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He snorts. “That’s cute.”
A flicker of irritation licks at the back of my neck. “Oh, I’ll show you what’s cute.”
I charge at him, swinging my fist at his head. He ducks out of the way with ease.
“You can do better than that.”
I try again, this time coming at him with a sharp right body hook. Gabriel’s once again able to dodge out of the way, leaving me to swipe at nothing but air.
“Stay still!” I snap.
Gabriel has the audacity to laugh, a deep sound like distant thunder. “Don’t expect your opponents to stand still for you. Come on, Raquel, quit playing around andhitme.”
“I’mtrying.”
“Clearly not hard enough.”
The moment I go in for another swing, Gabriel steps into my space, cutting off whatever momentum I had. While he doesn’t hit me, he uses his big frame to push me. I lose my balance and end up flailing, falling flat on my ass with an unceremoniousoof.
Gabriel offers me his hand. I take it.
He pulls me upright and says, “Think outside the box. You’re not as big as me or as strong as me—”
“Don’t you think I know that?”
“—so what are you going to do?”
“Honestly? My instincts are telling me to kick you in the balls.”
“Then why haven’t you tried?”
I click my tongue. “Because I don’t want to hurt you.”
Gabriel shakes his head. “That’s not a good enough reason. If we were fighting for real, you can’t let your emotions get in the way. It’s either kill or be killed out there, regardless of who you’re facing down, petite oiseau.”
I cross my arms. “If I land a hit on you, you’re going to tell me what that means.”
Gabriel smirks. “You have yourself a deal.”
We square up again, the air around us electric. Deep down, I know this is the furthest thing from a fair fight, which is kind of the point. Dad always told me a physical confrontation should be a last resort. We’re thieves, not brutes. Our strengths lie in going unseen, unnoticed. I’ve never had to hurt someone before, but this isn’t a regular heist with my usual crew. This is just me and Gabriel going up against an eccentric arms dealer, all while racing against the clock. This isn’t the time to play fair.
So, like Gabriel suggests, I’m going to think outside the box.
We circle the room, our eyes glued on one another. I’m not exactly a chopstick, but I’m still half Gabriel’s size. He’s also a good foot or so taller than I, and not to mention twice —if not three times— more powerful. I’m not going to be able to land a hit using brute force or blinding speed. I can’t go for a crotch shot, either, because now he’s expecting it.
Think, Rocky, think. Do something unexpected.
My mind races. The only time I’ve ever truly managed to catch Gabriel off guard was in Montpellier when I used my body to render him blind with pleasure. An idea pops into my head. I’ll never be able to overpower him or outrun him… And even if I did, I don’t have the heart to genuinely inflict any pain.
But Icanuse his own body against him.
With a roar, I charge him. Gabriel’s ready, easily snatching me by the wrists. He spins me around and traps me in his arms, my back pressed against his chest.
“You left yourself wide open,” he scolds. “Now what are you going to do if someone tries to choke you out?”
“I’d dothis.”
I slip a hand behind me and stroke his cock through the rough fabric of his pants. Gabriel grunts, his hot breath against my ear as he hisses. “What do you think you’re—”
