Dark Intention

Chapter 2

Training Days 2–5

The second day of training was much like the first. Alex had waited for her outside her house, dressed in sweatpants, a loosely fitted T-shirt, and a pair of running trainers. Vivian had chosen her exercise crop top and leggings, paired with her own trainers.

He nodded. "Let's go."

They put in their earbuds, listening to music as they ran. Every now and then, they'd make hand gestures to signal a turn or cross to the other side of the street. Eventually, they stopped at a park bench for a drink before continuing on to the gym.

At the gym, they did some routine exercises before moving to the punching bags to pick up where they’d left off.

"You're doing better, Vivian. Keep it up. You're learning my techniques quicker than I expected," Alex said.

"Thanks."

A few more jabs.

"Come take a rest. We'll get in the ring and use the gloves to see how much progress you've made with your punches. What you've learned so far should help."

"Okay."

They both sat down for a drink of water. Alex put on the punching gloves, then told her to take her stance and show him what she'd learned. She followed his instructions, taking her stance and punching with her left, then her right—repeating the sequence.

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Day Three

Day three was similar to day two. Alex and Vivian got into the Mercedes, and the driver pulled away.

"We’re going to the gym for an hour, then into town to pick up some groceries," Alex told the driver.

When they arrived, the driver stopped outside the gym, and they got out. Alex casually slipped his arm around her waist as they walked inside. At the entrance, he let go.

"Follow me."

Vivian went to change in the girls' changing room before meeting him in her sportswear. He led her to a different room with a tall wooden object—spikes jutting out from it.

"We’ll be using that. You have to kick between the spikes. I’ll show you how it’s done. But first, do we need to stretch before we work on your upper and lower body?"

"Okay."

They did some stretches, then Alex demonstrated how to use the spike trainer. It looked like it would hurt if you messed up.

"Now you try. Just remember to hit between the spikes—or I’ll have to call you an ambulance."

She swallowed. "Okay."

She repeated what he'd shown her—first with her fists, then her feet. It was the first time she’d used her full body this intensely, and it hurt like hell.

"That's enough for today. Tomorrow I'll teach you different types of kicks."

She nodded.

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Day Four

"Tonight, I’m going to teach you different kicking techniques and show you how—and when—to use them. We’re going to perfect the art of literally kicking ass," he said with a laugh.

"Okay."

They did some routine exercises, then he demonstrated different kicking techniques. She practiced them over and over again.

"Let’s take a break. Then you can show me what you've learned tonight in a one-on-one match, okay?"

"Okay."

After sipping some water, he led her over to the mats.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yeah."

They faced off, watching each other's moves—spinning kicks, flying kicks, and foot slides. She was doing well until he caught her off guard. She lost her balance, and as she went down, she dragged him with her.

They lay there, breathing heavily, eyes locked. He wanted to kiss her right then.

"Well done, Vivian. You're getting the hang of it," he said, jumping up and offering his hand.

She shook her head.

"Take it, Vivian."

She took his hand, and he pulled her up.

"That’s enough for today. Tomorrow we’ll put it all together in the ring, okay?"

She nodded.

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Day Five

Training on day five followed the same pattern as days three and four, but this time they combined all the techniques.

"We're going to put everything you’ve learned together, okay?"

"Okay."

After warming up with some routine exercises, they stepped into the ring.

"Your stance is getting better, Vivian. Let’s see if your punches and kicks have improved," he said. "We’ll combine them now and see what you’ve got—and what needs work."

"Okay."

"Fight."

They began to spar using all the moves she’d learned. She performed well but was still a little sloppy. Alex called a time-out.

"Why did we stop?"

"You need more training, Vivian. Your moves are sloppy. I need you stronger."

"I thought they were okay."

"They don’t just need to be okay, Vivian—they need to be spot on. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"We’ll take a break and drink some water. Starting tomorrow, we’ll train every night after school. Once you move in, we’ll have full access to the gym, and I’ll teach you more than just punching and kicking. You need to know how to defend yourself—understood?"

"Okay."

"We’ll start combining everything here on the mats before we even think about the ring again, okay?"

"Okay."

"Go."

They went at each other again—spinning kicks, flying kicks, foot slides. She was doing well until he caught her off guard again, and they both went down.

Breathing heavily, their eyes locked again. He wanted to kiss her.

"Well done, Vivian. You're getting the hang of it. Now let’s add the punches and combine everything."

She nodded.

They continued, integrating punches into the kicks, gradually improving their rhythm and technique.

Finally, he raised his hand to signal a stop.

"That's enough for today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue exactly like this until you’ve got it down. When I think you're ready, I’ll put you up against one of my brothers, okay?"

"Okay," she gulped.