about we start with the easy stuff? I want you to come at me, and I'm going to show you how to defend and deflect.”
I felt like I was going to pass out. My knees wobbled, and my hands shook, but the truth was it had nothing to do with the actual class and everything to do with Braxton being the one to teach me.
“Come on, I know you have a tough streak in you,” he said and winked. “I can see that fire in your eyes.”
I wanted to tell him I didn’t. I really didn’t, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit his praise made me feel good. Too good.
“Okay.” I wouldn’t mind learning some moves to be able to deter anyone who harassed me. “I don’t want to accidentally hurt you though.” Like, oh, I don’t know, kick you in the balls. I grimaced as I saw myself flailing around and accidentally going for his family jewels.
His grin widened. “I think I can handle myself, but I want you to land a hit on me.” He moved closer to me, and when I didn't say anything, I thought I saw something soften on his face. “Okay, how about first we’ll start with some self-defense moves? The basics?”
I exhaled and nodded. I didn't actually think I could land a hit on Braxton, but I also wasn’t the type of person to want to try. I was “soft.”
“I want to see how strong you are, Amelia. I want to make sure you can handle yourself if… someone isn’t there to help you.” There was this thickening in his voice, as if maybe he’d meant to say something else. “I see it in your eyes. You got this.”
God, he was gorgeous. Pressing my thighs together, I reminded myself now was not the time or place to get aroused.
“Okay, so you turn around, and I want to see what you’ll do when I come up behind you.”
And bam, my mind went into the gutter. Very inappropriate things slammed into my brain, and I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
God, I was lost in this man. So lost, but I don’t want to be found.
“Let’s do this.” Well, I said the words. They were out in the open. No taking them back now.
He moved closer and put me in the position he wanted. I bit the inside of my lip at how good his touch felt. He ran his hands over my arms, and goosebumps popped out along my flesh. God, this is torture, but the best kind.
Braxton was just so close and smelled so good. God, he smells so sexy.
“Okay, so you’re going to pretend I’m about to attack.” His hands were on my hips, his voice low, his breath warm and minty and moving over the back of my neck.
I cleared my throat, but inside, I was shaking my head. How am I supposed to pretend he’s a bad guy if he makes me feel like this?
“You okay?” His voice sounded rough and scratchy.
I nodded. “I’m fine. I’m good.”
And then he let go of my hips, but I swore he lingered, sliding those big fingers down my hips before stepping fully back. I felt him move a few steps away, and I exhaled before looking over my shoulder at him. When I faced him, I wondered why he touched me when he’d end up stepping away.
Why am I even questioning this? Why do I care, when I want more of it?
6
Amelia
Braxton started circling me, and it seemed very predator-like, as if he was this sleek panther about to take me down—the weak, helpless prey.
The prey who wants to be captured.
Then he stopped behind me again, and I stayed still, using my hearing to gauge his moves. Because I wasn't looking at him, my auditory sense was more attuned, more precise. I heard him move before I felt him, but I was too slow.
I spun around and brought my hands up, but Braxton caught my wrists easily, used my momentum to spin me around again, and the air left me as my back met his big, wide, and hard chest.
“See? Now if I meant to do you harm, I have you subdued. There’s nothing you can do now to get out of my hold.”
I closed my eyes and tried to calm my breathing, my hard pulse, but that had me realizing Braxton was breathing hard too. I felt his heart racing against me. He let go and took a