COMPELLED

3 | The Fire

Never stop learning

Because life never stops teaching, ever.

I am so dreading this. I just want to go back into bed and sleep. It's so early that no one else is awake. It's just me, him, and the mat. He wore a loose black muscle tee with some sweatpants. Walking in he was already stretching on the mat.

It's so early that my body is freezing from the lack of body heat. Because there are no bodies!
I should've worn a jacket or something instead of this stupid sports bra. Atleast I'm wearing long leggings.

"Must we do this so early?" I whine, making my way over to meet him. "It's cold."

In one swift moment, his legs sweep from under me. My body slams against the mat, sending a shooting pain in my ankles as they slammed together. I rested on my elbows, to glare in his direction.

"Don't worry I'll warm you up." His classic evil smirk only boils my blood even more. "Now, try and take me down."

He bounces back up to his feet, holding his hand out for me to take it. I glare him for a little longer before slapping it away. I hop back up holding my fists up to protect my face. He seemed to looked unfazed, not even bothering to hold his hands up. I step in to make the first move, by striking his face. But he easily dodges it.

Making me angrier, I swing my leg up to kick his side. But he simply steps to the side catching my foot.

"You've got fire, I'll give you that. But you're sloppy." He releases my foot, setting me a bit off balance. "You're too emotional, which makes you loose control."

"Well, you are annoying to look at."  I exclaim, slamming my hands to my side. "If it was anyone else you'd be dead already."

"Emotional control is learning not to fall for a trap you set yourself." He states, before waving me over. "Five laps around, clear your head."

I rolled my eyes, "Fuck."

~ ~ ~ ~

Strike after strike, kick after kick, he caught or dodged every single one. About thirty laps later, I kick my water across the mat out of frustration.

"Fucking fuck." I hunch over catching my breath, with my hands on my above my knees.

"Did you clear your head yet?" I could just sense his stupid smirk just by his tone. "Zaya?

"Shut up." I stood up tall, stepping back onto the mat.

This time Colten lunged at me, fists clenched. But I sidestepped, quick as a flash, his punch whistling past my ear. Without hesitation, I drove my knee into his ribs. He grunted but swung back with a wicked right hook. Thank god I ducked in time, which earned a cocky smile from my end.

He lunged for me again and this time I was able to catch his wrist. I quickly twisted, forcing him to stumble. When he was able to yank free, I see his face contorting with determination. He charged for me again. This time, I planted my foot and met his advance with a swift kick to his chest, sending him a few steps back.

"Fuck... take that!" I shout as I tossed my head back. Trying to catch my breath once again. When I finally looked straight ahead, he was already lunging for me. He was quicker this time, I rose my hands to block. His hand shoots out to grab my arm, with a sudden twist, he spun me around, pulling me in tightly.

I slammed into his chest, his grip firm around my waist. I let out a small gasp at the sudden action. I could feel the tension in his muscles against my spine.