Claire’s demeanor shifted. The warm, unassuming smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating
stillness. She looked at Mike, who gave a nearly imperceptible sigh and nod, stepping back. Claire
realized that running from this wouldn't help Sophie, nor would it help the gym. Derek was a bully
who had been unchecked for far too long.
"Alright," Claire said, her voice dropping an octave. "Three minutes. No submissions, just
movement."
Derek’s smirk returned in full force. He bumped fists with Brandon. This was going to be a viral
video. A black belt teaching a cocky amateur a lesson.
The gym grew incredibly quiet. The sound of heavy bags being punched ceased. Pairs stopped
grappling. Everyone turned their attention to the center mat. A six-foot, shredded black belt in his
prime, facing off against a thirty-five-year-old woman in a faded t-shirt who was half a foot shorter
and fifty pounds lighter.
Brandon circled like a vulture, holding the camera high. Derek bounced on his toes, shaking out