Page 35 of The Scars of Us

I softly elbowed her in the stomach a few times before turning. “Once you’re in this position, I would recommend a couple of knees to the groin, and some elbows to the face, even a knee to the face because they’ll probably be hunched over. Put all of your force into your hits so that you can knock them out. Want to try?”

After she nodded, I came up behind her, pinning her arms to her sides as I brought her body against mine. Her ass pushed against my crotch as she leaned over, and even though I was wearing a cup, I couldn’t keep thoughts of bending her over and fucking her from behind out of my head.

She shifted then threw a hammer-fist into my crotch. I loosened my hold on her as she started to elbow me in the stomach before turning and kneeing me in the nuts twice.Thank God for cups.

Elbowing me, she connected with the side of my face, which thankfully, was protected by the head gear. Elbows were one of the worst hits to take, especially to the nose or mouth.

We practiced a few more times before I ended class. Everyone was drenched with sweat as we discussed their feelings about sparring, most of which were positive. Tired smiles lined everyone’s faces as they talked about what they practiced.

As everyone left, I started gathering the equipment to sanitize before I closed up. “You need some help?” Kaiya asked.

“Sure. I just need to clean this stuff,” I said as I grabbed the gym’s disinfectant spray and some paper towels from their station in the corner of the room.

After we had sanitized everything, I put the equipment back in their containers before putting them up in the closet. “Thanks for helping me.”

“No problem. I’ll see you Thursday.” Kaiya smiled as she headed for the door.

“Hey, you want to grab something to eat? My treat for your help,” I offered.

She turned back to face me. “I can’t—Kamden waits for me for dinner.”

“Oh, okay. Maybe some other time,” I replied coolly, trying to mask my disappointment.

Our eyes met as she nibbled her bottom lip. “Tomorrow?” she suggested, quirking up an eyebrow in question.

My lips curved into a grin, “Just tell me where and when.”

“East Side at seven?”

Is she serious?I couldn’t fucking believe it—Kaiya was actually agreeing to go out with me. “I’ll see you there.”

Her skin began to flush as she replied, “Okay. See you tomorrow.”

Hastily, she turned and exited as I finished closing up. My stomach knotted itself as I thought about tomorrow night—I hadn’t felt like this about a date in a long time. I had given up trying to make sense of how Kaiya made me feel—all I knew was that I wanted more, anything she would give me.

Oh my God, did I really just do that?I couldn’t believe how impulsive I was—what was I thinking? I was supposed to be keeping my distance from Ryker, not going out on dates with him.But one date can’t hurt, can it?

My resistance was wearing down, especially when he was trying so hard to give me the space I asked for. I knew it couldn’t be easy since we were always touching during class. I could see and feel his desire when we practiced all the techniques he taught me. And I’m sure he could see mine written all over my face.

I felt like I was going to throw up all day on Wednesday since I was so nervous about seeing Ryker that night. None of the figures on my computer screen at work were making sense, my mind too caught up in thoughts of him for me to get anything done. I decided to text Nori and get her thoughts on everything:

Me: Ryker is taking me to dinner tonight :)

Nori: Finally! I was waiting for you to grow some balls and go out with him

I laughed aloud as I text her back:

Me: Idk if this is a good idea :/

Nori: Stop overthinking like you always do just have fun :)

I smiled at her text but didn’t reply back. I tried to focus back on work, to keep my mind off dinner, but it was almost impossible. My phone beeped, and I thought Nori had text me again, but it wasn’t her:

Ryker: Can’t wait for tonight ;)

There was no use trying to fight the goofy smile that took over my lips. Impulsively, I sent the first thing that came to mind:

Me: Me neither :)

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