Page 72 of Stars and Scars

“Go ahead, try and choke me.”

I sputter with mirth, because it’s so silly of a thing to say.

“I’m serious,” Gray says, but he’s laughing, too. I realize that even though this training session is hard, even harder than picking up new dance moves, I’m enjoying myself. Maybe it’s the company. It’s probably the company.

“All right, all right,” I say when we finally wind down. “Here we go.”

I grab Grayson by the throat…or I try to. His neck is thicker than it looks, and my fingers barely make it around enough to call it a real hold.

“All right,” Grayson says. “From here, your instinct is going to be to pull away, but that’s not always a good idea. Particularly if you’re backed into a wall. So, you want to use a simple chop against the most vulnerable part of the arm.”

He moves slowly, so as not to hurt me, and brings a sharp chop down on the inside of my elbow. Even in slow motion, the move makes my arm bend and my hand slides right off his throat.

“That’s it?”

“Yes. Don’t be afraid to put your full strength into it. You won’t hurt me.”

“Okay, then, it’s your funeral.”

He grabs me by the throat. I chop my arm down and smack the inside of his elbow, and his arm bends away, just like mine did.

“You’re a natural,” he says.

“Oh, stop.”

“I’m serious. Keep in mind, using this move in real life will probably get you a few fingernail scratches.”

I shrug.

“Better some scratches than to be choked to death. Let’s keep practicing. I like this one.”

“You just like being able to hit me.”

I laugh and shake my head.

“Oh god, no. I’m not a violent person, Grayson.”

I realize that he might take that as an insult. The insinuation that he IS a violent person. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to bother him.

“I am a violent person, and I prefer these techniques over all others.”

I blow air out through my lips and stir my bangs.

“Gray, you might be capable of violence, but that doesn’t mean you’re an inherently violent person. I’ve been with you for days, and I’ve yet to see you lose control or fly off the handle…in a fight, that is.”

He grins at my innuendo, but it quickly fades.

“Some people are just naturally violent, Sweetness. You can never be sure who is, and who isn’t. That’s why it’s best to be prepared.”

I can hear an edge to his voice. At first I think he’s angry or annoyed with me, but the look in his eyes belies that.

“Are you worried about me getting hurt, Gray?” I ask in a small voice.

“Yes,” he says without hesitation. “I’m terrified of anything happening to you. I…”

He shakes his head, and has trouble meeting my gaze.

“Let me show you a couple more things before the sun gets too low.”

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