Seth sidestepped a fast jab and blocked the follow-up, but his movements still carried that edge of restraint. Danielle wasn’t having it.
She pushed harder this time. Quick footwork. Tight swings. No hesitation. Her palm shot out in a sharp arc, and Seth only barely blocked it, the force sliding him half a step back. His brows lifted, surprised.
Connor stood off to the side, arms crossed, eyes tracking every motion. He hadn’t said anything yet, but the weight of his gaze was enough to press against both of them.
Danielle didn’t break focus. She darted forward again, twisting into a feint, then pivoted and aimed low. Seth blocked, but this time she felt it. He wasn’t bracing as hard. She was pushing through.
“You’re still sandbagging,” she said through her breath, circling.
“And you’re
