?Chapter 515:


    But Rachel’s body was rigid, her muscles refusing to cooperate. His closeness was simply too distracting.


    “Rx. Don’t overthink it,” he coaxed softly, his voice smooth and reassuring. “Just let me guide you. Forget everything else for now.”


    Slowly, Rachel exhaled, releasing the tension in her body bit by bit. As she followed his movements, her form gradually improved. Her breathing became steadier, and the tightness in her chest eased.


    “That’s it. You’re doing great,” Brianmended without hesitation, his voice warm and encouraging.


    Rachel’s cheeks flushed, though she couldn’t tell if it was from the exercise or the lingering heat from his touch on her skin.


    “I think I can manage on my own now,” she stammered, eager to create some space between them.


    Brian didn’t press her further. He simply nodded. “Alright. Just watch your posture and avoid straining yourself.”


    “I will,” she replied, her voice steady now, though the lingering warmth between them remained.


    They practiced for a bit longer, and to Rachel’s surprise, it really did help. Her muscles felt stretched, and a sense of ease settled over her body.


    “Where did Carol go?” she asked, finally noticing Carol had slipped away unnoticed.


    Brian’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he answered. “She probably saw how focused I was on teaching you and didn’t want to get in the way, so she left quietly.”


    Rachel shot him a light re. “You could’ve reminded me, though. We should go find her.”


    Perhaps it was her eagerness to leave, or maybe her mind was still distracted—either way, she moved too hastily. Before she knew it, she stumbled, her body lurching forward.


    Brian lunged forward to catch Rachel, acting purely on instinct. Rachel braced herself for a painful collision with the ground, but instead, shended on something unexpectedly warm. Her hand reached out to steady herself, only to touch something strange.


    “Did you get hurt?” Brian’s voice broke through her daze, low and strained.


    Rachel blinked, realizing she was sprawled across Brian, who had broken her fall. Her hand, now dangerously misced, sent heat rushing to her face.


    “I-I… I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—I,” she stammered, her words falling apart.


    Panicked, she scrambled off him, mortified beyond belief.


    “I know,” Brian managed a small, pained chuckle. “But I think I might’ve pulled a muscle in my back. Mind helping me up?”


    “Oh! Oh my gosh! Yes, of course!” Rachel fumbled, grabbing his arm in a rush.


    She tried to pull him up, but his weight made it impossible.


    “You’re… heavier than I thought,” she blurted, cheeks still flushed.


    Brian bit back a smile. “Maybe put a little more muscle into it.”


    “R-right! I’m trying.”


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