Her Heart

Chapter 34

Riley's POV

"Mi Vida do I really have to do this?" I ask Carter as I'm watching everyone stretching to get ready for training. Garrett and Daniel are apparently not training though.

"Do you want everyone to think you're weak?" She asks amusedly.

I groan, "They're all gonna come for me."

Carter throws her arms around my neck and smiles, "Ry, my beautiful girl, just go out there and be yourself. I know you can handle it. All you need to do is get them on the ground."

My hands go around her waist and I bring her closer to me, "Your girl?"

"Yeah but technically you haven't asked yet."

I can't help but smile, "Carter Woods, would you do me the honor of becoming my girlfriend."

She kisses my cheek, "Of course. Now go be awesome."

"Break it up you two we're about to star." Jayden all of a sudden says which makes the both of jump a little.

He gives me a death stare as he passes me by.

Carter gives me one last encouraging squeeze before stepping back. I take a deep breath, rolling my shoulders to loosen up.

The tension in the air is palpable as everyone gathers in a circle around the makeshift training ground. Jayden's death stare is just the beginning—I know the rest of them are itching to test me, to see if I'm really worthy of Carter.

"Alright, let's get started," Kai announces, her voice carrying authority. She's standing off to the side with Megan, both of them watching with keen interest. "Riley, you're up first."

Of course, I am.

I step into the center of the circle, scanning the faces around me. Jackson cracks his knuckles.

"Alright bring it on. Who's first?" I ask, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

Jayden doesn't even wait for an answer. He lunges at me, fists flying. I barely have time to react, ducking just in time to avoid a punch aimed at my face. He's fast, but I'm faster. I sidestep his next move and deliver a quick jab to his ribs, making him stumble back.

"Nice," Carter calls out, her voice full of pride.

But there's no time to celebrate. Jackson's right behind Jayden, coming at me with a series of rapid strikes. I manage to block most of them, but one catches me in the shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through my arm. I grit my teeth and counter with a swift kick to his knee, causing him to lose balance.

"Come on, Ry!" Carter cheers, and I glance at her and she's eating a bowl of popcorn looking at us very amusedly.

That's my girl for you.

Jayden comes back at me again, and he's not holding back. What's wrong with him. This is just a training.

He charges at me with a force that takes me by surprise, aiming a powerful kick at my midsection. I barely manage to block it, but the impact sends me sliding back a few feet. He's relentless, coming at me again with a spinning kick that I dodge just in time.

I catch my breath, trying to keep my focus. Jayden's good—really good—but I can't let him overpower me. I wait for his next move, then duck under him kick and sweep his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

Before I can even think about celebrating, Jacksons already on me. He's quick and agile, darting around me with a speed that's hard to keep up with. He lands a few quick punches, one of them connecting with my jaw. I shake it off, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back. He tries to wriggle free, but I hold firm, finally managing to flip him over and pin him to the ground.