Page 26 of Assistant to the Assassin

“That depends on what Harrison wants with me,” I tell her, not trying to sugarcoat it. “He could just want me killed, and in that case he’ll likely order us to be shot on sight. If he wants to go the torture route, then the mercs will be under orders to capture us, which is where these lessons will come in. If one of the mercs attempts to capture you, I need you to do everything in your power to escape, and if you manage to, don’t wait for me. I was trained to sustain torture, you weren’t.”

Her face screws up in confusion, making her eyebrows furrow. “If I’m down here in the bunker, how would these guys manage to get to me?”

“By blowing up the doors. You never know what they have up their sleeve, which is why I need you to leave if you get the chance.”

“So, if shit hits the fan, I’m just supposed to abandon you?” she asks incredulously.

I harden my stare, trying to convey the gravity of the situation I hypothesize. “You’re supposed to keep yourself alive, Beth. If they get you, they’ll do unspeakable things to your mind and body. From Harrison’s perspective, you helped murder his brother and you’re the only person I care about. He’ll use you to torture me.”

Beth sets her shoulders back and tilts her head high. “Well then, let’s make sure neither of us get captured.”

I give a resolute nod, taking a couple steps back from her. “Okay, turn around for me.”

She does as I direct without hesitation, putting her back to me. I walk forward and wrap an arm gently but firmly around her neck. “In a situation like this, trying to pull yourself away or push my arm away is futile. So, I want you to twist your body towards my hand, and once you get your shoulders out, you shove me away. Try it.”

She does it perfectly, and when she’s free of my grip, she does a little leap and cheer. “I fucking did it!”

I smile at her enthusiasm. “Let’s do it a few more times.”

She does it perfectly again and again, and by the third time we try the move, she’s a natural. But instead of letting her get too triumphant, I move right into the next move, grabbing her with both arms around the neck and pushing her against the wall. She gasps in surprise, and instinctually she attempts to shove my arms away from the sides, but it won’t work.

“You’re trying to fight me off with strength, but you need to fight me off with physics. See how my body is positioned? I’m leaning towards you at an angle. Twist your body just like last time, but now I want you to drop down at the same time.”

“Can’t I just knee you in the nuts?” she asks.

“If I were anyone else, sure. But that won’t mean shit to the mercs. They’re like me; they were trained to handle extreme levels of pain. And don’t try to headbutt them either; it may hurt them, but it will also hurt you. Now try it.”

She twists her body like last time, but she doesn’t drop down fast enough, so my grip on her wavers only slightly before I resume my hold.

“Try again.”

This time she does it a bit quicker and manages to escape my grip. I immediately try to grab her again by the neck, but she automatically twists and pushes like I taught her.

“Fucking excellent.” I grin, watching her do a little victory dance.

“Those assholes won’t see what’s coming for them.” She punches the air, making her own whooshing sound effects.

“Cool your jets, John Cena. We still have a lot of work to do,” I tell her.

“Teach me more,” she urges, practically bouncing off the walls in energy and excitement.

Without warning, I slip my foot around her ankle and pull, making her stumble forward. I grab on to her and, as gently as I can, push her down to the mat so she’s lying on her back. I wrap my hands around her wrists, pinning down her arms, and I straddle her legs to keep them still.

Beth squirms under me, her expression scrunched up in determination, but she can’t escape. After a few minutes of wiggling like a worm, she relaxes, catching my stare. She starts glaring up at me. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

I haven’t been hiding my amusement in the slightest. “You’re just making really funny faces.”

She wiggles again, letting out a frustrated groan. “You’re such a dick.”

I smile down at her, flexing my fingers on her wrists. “I love it when you insult me.”

She smiles sweetly. “I hope you choke on glass.”

I chuckle at that. “As much as I’m enjoying having you under me, how about I continue with our lesson?”

“Well, get on with it then.” She lifts her head closer to mine, staring me down in a challenge.

So feisty. “You ever do gymnastics as a kid?”

---