Hell and Back

Chapter Twenty One

"Come on, Lena." Damien taunts. "Did you already forget your training?" If only I knew how amazing Damien is at fighting — landing a punch on this guy is like winning the lottery.

"It's the first day." I groan weakly. I'm covered in sweat and our first day of training was more so of Damien showing off how awesome he is at dodging hits. Show off.

"Self defense isn't just about hitting me." Damien shoots his hand out and knocks me off my feet in one swift move. As I hit the mat, I can feel all of my anger and frustration from not being able to hit him build up. "It's about knowing where I'm going to hit you." He laughs. "Do you feel that?"

"The boiling anger and frustration, yes." I admit. I stand up and dust myself off frowning. "One day I'm gonna kick your ass."

He chuckles mischievously. "Don't let your frustration and anger be your fuel. It burns out quickly. It's weak-willed."

"Maybe I should meditate and use the power of my mind instead." I comment sarcastically.

"When you fight, Alena, use your body — not your emotions. Your body knows. Your mind doesn't." Honestly, I'm sure he's dropping gems of knowledge on me but I'm too irritated at this point to care. I honestly want to fight him for making me fall flat on my face and butt 50 times in one session. "But that's enough for today. We'll continue training tomorrow." Hearing him say that is an absolute relief.

"Thank you!" I groan and pick up my water bottle from the mat to take a swig.

Damien simply laughs. He hasn't even broken a sweat the entire time. "What about those swimming lessons?"

"You want me to teach you how to swim?" I question with my brow raised. The way the water is cooling me down is helping dissipate my anger. "That's golden."

"If you can teach me how to swim, I can teach you how to fight." Damien starts to do simple stretches as I sit down on the mat with my water bottle in hand. It's been my best friend this entire session.

"Swimming? You can't swim?" I question. It's hard for me to imagine Damien in the water unable to swim. There's no way this guy has been alive for hundred of years and is can't swim.

"Yes. Eye for an eye, is it? I teach you to fight, you teach me how to not drown."

I laugh, "that's for revenge. But point taken. Lessons start now though." I state firmly.

Damien grins, "wouldn't want it any other way."

"Isn't it impossible to kill you?" I ask.

"Almost. My death card is standing right before me, actually. She's got a killer body, nice legs, 5 feet, and soft skin. I love her smile and the way she rides my —"

"Damien!" I exclaim. He winks at me with a grin. "You're cute.. when you want to be."

He nods. "So does that mean I'm cute all of the time?"

I stalk over to him and wrap my slim arms around his waist. He stiffens a little like he wasn't expecting it, but I place my head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. Inhaling deeply, hearing the thud in his chest brings me peace. "Yeah, you win that one. But if you keep messing with me I just might throw you in the water without floaties."

I can feel the rumble of his chest before I hear him let out a hearty laugh. "I wouldn't drown, but it wouldn't be pleasant to drown without dying." I imagine him like a fish out of water, but I'm sure that would probably be considered a form of torture.

"Come, my love. It's late but we can fit some swimming lessons in." I nod and let go of him, but he grabs my hand. "I didn't say I wanted you to stop touching me." He growls softly. I roll my eyes and start to drag him out of the training room.