Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,49

to be able to overpower me, therefore tugging on my arm is useless. You need to assess where the weakest part of my hold is.” A deep breath helped me refocus on what Killian was trying to teach me. I knew how important it was for him to know I could defend myself, so I pushed thoughts of sex away—for now—and paid attention. “If you go to the right, you’re running straight into my bicep, which will only make my grip tighter around your neck.”

“Left,” I said, as I stopped my futile struggling and tapped the left side of his hold where his wrist was.

“Yes. Good. Now, you’re going to step forward.” Killian gently kicked the back of my left leg, and I followed his instructions, shifting my stance. “And then your other leg is going to slide back and between our bodies. That’s it,” Kill praised, as I awkwardly moved through the motions. “Spin out of my hold. You’re basically unraveling the choke hold. Duck straight out of my grip and then push off my body.”

When I was free, I pushed the loose strands of my hair out of my face and tightened my ponytail, trying to commit those motions to memory.

“Again,” Killian ordered. It took me two more tries until muscle memory kicked in. “Good job, baby. Slip your shoulder down and out. Just like that.” My pace quickened as I escaped his hold, feeling sure on my feet as I pivoted free of his arms. “Push off my body. Both hands, Nix.” My palms landed on his abs, and I enjoyed the sensation of the hard, muscular planes before I used him as leverage, my fingers stroking more than shoving.

“How was that?” I questioned, swiping at the light layer of sweat on my forehead.

“You’re not supposed to grope your attacker, Nix.” Killian raised an eyebrow at me, propping his hands on his hips as he stared me down.

“I guess my attacker shouldn’t be so hot then.” I smirked, not the least bit repentant. Alone time was hard to come by with my guys, so I’d take what I could get, even if it was a training session where I got to cop a feel.

“In all honesty,” Killian began, his voice low and warm as he prowled forward, “you really did do a great job. You’re a quick study, pick up on instruction swiftly, and take criticism well, amending your moves until you’ve mastered what you’ve been taught.”

“Are you saying you’re proud of me?” My cheeks heated under his unwavering attention as he stopped before me, towering over my small frame so I had to crane my head back to study the beautiful green depths of his eyes. I doubted anyone had ever called my Puca beautiful before, but he was. He was a beautiful man, inside and out. Ruggedly handsome, broad, and tall. Rough on the outside but sweet on the inside. He was my protector, my friend, my lover. My heart swelled from the love and desire I saw reflected back at me, mirroring my own feelings.

“I’m always proud of you, Annie girl. You awe me every day with your strength and perseverance.” He gripped my hips possessively and pulled me against his body until we were one. I went up on my tiptoes as he leaned down and fused his lips to mine. The kiss started slowly, the flavor of his salty sweat mixing with the clean taste of his mouth. I drank him in, the heady fragrance of clover and magic going straight to my head. Warm hands with rough calluses skimmed up my waist, leaving trails of sparks that shot straight to my core. Killian deepened the kiss, walking me backward until my spine was pressed against the cool surface of the mirrored wall. The chill from the glass sent a shock through my system until it warmed from the heat of our bodies. Killian’s lips repeatedly collided with mine as his thigh pressed between my legs, so I parted them just enough to let him in. The pressure against my core set me on fire, and I rocked my hips, feeling the hard outline of his erection against my lower stomach.

Killian’s tongue stroked into my mouth with the slow rhythm of a deep fuck while I rode his leg, the combination creating pleasure that crashed through me with the force of a tempest, spiraling me higher. The confident way he took my mouth set me ablaze. All I wanted was him—to feel