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He wanted her to pursue a different method. She’d start by pummeling him into the ground.
“If I win, you give me back my page,” Tenah said.
His head tilted slightly. “And if I win, your eyes will never skim these poisonous words.”
Tenah frowned. “Fine, but my magic’s going to need space.”
“We have seven training fields in Denoden,” Vesara said, covering a yawn. “I’ll take you to the one least used since I’m guessing both of you have some frustrations to work out.”
With a sassy, hip-swinging walk, the assassin led them back through the sewers and onto the streets. Renton matched Tenah’s pace, while the others placed bets on the victor of their fight. Irritatingly enough, Vesara was the only tally in Tenah’s favor.
Gireth threw her a sheepish grin. “Sorry. Gotta give it to Ren. We didn’t call him Nazrata in camp for nothing.”
“Nazrata?” Tenah raised a brow, glancing up at Renton.
Renton dipped his head and sighed. “Means demon-possessed in the old language.”
“Are you trying to intimidate me again?”
He glanced over, mischief in his eyes. “Is it working?”
“Not in the least.”
His fingers brushed against the back of her hand. “Quit acting like you dislike me.”
“It’s not an act.”
He stopped mid-walk. Reflexively, she stopped too, worried he’d changed his mind about the fight she so desperately craved.
Suddenly, he was invading her space. Solid, armor-clad muscle pressed up against her. His hand slid around the back of her neck, rough fingers tangling in her fine hair. Gently, he tugged her head up, then he brought his mouth nearly to her parted lips.
Tenah’s eyelids fluttered. Her pulse thundered so loud she swore he could hear it.
Renton hummed in satisfaction. “Just as I thought.”
He dropped his hand and carried on after the others, leaving her heated in more ways than one.
Chapter17
Renton
Ruby eyes seared Renton from the inside out.
He squared up a dozen paces from Tenah inside the decrepit remains of a colosseum, his cherished blade in hand. He much preferred her newfound rage over the vacant shell she’d been during their journey to the Boglands. There was nothing worse than recognizing that lack of hope in another soul’s eyes.
Vesara waved a hand as she strolled by. “Do your worst. The monarchy abandoned this heap after the formation of the isles broke it beyond repair.”
When the crew had gathered on the opposite end of the dirt field, Renton cracked his neck and assessed Tenah’s stance.So many corrections needed. Though it was hard to concentrate on her technique when a warm breeze tossed her dark locks around her exquisite face. He could still feel the soft touch of it between his fingers.
Renton didn’t mask his admiration now. Hell, if he was being honest with himself, he’d been a goner the first time he’d laid eyes on her.
Gireth cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted out. “Remember cheap shots, Tenah. Cheaters always come out on top!”
Vesara slung a knife into the wooden target propped up beside Gireth. “Giving away your strategies already?”
Insults spewed as the others lined up for a game of knife throwing. Renton couldn’t help but notice their natural chemistry. The excited smiles they fought to hide. He’d witnessed the failure of too many clans in training camps due to incompatibilities. Vesara and Gireth both had strong personalities, but Aeyis softened them out magnificently.
Tenah slid her boot over the dirt, drawing his attention back to her. “Your move, Nazrata.”
