Page 63 of 4th Degree

“I wouldn’t recommend practicing these techniques outside of the gym, especially when you’re still new,” he grits out. “A lot of the things you learn are dangerous and should only be practiced under professional supervision.”

Craig actually waves him off. Like he knows more than the literal legend standing next to him.

“We’ll be fine,” he says, his tone and his stance still relaxed. “How hard could it be? I’ll make sure she’s safe.”

And if I thought Dominic looked tense before, it’s nothing compared to the marble statue he becomes now.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think you’d be a good fit for our gym,” he says, his words like ice. “Our students take this sport very seriously, and not doing so puts others at risk of harm. If you’re already planning on ignoring the gym rules, I can’t have you sign up here.”

My jaw drops at the reprimand. I’ve never seen him turn a new student away, and I definitely never thought he’d be capable of doing it like this. One look at Jax’s shell-shocked expression confirms he’s never seen anything like this, either.

The silence in the gym is loud. Craig stands there gaping at Dominic, completely unprepared to be shut down so definitively. His mouth opens and closes a few times, clearly trying to come up with a response, but nothing comes out.

Dominic puts him out of his misery by shifting to face me, effectively turning his back on Craig and ending the conversation.

“Do you have time to do a little extra work?” he asks me, his expression stone. “Tristan’s teaching the fighters, so I can help you with that combo we were working on last week.”

Too stunned to speak, the only thing I manage is a jerky nod and some kind of stammered agreement.

“Good. Grab your things. We’re working in the cage today.”

With a final glance at me, Dominic turns and strides toward the cage. Leaving us all in an uneasy silence.

I’m the first one to make a sound, because I want out of this situation. I don’t know how I’ll ever look Craig in the eye after this—not that I really want to. I’m not too fond of him these days. But I have no idea what to say to him right now.

Sorrynotsorry that my coach just kicked you out of his gym. See you in Anatomy class next week.

Jax finally snaps himself back to reality. “Uh, well, I appreciate you coming in to check out the gym?—”

I don’t hear the rest of it because I’m hurrying past them to follow Dominic into the cage.

His tone is hard and flat when he speaks. “Start with the four elbows we learned last week. Then we’ll work them into combos.”

I hesitate, long enough for him to notice.

“What?”

Finally, I look up to meet his eyes. Tossing everything that just happened out the window, I let out a noisy exhale and admit, “I was actually wondering if we could focus on jiu-jitsu. I… Well, I was thinking about doing a jiu-jitsu tournament.”

That’s the first time I’ve said that out loud. I know plenty of people do competitions not long after starting, since jiu-jitsu isn’t physically dangerous and there’s no record-keeping, but I still have no idea how Dominic will react to me wanting to compete.

He gives me no reaction. The only reason I know he doesn’t hate the idea is because he’s quick to agree.

“Good. Let’s start with your takedowns, then.”

I nod, some of the nerves leaving my body. But as I get into my ready stance, I can’t help glancing over to the reception area, where I can see Craig finally leaving.

I feel Dominic’s arms come around my waist. Distantly, I hear him say something like have to get a better grip when you shoot for the takedown.

But just as I have the vague thought that Dominic isn’t usually so quick to touch me, I also catch the flash of Craig’s expression as he walks through the door.

It’s there and gone in a millisecond. And I can’t read it, I don’t understand it, but I feel the shiver of dread that runs through me at the sight of it.

I’m torn out of my thoughts when Dominic knocks me over. I land on my back with an oomph.

“Got it?” he asks. Nope. But I nod dazedly.

He helps me to my feet, his touch lingering for a moment. Then he jerks his chin at me and says, “Now you try.”

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