Chapter 168 A Stranger's Back

Julian said, "Rest for two hours, then come with me to the park downstairs." Two hours later, in the small park below the hospital, Julian found an empty corner. "Start with a warm-up to prevent injuries," he instructed. He demonstrated a proper lunge stretch, the muscles under his sweatpants defined in clean, flowing lines. "Like this. Tighten your core." Rosalie tried to mimic his movements, but her body, untrained for so long, wobbled unsteadily. Julian stepped forward. "Keep your back straight." His large hand pressed against her lower back, while the other wrapped around her front, holding her knee and gently pressing it downward. "Lower your leg more. Feel the stretch along your inner thigh." His chest pressed nearly against her back, his warm breath brushing her ear as he spoke. But Rosalie's mind had only one thought—get stronger. She pushed through the soreness in her body and followed his instructions. Yet Julian's gaze betrayed him, revealing a distracted interest.