It’s the probability I might win a sparring match.
I’m not sure either of these well-trained, highly dangerous Ezkai would enjoy losing to a street thug.
Emil’s cheek hits the ground, and he groans when Phoenix pushes her knee between his shoulder blades. She pulls one of his arms back and twists it with the most vicious look on her face.
That’s when he taps out.
Victorious, Phoenix lets go of him and stands. She offers Emil a hand, which he takes with a broad smile.
Damn, she’s hot when she fights.
When Nix’s gaze snaps to mine, I realize that thought may have traveled farther than I intended.
I don’t flinch. Nor do I look away.
Not until Bloom whistles as she walks past me. “I bet a hundred frade pretty boy right here won’t have the balls to take on Ezkai Bjorn.”
Bloom.
You little shit stirrer.
“Make it three,” Fern adds and sends me a wink. “No way an Emerian prince wins.”
Nix stills, watching her Ezkai with caution.
“Ha! I’ll match that,” Emil says.
I place a hand over my heart and in mock outrage say, “Not you! I would think you’d bet in my favor, friend.”
Grinning, Emil shrugs his shoulders. “Sorry, bud. Can’t resist a good wager.”
I tilt my chin and smirk.
Neither can I.
“Let’s hope you don’t regret your choice,” I say lightheartedly as I slide out of my white silk shirt. I jerk my chin at Ezkai Bjorn. “Wanna get a chance to kick my ass, boss?”
Ezkai Bjorn’s nostrils flare as he slowly rises to his feet. He cracks his fists and gives me a nod.
My pulse spikes, adrenaline coursing through me.
Jax.Phoenix’s voice is full of worry in my mind.
Oh, how sweet. She’s scared for my well-being.
It’s not about your well-being. These are my Ezkai. If you piss them off, you’ll put me in a very uncomfortable situation.Her worry turns to anger in a blink of an eye.
I roll my shoulders and my neck as I approach the sparring grounds, watching Ezkai Bjorn prowl towards me.
Don’t worry, darling.I cock my head to the side and wink at her.
Ezkai are brutal. Their whole Order is built on honor, sure. But it’s also built on prowess, strength, and proving one belongs.
Today, that’s me.
Ravenna, Emil, Bloom, and Fern all stand around us in a loose circle. Nix is the only one who remains a little farther away.
I don’t take it personally.
