It was past two in the mid-afternoon and the living room in Unit 2003 had been transford into a makeshift training ground.
All the sofas and tables were removed to leave an open space where mats were laid out to soften the inevitable falls and tumbles. It was raining heavily outside and several notifications of thunderstorms had been sent to keep everyone on high alert.
But while the rest of the world was worrying about the rain, the atmosphere inside Unit 2003 was completely different.
"Co on, Kevin. Is that all you have got?" Grace called and her voice rang with a clear challenge.
She was moving with the swiftness of a shadow. Her every step was precise and calculated. On the other hand, Kevin was already sweating and appeared slightly out of breath.
He darted forward, attempting a move that was supposed to catch her off guard. But Grace was ready. She sidestepped effortlessly and delivered a gentle push that sent Kevin sprawling onto the mat.
"Ouch, Boss, go easy on us," Kevin groaned while rubbing his elbow as he sat up. His complaint was t with a chorus of laughter and groans from the rest of the team. They had all been there, on that mat, facing off against Grace and suffering the sa fate.
"Get up, Kevin. We are not done yet," Grace showed no rcy and extended a hand to help him up.
Maven chuckled from where he had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Next ti, try not to embarrass yourself so badly, Kevin."
"Yeah? Why don’t you show us how it’s done then?" Kevin shot back as he accepted Grace’s hand and got to his feet.
Maven pushed off the wall and rolled his shoulders. "Alright, my turn. Let’s see if I can last longer than ten seconds." The rest of the team watched with interest as Maven stepped onto the mat.
Grace arched an eyebrow while her lips curled into a half-smile. "Ready, Maven?"
"Always, Boss," he replied.
The two of them circled each other for a mont before Maven made the first move. He was fast as he aid a low sweep at her legs. But Grace anticipated it. She leaped over his leg and spun around to land lightly behind him. Before he could react, she hooked her arm around his neck in a mock chokehold.
"You are too predictable," she stated while releasing him.
Maven let out a dramatic sigh. "Remind not to challenge you unless I have had a full night’s sleep next ti."
"I doubt that will make a difference," Jasper called out and everyone laughed. Even Grace allowed herself a small smile as she prepared to beat up another one of the septet.
Before the next person could take their turn, the doorbell rang and interrupted their training session. Maven glanced at the others and shrugged. "I’ll get it."
He walked over to the door and opened it only to find Davian King Parker standing there. Dressed in his usual sleek attire with a calm expression on his face, Davian looked as confident as ever. Behind him, a few of his n stood.
"Mr. Parker?" Maven said, succeeding in hiding his surprise.
"Good afternoon. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important," Davian said, though the glint in his eyes suggested he already knew the answer.
Maven turned back to the room. "Boss, you have got company."
Grace’s brows knit together for a brief mont before she relaxed. She walked over, eting Davian’s gaze. "What brings you here?"
A soft smile appeared on Davian’s lips as he answered. "I heard you were training. Mind if I join in? It’s been a while since I have seen you in action."
The team exchanged glances behind Grace. They were surprised, but at the sa ti, excitent flickered in their eyes. Seth elbowed Kevin with a grin. "Looks like we have got a new victim."
Kevin chuckled. "Better him than ."
Grace hesitated as she studied Davian’s expression. She knew he was skilled and couldn’t deny that the idea of sparring with him intrigued her. But the thought also made her heart beat faster, though she wouldn’t dare admit why.
"Alright. Let’s see if you can keep up," she said while stepping aside to let him in. Without another word, she returned to the mat and waited for him to join her.
The room buzzed with anticipation as Davian removed his jacket and handed it to one of his n. He then rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong forearms that did not go unnoticed by everyone present in that room.
"Are we placing bets on this one?" Jasper whispered to Aleena, who smirked in response.
"If we did, my money would be on Boss. But… there’s sothing about the way he looks at her," Aleena replied while her eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
The energy in the room shifted as Davian stepped onto the mat. He t Grace’s gaze, and for a mont, it felt like they were the only two in the room. Without warning, he lunged, and Grace t him head-on. Their movents were fluid, a dance of attacks and counters. He was strong and fast, matching her in every way.
Their exchanges were precise and it was hard to tell who was stronger. But as ti passed, the fight started taking on a different tone.
Davian’s eyes sparkled with amusent as he blocked one of Grace’s kicks and leaned in close. His breath felt warm against her cheek as he spoke. "You are holding back, Grace.
Grace’s heartbeat quickened. She pushed him back and launched into a series of strikes. Unfortunately, each one of her powerful attacks was t with an equally powerful defense.
The tension between them was palpable and it didn’t go unnoticed by the septet who had been closely observing every little exchange between the duo with interest.
Ryan’s eyes were wide with shock as he stared at the scene taking place in front of him. In a rely audible voice, he asked, "Are they… flirting?"
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