It was past two in the mid-afternoon and the living room in Unit 2003 had been transformed 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.
"Come 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 met 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 same fate.
"Get up, Kevin. We are not done yet," Grace showed no mercy and extended a hand to help him up.
Maven chuckled from where he had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Next time, 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 moment before Maven made the first move. He was fast as he aimed 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 me not to challenge you unless I have had a full night’s sleep next time."
"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 men 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 moment before she relaxed. She walked over, meeting 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 same time, excitement flickered in their eyes. Seth elbowed Kevin with a grin. "Looks like we have got a new victim."
Kevin chuckled. "Better him than me."
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 men. 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 something 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 met Grace’s gaze, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two in the room. Without warning, he lunged, and Grace met him head-on. Their movements 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 time passed, the fight started taking on a different tone.
Davian’s eyes sparkled with amusement 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 met 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 merely audible voice, he asked, "Are they… flirting?"