Page 41 of Tempest

“Yep, but I can handle it.” I then gave her a kiss that left us both breathless.

I pulled back, my heart racing. “C’mon,” I said, rising to my feet. “Let me show you something.”

Kasen took my outstretched hand, her brow furrowed. “What?”

“Self-defense,” I replied, leading her to a flat stretch of sand. “If you’re gonna be with me, you need to know how to protect yourself.”

“Dad already showed me. I just… froze when I needed to use the things he’d taught me.”

“No arguments,” I cut her off, my voice brooking no opposition. “Now, stand here.”

I positioned her, my hands lingering on her hips. The proximity sent a jolt through me, but I pushed it aside.Focus, damnit.

“First, we’ll work on your stance,” I explained, demonstrating. “Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.”

Kasen mirrored my position, determination etched on her face. “Like this?”

“Close,” I murmured, stepping behind her. I pressed against her back, adjusting her posture with my hands. “There. Feel the difference?”

She nodded, her breath catching. “Y-yeah.”

I guided her through basic moves -- blocks, strikes, escapes. Her skin was warm under my touch, her scent intoxicating. But beneath the distracting sensations, I saw her potential.

“Good,” I growled as she executed a perfect palm strike. “Again.”

We moved together, my body shadowing hers. With each repetition, her confidence grew. Pride swelled in my chest, mixed with a primal possessiveness I couldn’t shake.

“Now,” I said, circling to face her, “let’s see how you do against a real opponent.”

Kasen’s eyes flashed with challenge. “Bring it on.”

I lunged, telegraphing my moves. She dodged, countering with the techniques I’d shown her. We grappled, sand flying as we struggled for dominance.

Suddenly, she hooked her leg behind mine, sending us both crashing to the ground. I landed on my back, Kasen straddling me triumphantly.

“How’s that for self-defense?” she panted, grinning down at me.

The sight of her -- flushed, breathless, victorious -- undid me. I surged up, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Kasen melted into the kiss, her body molding against mine. The heat between us sparked, threatening to ignite into an inferno. I rolled us over, pinning her beneath me in the soft sand.

“You’re a quick study,” I growled against her neck.

She arched into me, her fingers tangling in my hair. “I have a good teacher.”

My hands roamed her body, relearning every curve. The thin fabric of her clothes was maddening, a flimsy barrier between us. I tugged at her shirt, desperate to feel her skin.

“Wait,” she gasped, pushing against my chest.

I froze, immediately pulling back. “What’s wrong?”

Kasen glanced around, her cheeks flushed. “We’re on a public beach.”

Reality crashed back. I cursed under my breath, rolling off her. “Shit. You’re right.”

We lay side by side, catching our breath. The sound of waves filled the silence, a gentle reminder of where we were.

“Rain check?” Kasen asked, a hint of mischief in her voice.

I turned to her, drinking in the sight of her disheveled hair and swollen lips. “Count on it.”

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