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“Like this?” I asked while I widened my feet a bit.
Shaking his head, he walked over into the ring. “No, like this; if you stand like that, you will definitely get knocked on your ass.” He tapped on my leg to bring my right one slightly in front of my left one and separated them to about shoulder-width apart.
He was so close to me I got a whiff of his intoxicating scent. He smelled like aged whiskey and birch. Testing my weight on the new stance, it did feel better. I felt more balanced. “Okay, thanks,” I rasped through my panting breaths.
“Bend your knees and bounce on your toes. It’ll keep you lighter and help you move faster.” He said while tapping the backs of my knees. Then, like he didn't have a care in the world, he turned around and walked back over to the group to continue watching.
I really wanted to know what his problem was; he came over and helped like it was a chore. Then walks away without ever looking at me, like he could care less.
Focus Dianna. All in due time. He will come around; just give him time. Watch out to your left!
Ducking down low, I narrowly avoided the staff colliding with my shoulder. Glancing over, I saw that Isarr and Orpheus had come to watch. They sat on either side of Apollo. Great, now the wolves were here to watch me fail.
After hours of fighting with Phoenix, my arms were screaming. Although he did get a few blows into my chest and thighs, I was pretty proud of the fact I blocked most of his hits. Then I got cocky, thinking I could land a few smacks of my own. I went for his hip and got distracted for a moment, glancing over to another mat. When I brought my attention back to Phoenix, it was a split second too late.
Diana!
“Watch out!” Atlas screamed.
It was the last thing I heard before Phoenix collided with the side of my head, causing me to drop to the ground as the world went black.
Chapter 21
Diana
It took a second for me to gather my bearings, trying to figure out what happened and where I was. The room was unfamiliar, smelling strongly of alcohol. Keeping my eyes shut I assessed my body. My head throbbed, and my body ached. It felt like I was hit by a bus. Listening, I heard Atlas talking, correction, yelling at someone. He sounded absolutely furious.
“You’re supposed to be fucking teaching her! Not trying to see how hard you can beat her every time you get into the fucking ring!” Atlas screamed.
Then it all started coming back. I was in the ring with Phoenix, and I got distracted right before his staff hit the side of my head.
Did I pass out?
Is that why I was here?
“I didn't think I would connect; she was blocking just about every strike I sent her way.” Phoenix hissed. “Do you really think I enjoy this? That I want to see her hurt?”
“Then fucking work with her! Stop acting like an asshole and help, and you need to pull the stick out of your ass and stop being so hard on her. She just got here for fucks sake. We can’t turn her into a warrior overnight! Those things take time, training, and fucking guidance that the both of you seem redundant on giving to her!” Atlas’s voice got louder, nearing the end of his sentence.
Peeking my eyes open, I saw he was talking to Apollo.
I could see the anger on his face. He was not happy about whatever this was that was going on. “I am trying to help her.” He said through clenched teeth.
I felt the warm hand near my hip. Reaching out, I clasped it in mine, and the calming feeling settled over me, letting me know it was Eros.
“Sweetheart, how are you feeling?” He asked in a low voice. Worry wracked his face. All attention was suddenly on me, with a silence filling the air, waiting for my reply.
Swallowing hard, I answered. “I’m okay, a little sore, and my head is killing me, but other than that, I’m fine.” I really was fine. It was stupid on my part to get distracted; I should have been able to block Phoenix. This wasn’t his fault.
“I am so sorry Diana. When I saw you weren’t looking at me, it was too late; I was already in motion and couldn’t stop the blow even if I tried.” Phoenix said as he rubbed my foot through the blanket. He didn't meet my gaze; sorrow filled his eyes, and his lips turned down.
Eros handed me a glass of water before I could reply. Taking a long drink, I handed it back, looking at all the eyes on me except Phoenix. “Hey, it's okay, it was my fault. I need to start paying more attention.”
Exactly what I have been telling you for the past three years. You just don’t seem to learn, you foolish girl.
I pushed the comment from Isarr out of my mind, not wanting to address him right now. “Phoenix, please look at me.”
Slowly, he lifted his eyes and locked on mine. Sadness filled his facial features, bringing his brows down low, lines forming between them. He was stunning. I just wanted to count the freckles lining his cheek and nose. The way he looked at me though, twisted my stomach for all the wrong reasons.
