Live Wire (Ramsey Security #2)

"It was Mom's yoga room first."

Now standing less than a foot from him, I smile. "We'll save yoga for another day. For now, I want you to try and hit me."

"I'm not hitting you."

Giving him a slight grin, I say, "No, you probably won't. That's why I said 'try.' I want to see what the writer has taught you so far."

Marx moves out of the way while I step back to give Brad a chance to take his shot.

"Don't be afraid," I tease.

Grinning, Brad bounces slightly before taking a halfhearted throw. When I shift easily out of his way, Marx snickers. Brad's male ego needs to prove himself worthy, so he takes another shot. When I dodge the second punch, Brad frowns. I know he isn't really trying to hurt me, yet he likely believes his weak attempts should still get closer.

"Shake it up," Marx says. "Loosen your body and use your legs."

I smile at Brad to signal him that I'm ready. He's fast and strong, but I have no trouble dodging his moves. I even slide past Brad and poke him in the back.

"I don't understand," Brad mutters, clearly frustrated. "Logically, my size should mean I'll win."

"The problem is we’re both focused on the same person. You. Rather than watching me for signals on what I intend to do, you focus solely on where your body should be and what move you should use."

"So you don't think about what you're going to do at all?"

"My focus is on where your body remains vulnerable. My reaction to your movements is instinctual, but this comes from experience. You need to take part in real matches, so you'll think less about what you're doing and more about your opponent."

"How old were you when you began training?" Marx asks.

I give Marx a side-glance, unsure if I want to answer. He bothers me with his questions. His curiosity feels forced as if I'm being hunted. He should be careful about taunting a bear.

"Young," is all I give him.

Marx opens his mouth to ask another question, but shuts up as soon as Minka arrives.

"Maybe Brad can get involved in boxing or mixed martial arts," she suggests.

I instantly say, "No."

Brad frowns at my quick answer. "Why not?"

"The level of damage you could suffer compared the amount of skill building you might gain isn't worth it."

Smiling, Minka walks further into the room. "She doesn't want anything happening to your pretty face."

Brad looks down at me, and I shrug. His smile sends heat directly to the part of me that I normally ignore. I hate being aroused in front of Minka and Marx.

"I think a book about a woman assassin would be fascinating," Marx suddenly announces.

"Woman assassin?" Minka asks, laughing. "Is that even a real thing?"

Her laughter pisses off Marx who walks out of the room. Minka waits until he's gone before winking at me.

"He's fun. I think he and I are due for a bonding session."

Grinning, I admit loving when Minka teases other people. Brad waits until we're alone until he steps closer.

"Would you be that calm in a real fight?" he murmurs.

"With you? Yes."

"What if I was one of those cult fucks?"

"I'd be as calm on the outside," I murmur, staring into his blue eyes. "I don't believe in allowing people to know they've rattled me."

"Your acting skills are impressive," he whispers, leaning down until our lips nearly meet.

When Nell calls out Brad's name, he steps back. "The universe is conspiring against me."

My gaze takes in the sight of his sweaty tanned arms before lingering over his handsome face and sparkling blue eyes.

"I don't believe the universe cares about us. That's why I make my own destiny."

I wrap my hand around the back of his neck and pull him down until our lips meet. My tongue licks at his mouth, wanting to go deeper. Nell calls for Brad again, but I don't relent. Instead sucking on his tongue, taking what I want and tasting what I've craved since the first day.

As quickly as I kiss him, I step away before Nell appears at the doorway. I suspect I appear calm and collected, though I'm on fire on the inside. Brad refuses to hide his desire, and Nell realizes she's walked in on something.

Without another word, she leaves. The flesh between my legs throbs painfully, and I know I need to escape this situation. Following Nell, I give Brad a quick grateful glance while disappearing out the door. His gaze says everything I need to know. I might have started this thing, but he doesn't plan to let it end any time soon.





11


Brad

Now, Not Later

My skin is on fire. Saskia's beautiful lips found mine for less than a minute, but she's all I taste now. My cock throbs painfully in my jeans. Every inch of my body craves her. I can't pry my gaze away from Saskia during dinner.