Page 96 of The Titan and the Trainer

Once calmed, Julian reached for the Panja box. The unmistakable sound of the sunken bath began its frothy roar, the scent of sea kelp filling the room.

In silence, Julian helped Callum out of the leather harness. His chest was red and tender now. Julian’s fingers unbuckled the straps he’d been tugging so tightly a short while ago. When the harness was lifted away, leaving Callum bare in the soft amber light, Julian traced with his fingers the red marks left by the straps.

“I never want to hurt you,” Julian murmured, his eyes finding Callum’s. “I only want to hold you so tightly that I can never let you go.”

“You could never hurt me,” was all Callum said in return.

They stepped into the foamy water together. It was hot, almost punishingly so, but as they settled into the deep tub, the tension in Callum’s over-trained muscles began to dissolve. Julian sat with his back against the warmed stone, with Callum resting against his chest, the billionaire’s arms wrapped tightly around him.

For a long time, they just watched the lights of the city, cars in the distance like specks of dust on a black canvas. Finally, Julian spoke, his voice low and vibrating through Callum’s back.

“I want this, Callum. I want this bliss in my life every day. I’m so totally in love with you. Be with me, please. Be my husband.”

Callum turned to face him.

“Marry me, please, Cal. Make me the happiest man in the world.”

Callum considered for a moment and looked down at the foamy waters bubbling away beneath them. “Only if you go down on one knee and ask me properly.” He laughed, struck by the comedy of their position in that moment.

“I’d do anything to get you to say yes,” Julian responded.

He took a big breath and disappeared under the foamy water. Callum heard something that he couldn’t quite make out, air bubbles breaking the surface of the water. Callum assumed it was the same proposal. He reached for Julian, hauling him up.

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that?”

“Marry me, please?” Julian repeated his proposal, foam dripping off his brow.

“Yes, of course I’ll marry you, you idiot. You already know my answer. I love you with all my heart. Spending every day with you is everything I’ve always dreamt of.”

Julian’s smile was the happiest Callum had ever seen as they hugged and kissed.

Tears came, happiness overwhelming both of them.

They hugged and jumped up and down like children, soapy water splashing everywhere, neither caring. They could dry it up later.

They now had all the time in the world.

Chapter 37 - Spit and Polish

Mon. 29th Sep. 25

Six months later, the air in Bushwick didn't smell like dusty gym mats and despair; it smelled like new rubber and success. The grand reopening of The Iron Works was the event of the season, a surreal collision of two worlds that only New York could produce.

Outside, the old brick warehouse had been sandblasted and fitted with a sleek black steel frame to protect the base structure. The original Iron Works metal sign had been removed to protect it, then lovingly reinstated. Some things did not need to be improved upon.

Inside, The Iron Works spirit remained in the range of equipment, heavy weights and happy music, but now augmented with new machines and weights, alongside a state-of-the-art recovery suite and a dedicated youth and wellness centre. It was exactly what Callum had envisaged.

Jack stood by the new juice bar, looking smart in jeans and a black blazer, but constantly fidgeting with the collar, unused to wearing a tie. His smile was wide as he watched kids from the neighbourhood testing out the new equipment.

The crowd was a masterpiece of contrast.

In one corner, Julian’s assistant, Blake in deep conversation with a group of Callum’s friends from the club. The dancers had shown up in force, some looking slightly more dressed than usual but no less vibrant. They were busy teaching some of Julian’s analysts how to use recovery pods, and twerk at the same time, mutual laughter echoing off the high ceilings.

Sophia was in the centre of it all, acting as the unofficial mistress of ceremonies. She looked radiant in a custom blue satin suit she’d designed, holding court with a group of Julian’s team. She caught Callum’s eye raising her glass of champagne and blowing him a kiss across the space.

Callum stood at the back, leaning against a pillar, surveying the scene. He felt a hand slide into his, a firm, familiar grip. He didn't have to look to know it was Julian.

He was wearing the other bespoke suit Sophia had made for him, looking very dapper and deeply proud. Whilst his Men’s Fitness cover from a few months back had been a global sensation, to Julian, the photo of his man in workout gear reinstated behind the refurbished reception was still his favourite picture.