CHAPTER 148

“One more.”

His weak arm shook uncontrollably. He felt the weight slipping. Sed’s hand hovered near the bar, but he didn’t grab it.

“Focus, Jace. You can do this.”

Jace couldn’t explain the feeling Sed gave him. Always gave him. It was as if he wanted Sed to be proud—such a strange ambition. It did give Jace the fortitude to lift the bar one last time as he drew on strength he didn’t know he possessed. Sed grabbed the bar at once and shifted it onto the stand. “That’s it.”

Jace forced himself to sit up.

“How did that feel?”

“Exhausting, but great. I’m getting stronger already. Thanks for your help.”

“No problem.” Sed added weights to the bar. “Spot me?”

Jace tried not to grin too widely at being asked, but he couldn’t help it. No one else worked out with Sed. Just him. “Yeah, of course.”

“Jessica can’t keep her hands off me. I think it’s the extra muscle. Must make sure I maintain it.”

Jace figured it was her undying love, not Sed’s impressive bulk, that kept her hands on him, but Jac