Page 89 of Brazen Mistakes

“About self-defense? Almost nothing. Aim for where it hurts most and run, basically.”

“That’s actually a great start.”

I shake my head in denial. “Yeah right. Trips has been teaching me to box, kind of. I can throw an okay punch, but he said I don’t have a lot of power behind it.”

RJ chuckles. “Compared to what Trips can throw, I’m sure that’s true. But I’m also sure that you’re doing better than youthink you are. What about if you’re on the streets at night, or alone, away from people? What do you do then?”

“Like, paying attention to my surroundings?”

“Yeah, like that.”

“I guess, if I’m feeling weird about it, I don’t put in earbuds, and I always try to walk like I know where I’m going, even if I don’t.”

“Perfect. And if you’re scared, what’s the first thing you should do?”

“How scared?”

“Freaked out, even if you don’t have a good reason.”

A loose thread on my running tights occupies my attention. “Sometimes I pretend like everything is fine and just keep walking, but I’m listening really carefully. But a couple of times, especially growing up, I’d just bolt. There was enough stuff that was dangerous to witness when I was a kid that running was the best option.”

RJ pulls my hands across the open space between us, holding them gently in his warm palms. “Excellent.”

“What does this have to do with self-defense?”

His eyes are warm when I meet them. “The first rule of self-defense is to not need it. Know what’s around you, who’s around you. Don’t look or move like an easy target. Trust your instincts and stay in spaces with other people. For example, a guy is struggling with a bag of groceries while trying to open his door and asks you for help. What should you do?”

My stomach drops. “I hate it, but say sorry and walk by, listening after I pass. My dad was serious about that one when I was a kid. I could only help moms with kids, or other kids. Never a solo adult.”

“Smart of your dad. Being a good Samaritan can get you killed, and as much as my pops hates it, my mama and sisters learned the same as you. Women with kids and kids alone are less likely to be a part of a dangerous ruse and are the safest to approach if ever you’re alone and something doesn’t feel right.”

“I guess I know more about self-defense than I thought I did.”

“Most women do, even if they never took a class. Next up, you’re in a space without crowds but need to stay there, like waiting for a bus. How can you keep yourself from being an easy target?”

I think it over. “Look confident, listen to my surroundings, plan where I’d run if I need to, stuff like that.”

“The bus stop is covered. Where do you stand?”

“Back to the corner.”

“Awesome. Can’t sneak up on someone who’s looking at you. Now, you’ve been cornered. What’s your goal?”

I let out a sad huff of a laugh. “To get the fuck away.”

RJ’s eyes shine. “Exactly. You’re smart, you’re intuitive, and you’re fast. After today, you should be good at creating opportunities to escape. And that shouldalwaysbe your first choice, Clara. It sucks, but it’s the best choice for most everyone out there who needs to defend themselves. Don’t stay and fight. Get to safety.”

“It feels weak.”

“Maybe it is. But it’s better to be weak and alive than strong and dead.”

I flip him off before I can think better of it, but he catches my finger and pulls it into his mouth, my teasing angerturning immediately into arousal. “Not fair,” I say, my voice breathy as I glare at the playful glint in his eyes.

“Easily disarmed,” he whispers after letting me have my hand back, his voice lower than normal, and I wonder exactly how long we’re going to be able to delay the prize at the end of this game.

“Not always,” I counter. “Not by everyone.”

“Good.”

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