress that accentuated her curves. She was the center of attention, and Logan felt a mixture of pride and possessiveness as he looked at her.
- You are beautiful, he said, approaching her.
She turned her head and gave him a dazzling smile, the one that could make any heart sink.
- And you, my dear, are absolutely delicious," she said, examining him from head to toe. With this tie, you will make people jealous.
Logan just smiled, but deep down, a little voice inside him wondered if this wasn't her way of making this moment her own. They moved into the room, and he felt the pressure of his eyes on them, admiring the beauty and perfection of their couple. But as they entered, a part of him was still elsewhere, his mind wandering to Emily, his sweet client, the one who had begun to haunt him.
As the evening progressed, Camilla was in her element, charming and captivating everyone around her. Logan, meanwhile, felt like an extra in a movie he didn't choose to star in. He tried to smile and participate in conversations, but he couldn't get the image of Emily out of his mind.
- Logan, where are you? Camilla asked mockingly, raising an eyebrow. I hope you don't get lost in dark thoughts.
He looked at her, forcing a smile.
- No, I'm just... admiring. You look dazzling tonight.
She gave him a piercing look.
- You know, next time you're somewhere else while I'm talking, I'll take you for a run.
Logan nodded, but his joke didn't amuse him. Emily's shadow loomed over him, the sweet way she smiled, her shy laughter booming in the training room. It was like a lingering melody in his mind, a song he couldn't shake.
During the evening, they found themselves at a table, surrounded by influential people, but all this talk about business and politics bored him. His thoughts drifted back to Emily, wondering how she was doing, if she was still training with the same passion.
Camilla, who had noticed his wavering attention, leaned towards him, whispering with a hint of provocation:
- I know you want to make me dance.
Logan turned back to her, a mixture of surprise and dismay in his eyes.
- Of course I want to dance with you.
She stood up, leading him onto the dance floor where the music enveloped the atmosphere with a captivating air. Camilla knew how to attract attention, and as they danced, Logan felt the outside world disappear. He pulled her against him, his warm body pressing against hers. Their physical connection was palpable, almost electric, as if everything he had ever felt for her intensified with every heartbeat.
The music enveloped them, and Logan let himself be carried away by the moment, his hands caressing the small of Camilla's back. She looked into his eyes, her pupils bright, and there was an intimate moment where the outside world seemed to freeze.
- I love you, she whispered with an intensity that made something vibrate inside him.
Logan swallowed, his thoughts mingling with growing confusion. He had respect for Camilla, admiration, but did he really love this woman?
- Me too, he replied, his voice cracking slightly.
And as he held her close, another thought struck him: what if it was all an illusion? A distraction from his true desires? He closed his eyes for a moment, losing himself in Camilla's scent, and at the same time, he felt Emily's face take shape in his mind.
Camilla kissed him passionately, her body arching against his. Logan let himself be carried away, but in the back of his mind, there was always that nagging thought, that little voice reminding him that he had feelings for Emily. It couldn't be normal to be so attracted to two women, especially when each of them represented something so different in his life.
After the dance, they returned to their table, and Logan couldn't ignore the looks of envy from those around them. Camilla was charismatic, and he couldn't deny that he felt a sort of pride being around her. But with every burst of laughter, with every warm hug, he also felt guilty. Guilt towards Emily, towards the connection that was growing between them, even if it was delicate and budding.
Logan looked around. Men admired Camilla, while women seemed to envy her beauty and power. He felt like an accessory, a piece of jewelry in the dazzling necklace she wore. It wasn't the first time he'd had this feeling, but tonight it was particularly present.
Camilla, aware of her surroundings, never missed an opportunity to shine. She walked away to chat with a group of his friends, leaving him alone for a moment. Logan took advantage of this break to go out onto the balcony. The cool night breeze blew across his face, somewhat calming his tumultuous thoughts.
He breathed deeply, closing his eyes, trying to focus on what was real. But Emily's face didn't leave him. The softness of her voice, her fragility mixed with her inner strength. Every minute spent with her made him feel alive, different, as if he were discovering a part of himself that he had long ignored.
Logan knew he had to make a decision. Maybe not tonight, but soon. The tension between his duty to Camilla and his growing feelings for Emily became more and more unbearable. He couldn't continue living like this, torn between two worlds so diametrically opposed.
He heard laughter and voices coming from inside, and he forced himself to come back, to face this reality he had chosen. When he returned to the party, Camilla was there, surrounded by admirers, her opulent charm captivating everyone.
Logan joined her, but in that moment he felt distant. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the evening, but he couldn't stop thinking about Emily, the simple beauty of her smile, the lightness of their interaction. The idea of abandoning that connection for a world of glamor and sophistication disturbed him.
As the hours passed, Logan became more and more lost in his thoughts. Every look at Camilla, every tender gesture she offered him was tinged with a mixture of desire and frustration. He felt an inner tear, a call towards another life, a life where he would be free to pursue what he truly desired.
At one point, Camilla turned towards him, noticing his thoughtful expression.
- Is everything okay, Logan?
Her voice abruptly brought him back to reality.
- Yes, everything is fine, he said, forcing a smile.
But inside he knew things weren't that simple. Desire and love mixed in a whirlwind of feelings that escaped him. He wondered how long he could juggle these two lives before everything collapsed around him.
As he lost himself in thought, Logan realized that he
Was perhaps already losing what mattered most, what offered him the possibility of a true connection, one that would transcend physical desire.
The night wore on, and with each moment spent in the splendor of this gala, he realized that he would soon have to choose. But then, which path should we take? That of passion or that of true love?
- I never really believed in myself, she confided one day, while they were taking a break after a series of exercises. I always felt like I had to hide.
Logan had been touched by his sincerity.
- I think everyone has their own struggles, Emily. What matters is how we choose to confront them.
She smiled, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
- Thanks, Logan. You are a good coach... but also a good friend.
At that moment, Logan felt his heart tighten. A friend... This idea struck him with an intensity he had not anticipated. Was this what he wanted? A pure, selfless friendship with Emily, or was it the start of something deeper?
On the other hand, Camilla's jealousy continued to grow. She had called him several times, demanding that he join her for events, evenings where he had to shine alongside her. Every time he left, he felt her gaze weighing on him, and it began to distress him.