“What if they grab both wrists?” she asks.
“Same principle. Rotate toward the thumbs, then strike while they’re off balance.”
I demonstrate a palm strike on thepunching bag. First the normal way, fast and decisive, then slower for her to pick up the motion.
Her eyes widen behind her glasses, a furrow of concentration between her brows.
“What if they grab me from behind?”
“Now we’re talking.”
I slip behind her again, wrapping my arms around her waist in a bear hug. She goes rigid in my grip, her breath audibly catching.
“Easy,” I murmur against her curls. “It’s only me. You’re safe.”
She forces herself to relax yet again, her body softening slightly against mine.
“If somebody grabs you like this, you’ve got a few options. You can stomp on their instep.” I tap her foot with mine to demonstrate. “Or you can throw your head back into their nose. Or, if you can get your arms free, elbow to the ribs.”
I walk her through each option, guiding her body through the motions. We’re pressed close together, my chest against her back, my arms around her waist, her ass brushing me.
It’s impossible to ignore how good she feels. Every slender curve contrasts the muscle on my larger, broader frame.
This close to my stray, I’m remembering how hard it is to fight temptation.
I can smell the conditioner in her hair. Hear the breath she draws. Feel how supple her skin is as my taped-up hands steady her hips and guide her arms.
Apparently, she’s noticing too.
Her breathing’s changed, exhales that come out faster and sharper. Heat radiates from her body as a deep flush spreads. It even reaches her cheeks and makes me so damn tempted to drop kisses on the exact spot.
She shifts in my grip and presses her ass more firmlyagainst me. My blood surges down below, and I drag a ragged breath through my lungs.
“Killer…” she murmurs. “Is this still self-defense training?”
I spin her around to face me, one hand steady on her hip. Her eyes are dark, pupils enlarged and lips slightly parted. She’s peering at me as if dazed.
I recognize the look. I’ve learned it well over our time together.
“That depends,” I say, voice dropping low. “You want me to stop?”
In answer, she grabs at the back of my neck and wrenches my mouth down to hers.
She’s as aggressive as I usually am, trapping my lower lip between hers and giving a tug. Then she’s pushing her tongue into my mouth, brushing it against mine. She’s rising up on her toes so much she’s damn near climbing up my body.
The shock of it wears off, and I lay claim with equal fervor.
I meet Jhene’s tongue with my own, hands falling to her ass. I pluck her off the ground and let her legs curl around me, kissing the fuck out of her.
Our heads move with the rhythm of our intense kisses. It’s quick and easy to lose ourselves in the moment.
…the taste of each other.
Her full, supple lips against mine and how she tugs at my hair with clenching fingers.
I grip her ass even harder, filling up my palm with the rounded flesh, and a throaty groan rumbles from my chest.
The desire I have for Jhene Prince is unparalleled. It’s unlike anything ever I’ve ever felt.
