Chapter 17

Thea

“Grip the bag like this, and alternate driving your knees into the center. Stay on your toes and draw your leg out and around to gain power,” Travis says, demonstrating knee drills on the heavy bag.

I bite my lip and nod. I step up to the bag and grab it like Travis instructed, the vinyl cool under my hands as I grip onto it. I let out a breath before I start to mimic Travis’ actions.

“That’s good, Thea, but a little harder. Put force behind it. Show some anger,” He encourages me. “Your knees, elbows, and shins are going to be your biggest assets in defending yourself. You don’t have to be big or strong to do damage when you use those.”

Anger? I harness my conflicting emotions and let them wash over me.

The way Knox kissed me and then ran off.

Knee.

How he reeked of that woman the next night.

Knee.

How he’s avoided me since I got here but put me across the hall from him.

Knee.

Was I delusional? He made the moves first…ugh, he's so frustrating!

Knee.

“Nice! I’d hate to be the