Page 57 of The Brotherhood

She twisted, trying to break free, but he tightened his hold, his palm splaying over her stomach.

“Hmm,” he mused, his tone pure trouble. “Maybe it’s both.”

Scarlett’s jaw clenched. “Let me go.”

He did. Instantly. And once again, she stumbled forward, her body scrambling to catch up with her mind.

He chuckled. “That’s two.”

Scarlett spun to face him, breathless, frustrated, and other things she’d die before naming.

“Again,” he said.

This time, she was ready.

Or so she thought.

Spar moved, but instead of grabbing her, he faked high, then ducked low, sweeping her legs out from under her.

She hit the mat hard, a shocked gasp ripping from her throat.

Before she could move, he was above her again, straddling her waist and pinning her hands to the mat.

A slow smile curled his lips. “You should see yourself right now.”

Scarlett’s cheeks burned. “Spar.”

His grip tightened. “You’re flustered.”

“Duh!”

His eyes flicked to the pulse hammering at her throat. He let go abruptly, rolling off her with an ease that made her want to scream. “That’s three,” he said, standing, offering her a hand.

She whacked it away, pushing herself up. “Why are you doing this?” she demanded.

“Doing what?”

“Playing games with me like you have some…right to me. You have no right to me.”

Spar tilted his head, his smirk deepening. “You think this is a game?”

“Oh, I know it is, yes.”

He shook a finger at her. “Then you’re not ready.”

Scarlett’s hands curled into fists. “Ready for what?”

Spar stepped closer, dropping his voice. “To face a man who can actually break you.”

Her stomach twisted.

“I told you, little sister,” he went on. “I’m preparing you.”

She swallowed hard, still confused about his entire point. But the point she needed to make—and would surely make—still burned along her spine. “Then do it again.”

Spar’s gaze sparked with something unreadable. Before she could blink, he had her wrist again, twisting her around. His chest met her back, his grip tightening just enough, bringing her sharp inhale.

“Fight it,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

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