Page 56 of Ignacio

“Come on, you got this. Three more,” Marvin commanded.

The metal bar trembled above Ignacio as his muscles strained under the bench press.

“Two more.”

Ignacio pushed through the burning sensation in his arms.

“One more.”

With a final surge of strength, he forced the bar upward, teeth clenched with the effort.

“That’s it, baby!” Pride rang clear in Marvin’s voice as he lifted the bar onto the stand. “Good job!”

Ignacio sat up, drawing deep breaths into his burning lungs, his hair damp with sweat.

“Next time, we’ll add more weight. This is getting too easy for you.”

“Too easy?” Ignacio echoed incredulously, earning a laugh from his trainer.

“Trust me. At this rate, you’ll hit your goal weight in no time.”

Ignacio was taking full advantage of the six months before he had to report to the set of his next movie. He needed to bulk up for the upcoming action-thriller, his chance to portray a world-weary ex-soldier convinced by an old friend to protect his sister during a treacherous research trip to the Amazon. With franchise potential spanning three films over the next five to six years, the role promised not only an impressive payday but also merchandising opportunities, allowing him to pursue passion projects in the future where he didn’t earn as much.

“How are you feeling about the routine?” Marvin asked.

“It’s tough, but I like it.” Ignacio rolled his shoulders.

“You’ve increased your protein intake?”

“Yes, and my calories.”

“Good. That’ll help you bulk up.”

Ignacio’s team included a doctor and a nutritionist who worked closely with Maria to ensure he consumed the necessary macros every day to prepare him for the role. Marvin wanted his weight and muscle gain to be gradual.

“I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

“Thanks,” Ignacio said, coming to his feet.

They slapped hands, and then Marvin hauled his duffle bag over his shoulder and left.

Delta was working out too, but with a female trainer. While Delta was in a plank position on a padded mat, Mona stood over her with a timer in hand.

“Keep holding,” her trainer said, her voice soothing and encouraging.

Ignacio’s appreciative gaze traveled the length of Delta’s shapely body in black leggings and a black and gray sports bra that showcased her toned abs.

He picked up a towel and wiped the sweat from his face and chest, then left the women alone, climbing the stairs to the firstfloor. In the kitchen, he heard the blender running. Maria was preparing their post-workout smoothies.

“Good workout?” she asked in Spanish.

“Yes. I’m going to feel it tomorrow, that’s for sure.”

He took a glass bottle filled with homemade electrolyte water from the fridge and took a sip.

“Crystal called while you were working out. She wanted to know if you needed anything before she comes over.”

“I can’t think of anything.”

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