My eyes grow wide. “That doesn’t sound good. Especially the neck part.”
“If you get anxious or your mind goes to the wrong place, you’re thinking about the past, you’ll tell me right away, right?” Victor studies my face, and I nod.
“I can do this. Let’s go.”
He smiles and encouragement radiates from him. “When the attacker grabs your neck, like this—” Victor steps closer and grips the part of my body where my shoulders and neck connect, but his touch is so gentle that I know he’s holding back.
“Don’t baby me, Victor.”
His smile stretches wider and his hands grab me tighter. “You’ll have to think of a way out of this situation. It’s physical and mental at the same time. You need to remain calm so you can think.”
I nod.
“I’m using both hands so it’s more difficult on you since you like the challenge.” He winks at me. “Move your head forward, pushing through my thumbs, and duck under my hands. Chin down and under my arms in a circular motion. Do it slowly.”
I do as I’m told. Victor has me do the move faster and we repeat the drill a few more times.
“Good girl. Here’s the next one for the same situation. You’ll have to decide which way to protect yourself based on the situation and the attacker.”
It gets difficult to swallow as my throat closes off. My mind immediately goes to the place where I don’t want to be. Images of the greasy pervert who scratched my neck resurface in my mind, and my hand flies to the place, but my skin is smooth and healed. I inhale slowly and exhale.
I bring my attention back to Victor, who’s been waiting for me patiently with concern.
“I’m ready.”
“When the attacker grabs your neck”—Victor steps in closer and puts his giant hands on me—“you’ll want to shake off his arms first.”
Victor disconnects his hands from my neck and places my arms around his, then pushes my hands down on his elbows and forearms. “This is the move you’ll have to do with a clear and alert mind. Think quickly and execute even quicker.”
I practice the move slowly at first, then faster, but each time Victor lets me push down on his arms.
“If the attacker is as big as you, there’s no way I can break free from this, Victor.”
“You’re right. And that’s why you’ll do this next move together with the first one. So you’ll push down his arms and at the same time strike his groin. It has to happen fast. Let’s switch so I can show you the entire move.”
We change roles and now I’m attacking Victor. I can’t stifle the laugh that escapes my mouth.
“Sorry, but you’re so huge that I’d think twice before placing my hands on you.”
“I want you to have your hands on me all the time, but that’s for later.” He flashes me the grin of a most dangerous predator.
I watch his body as he blocks my arms and then pretend-kicks me between my legs.
“Ouch. That would hurt.”
“Exactly. Now you go.”
I do the two techniques in one swift move and receive a rewarding smile from Victor.
“Do it again.”
And I do it again and again and again. He has me practice until sweat appears on my forehead. I’m not sure how much time has passed, but my posture is still strong and my tense muscles are still obeying me.
“I could do this the entire day.” I give him a grin of womanly power.
Victor raises one eyebrow. “When did you become so cocky? Let’s see what you’ll be able to do after thirty jumping jacks and twenty burpees.”
“Wait… I was just kidding—”
