"You need to stop thinking too much, Elena."
Aria had been staring at the gym equipment for the past five minutes, her mind still wandering about last night.
The assassin, Vera's threat, and the 8 PM deadline were now less than eighteen hours away.
"I can't just turn off my brain," she said.
"Yes, you can. That's what training is for. Physical exertion that forces mental silence." Marcus walked toward her. "Strip."
"What?"
"You heard me. We're working out. And I work out naked when I'm alone." His eyes challenged her. "Unless you're uncomfortable?"
Aria's heart started beating. She needed the distraction, something to silence the panic. "I'm not uncomfortable."
"Then strip. Now."
She pulled off her sports bra. Then her leggings. Her underwear. Until she stood completely naked in the middle of his private gym.
