I don’t like the way he says that or the way his golden eyes gleam with challenge. Before I can ask what he means, Damian moves.

And he isn’t slow about it.

I barely notice the shift in movement before he lunges at me. His arm extends toward me, aiming to knock me off balance. I react on instinct, shifting my weight and bracing my legs like he taught me. This time when his hand meets my shoulder, I don’t stumble or fall.

I grin, feeling victorious. But like all things, it’s very ...