Page 50 of Ravaged From Fate

I really can’t help myself, can I?

Elsa smiles, and I’m reminded exactly why I want to have her around. “Sure,” she says. “I’ll like that.”

23

ELSA

Just as I wish him to be, Caspian is at Cyrus’ gym when I arrive after work. I’ve been thinking all day how it’ll be a good surprise to see him once I’m free from the clinic. Look, I haven’t had much experience in all of this… dating thing for quite some time, so I don’t know if what I’m doing can be considered as too needy or clingy or anything, especially since I’m literally seeing him twice in a single day, but screw it. Yesterday we really forged a connection. I want to see him.

Last night was fun. The bar was fun. Getting drunk with this man was a hella lot of fun. And being at his place – in his bed and in his arms - was even more fun. I’ve surprised myself with my boldness last night. All those usual questions that pop into my head with boys in the past simply don’t compute when it comes to Caspian. Sure, I don’t know where any of this is heading but I’m okay with it.

Cyrus is at the reception when I walk in.

“Hey, you,” he greets me with his smirk. “Fancy seeing you around here.”

“Hello, Cyrus. How’s life?”

“Always good.”

I love Cyrus’ optimism. Always have.

“You’re looking big. Have you been working out more?”

Cyrus grins at me. “Oh, yeah. I have. Wanna feel my bicep?”

“Not really.”

He laughs.

“He’s here, you know.”

The big gym owner doesn’t even need to mention Caspian’s name. Cyrus nods behind towards the muscular guy practicing at the punching bags with Juniper.

I roll my eyes. “Thanks, Cyrus.”

“I like him,” he continues. “He’s a decent bloke.”

“Really? Because I think I remember you warning me off him just a few days ago.”

“I was wary of the guy at first because he’s so guarded, but I can see he’s got a good heart. You could do a lot worse, Elsa.”

“Shut up.”

“Make me.”

“Are you going to ask Juniper out sometime? This has been the longest will-they-won’t-they I’ve ever witnessed, and I’m a big fan of Friends.”

“Now it’s your time to shut up, Elsa.”

“You know she wants you to, Cyrus.”

He blushes. It’s cute on such a muscle guy. Kinda like when Caspian giggles.

“Stop it.”

“It’s so funny that you’re such a tough, manly fighter, but you’re too scared to ask out a tiny girl.”

“I’m not scared.”