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“I’m afraid that if I dig my heels in on this, she’ll sink back into that depression and I will be the reason my mother can’t get out of bed.” I stopped, clutching my head. “How can I do that to her? What am I supposed to—?”
Lucien swept my legs out from under me, dropping me flat on my back. He stood over me—shirtless and wearing one of those white pantaloons like a Victorian bare-knuckle boxer. His canines gleamed in the dojo’s harsh lighting. “Never lose focus, Lady Luna. An opponent won’t take a break for you to cry.”
He kneeled beside me. “As for your mother, I can’t imagine how hard this is for both of you. She’s trying to protect you, you’re trying to protect her. After I was turned, I walked away from my family. My bloodlust was out of control, and though I knew deep down I’d never hurt them, I was afraid of looking in their eyes and seeing a monster.
“I thought it was better for everyone that I disappear, but all I did was abandon my wife and leave my son without a father. I’ve regretted it for over a hundred years.” Lucien caught my tear on his knuckle. “I’ll never know what could’ve happened if I told them the truth. You still have time, Luna. Tell your mother why you need to be here.”
I tossed my head. “Tell my mom I walked into the hellmouth to get revenge on the devils? She’ll pull me out of here so fast, my bags will be left on the sidewalk. I can’t do that.”
“Then, you have to go.”
I quieted, the hopelessness of my situation sinking in. She was my mother, I couldn’t be the reason she had another breakdown. But I also can’t tell her the truth about why I enrolled in Regalia U and let Jack push me into an arranged marriage to do it.
So how many options does that leave me but one?
“I can’t think about this right now,” I said, pushing myself up. “You said you’d teach me self-defense. I need to learn no matter where I go to school next semester.”
“I’m more concerned about tonight. Are you still accepting that invitation to Saylor’s?”
Bitterness slicked my tongue. “I have to, Lucien. She has the ring. It belonged to Martha’s grandmother. I can’t let that harpy keep it.”
“That’s what she’s counting on.”
I was saved from replying by hands on my hips. Lucien turned me toward the mirror, fingers pressing into my waist as he squared my stance. “Feet firmly planted for stability.”
Heat, and his breath, traveled up my neck. His middle molded to my backside, putting me in proper alignment with a thrust. My knees nearly gave out.
“Luna, are you okay?”
“Fine,” I rasped. “It’s just been a long night.”
He patted my thigh. “Okay, this time when you throw your punch, pivot on this leg and keep the other still. The power is in your stance.”
“Power’s in my stance.” His hair was tickling my cheek. The warmth coming off him penetrated my skin, making me highly aware of his moves, sounds, and honey soap. “Got it.”
I threw a punch, watching Mirror Luna’s fist come at me.
“That’s good.” He grasped my hand, popping goose bumps down my arm. “Next time, hold your thumb over your middle finger like this.”
“Okay, so do I—” I turned and my thigh pushed in on his middle, brushing up against the distinct bulge that took a peek at me the day before. I shot away. “Oh my gosh, I’m sorry!”
“Luna, it’s okay—”
“I didn’t mean to—” My feet tangled. “Ahh!”
“Luna!”
Lucien tried to grab me and we both went down, crumpling into a heap on the mat, Lucien landing on me hard.
“Shit! Luna, are you okay?” He cupped the back of my head, raising me to meet the concern written across his face. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”
Wind knocked out of me, my chest heaved with rough pants, brushing my breasts against Lucien’s arm. His leg hooked over mine—toes tickling the arch of my foot. His body lay over me like the Thor-bless blanket that got to cover him the day before—touching all of my interesting bits.
Our gazes locked. “I’m okay,” I whispered, fighting everything in me not to look at his lips. Or think about him stroking the nape of my neck. Or wonder what I’d do if he stood up, taking it all away.
“Good.” Lucien tangled in my hair, bringing me closer. Did he know he was doing it? His eyes glazed as if the lust had taken over. “I’d hate it if I hurt you.”
“You couldn’t hurt me.” Visions of the night before flashed in my mind. Victor tossing me out like trash without giving me a chance to explain. “You wouldn’t.”
“All that matters is protecting you, Luna.” His mouth glanced against mine and pulled back, stealing a taste. “You’re the one I won’t run away from.”
