Eli and Chira had given up any pretense of working out and watched us with curious eyes. Based on Eli’s smirk, I expected Kee and Lexi to just happen to wander in at any moment.

“Have you sparred with Eli?” I asked. When Torran nodded, I continued, “I’m not as tall or as fast as he is, so please keep that in mind. Pull your punches and don’t aim for the face or groin. Any questions?”

Torran touched his wrapped knuckles to mine. “Should I avoid using my ability?”

I lifted my hands in a defensive position and slid back far enough to give me space to move. “I don’t particularly want to be a telelocked punching bag because I’m already at a disadvantage. That said, if you will teach me how to break telekinetic holds, then I accept.”

“Breaking holds isn’t easy,” Torran said as he circled closer. He moved with a lazy grace that did nothing to disguise the predatory look in his eyes.

I darted in and jabbed at his flank. The hit connected, but I got a tap on my shoulder for my trouble. He was even faster than Eli. I adjusted my strategy.

“But breaking holds is possible?” I asked once I was at a safe distance.

“It’s possible for Valoffs. I don’t know about humans.” He frowned at me. “I don’t want to distress you.”

I closed the distance between us until I was barely outside his reach. Despite the obvious opening, he didn’t take it. “Is it dangerous?” I asked.

He shook his head and slid away from the blow I aimed at his abs, then retaliated with a light jab toward my left side. Rather than retreating, I deflected the hit with my forearm and tapped his ribs. His answering smile was quick and fierce.

It was all the warning I got.

He went on the offensive, and he was fast as hell. It was all I could do to block and dodge. He backed me to the edge of the mat. With nowhere left to go, I decided to fight dirty.

I feinted at him so he would put his weight on one leg, then grabbed his arm and shoulder. I stepped into him and swept his foot out from under him while twisting him off balance with my grip. The whole move took less than a second and he landed flat on his back on the mat.

Distantly, I heard Eli whoop. His lessons were paying off.

I let go of the arm I still controlled and danced out of reach. I wouldn’t win a grappling contest, so I gave Torran time to get up. And gave myself a second to forget the warm, firm feel of his skin.

Torran stayed down.