Page 18 of Obsessed

Davrik doesn't even flinch. "I've had paper cuts worse than this."

I chuckle, wrapping a bandage around his torso. "Sure you have, big guy. All done."

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, neither of us moves. I clear my throat, stepping back. "How about some dinner?"

He nods, pulling his shirt back on. "Sounds good."

I scan through the fridge, my rations starting to get a little more meager with two to feed. Davrik managed to get some protein bars from his ship, but those only go so far on an active stomach.

Still, I pull together some pasta and meatballs that tastes pretty good considering it's been frozen for who knows how long.

As we eat, an uncomfortable silence settles between us. Davrik barely looks at me, pushing food around his plate. I bite my lip, wondering if he's angry about the incident earlier.

Just as I'm about to ask, he speaks up. "I'm going to teach you self-defense."

I blink, surprised by his abrupt statement. "What?"

His green eyes lock onto mine, intense and unyielding. "You heard me. Your form and ability back there tells me your company didn't teach you shit. Running will only save you some times. You need to know how to fight. And I won't take no for an answer."

"I... um..." I stammer, taken aback by his demanding tone.

"You need to be able to protect yourself," he continues, his voice leaving no room for argument. "What if I hadn't been there today?"

I want to protest, to say I've managed just fine on my own. But the memory of those razor-sharp teeth and gleaming yellow eyes makes me hesitate.

"Okay," I agree softly. "When do we start?"

"Tomorrow," Davrik says, his expression softening slightly. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

As I clear the dishes, I can't help but wonder what I've gotten myself into. He seems like he'll make for a pretty demanding teacher. But then again, how much self defense does a package courier need?

I have no idea what I'm in for tomorrow. But I have to admit, I'm pretty excited for it.

CHAPTER 10

DAVRIK

Idemonstrate the basic stance again, guiding Alice's feet into position with gentle nudges from my own. The station's small gym gives us just enough room to move, but the closeness means I catch her scent with every motion.

"Your balance is key. An attacker will try to throw you off."

"Like this?" She shifts her weight, wobbling slightly.

"Here." I step behind her, hands on her hips to steady her. Her breath catches. "Ground yourself. Feel how your weight connects to the floor."

She nods, and I can see the flush creeping up her neck. My thumbs trace small circles against her hipbones, ostensibly adjusting her stance.

"Now, when someone grabs you from behind—" I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her against my chest. "—you need to create space to move."

"Right." Her voice comes out breathy. "Space."

"Drop your center of gravity and?—"

She attempts the move we practiced, but her timing is off. We tumble, my reflexes letting me take the brunt of the fall. She lands on top of me, hands braced against my chest.

"Sorry!" She tries to push herself up, but I keep my arms around her waist.

"Don't apologize. In a real fight, you use whatever advantage you get."

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