Breathless ✓

Thirty - One ✔

The afternoon sun casts a warm glow across the spacious training room, its walls lined with mirrors that reflect the determined expressions on our faces. Christian stands across from me, a pair of padded gloves in his hands, dressed in workout gear, stands with an air of determination, ready to impart some self-defense skills to me.

"Victoria, I want to make sure you can protect yourself," he says, his gaze focused.

"I appreciate that, Christian," I reply, feeling a mix of gratitude and determination. "But just so you know, I've had some basic self-defense training."

Christian raises an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression. "Really? Well, let's see what you've got."

I nod, stepping onto the mat. We begin with some simple warm-up exercises, Christian guiding me through stretches and basic movements. The air is charged with a mix of anticipation and camaraderie.

"Now, let's work on a few basic moves," Christian says, demonstrating a defensive stance.

As he instructs me, I follow his lead, my body responding to the muscle memory from past training. We go through a series of blocks, strikes, and evasive maneuvers. Christian, impressed by my fluid movements, adjusts his approach.

"Okay, let's up the intensity a bit," he suggests, his eyes narrowing playfully.

Christian takes on a defensive stance, and I mirror him. As we engage in a simulated attack-and-defense scenario, my instincts kick in. I execute a swift block and counter, surprising Christian with a speed and precision he didn't anticipate.

He grins, acknowledging the unexpected turn of events. "Well, it seems you've got some moves, Victoria."

"I told you, I've had some training," I reply, a sense of accomplishment tingling through me.

Christian, undeterred, decides to introduce some sparring. We circle each other, eyes locked, and then the dance begins. It's a controlled exchange of strikes and blocks, each of us testing the other's skills. The training becomes a dynamic interplay of offense and defense, the energy pulsating through the air.

Despite Christian's formidable prowess, I manage to hold my ground, utilizing the skills I've acquired. The satisfaction of being able to defend myself against a seasoned opponent fuels my determination.

After a particularly intense sequence, we pause, both of us breathing heavily. Christian wears an expression of genuine admiration.

"I have to say, Victoria, you're not an easy opponent. Where did you learn all this?"

"Circumstances made me," I tilt my head to the side.

Christian chuckles, a newfound respect evident in his eyes. "Well, I think we make a pretty good team."

The training area is bathed in the soft hues of twilight as Christian and I catch our breath. The air is charged with a newfound sense of camaraderie. Just as we're about to resume our session, Francis enters the scene, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

"What's going on here?" he asks, his usual air of aloofness momentarily replaced by genuine interest.

"We're doing some self-defense training," Christian replies, a smirk playing on his lips. "And it seems Victoria here is quite skilled."

Francis eyes me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Really? Mind if I join in?"

Christian nods, and Francis steps onto the mat, ready to participate. The three of us form a makeshift trio, each of us taking turns being the attacker and the defender. It becomes a collaborative effort, a dance of movements and counterattacks.