Page 61 of Knot Like Other Girls

"You're a natural," Liam says as I successfully complete a combination we've been working on. "Ready to try some sparring?"

I hesitate.

"I won't hurt you," he adds. "Promise. We'll keep it light, just touch contact. And you can stop anytime you want, just say the word."

"Okay," I agree, settling back into my stance.

This time when he comes at me, it's different. He's still holding back—I know he could take me down in seconds if he wanted to—but there's more intensity to his movements. I block his first punch, then his second, but the third gets through my guard, tapping lightly against my ribs.

"Point to me," he says. "Remember to keep your guard up on both sides."

I nod, determination settling over me. We reset, and this time when he attacks, I'm ready. Block, block, duck under his swing, and—yes! My fist connects with his side, just where he showed me to aim.

"Point to you!" he says, grinning. "Excellent work!"

We continue sparring, trading light blows and points. I lose track of time, lost in the rhythm of it. Block, strike, move, reset. My muscles burn pleasantly. Every successful hit releases a littlemore of the frustration I've been carrying, not just from today but from months of biting my tongue and playing my part.

I'm so focused on the sparring that I don't notice we have an audience until I hear a low whistle from the doorway.

"Damn, girl's got some moves," Troy says, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.

I stumble, startled, and Liam immediately backs off. "You okay?" he asks. "Need a break?"

I nod, suddenly aware of how hard I'm breathing. "Water?"

"Here." Roman materializes beside me, holding out a bottle of cold water. I hadn't even noticed him come in.

"Thanks," I say, accepting it gratefully. As I drink, I notice that Savva and Cole have appeared too. They're all watching me with expressions I can't quite read.

"How long was I...?" I gesture vaguely at the gym.

"About an hour," Savva replies.

I feel my cheeks heat up. "I got a bit carried away, I guess."

"Nothing wrong with that," Liam says. "Sometimes you need to let it out. Better here than slapping the piss out of Brax."

I laugh nervously. "I wouldn't have done that."

"I would," Savva says simply.

"Is he still filming?" I ask, desperate to change the subject.

"Still going strong," Troy confirms. "Something about his skincare routine. I tuned out after the third time he mentioned his 'pore-tightening serum.'"

"Yeah, that sounds about right," I mutter, taking another long sip.

"You should do this regularly," Roman says. We all turn to look at him. "The training. It's good for you. And it's a useful skill to have."

"He's right," Cole says quietly. It's the first thing he's said since I patched him up in the kitchen. "You should know how to protect yourself."

I don't have to ask him what he means.

He means alphas.

"I'd like that," I say, my voice suddenly hoarse. Do they really think Braxley was close to actually hurting me? Is that what this is about? Because they're certainly acting like that's the case here. The thought puts me on edge immediately.

"Would be my pleasure, lass," Liam says with a warm smile. "Same time tomorrow?"

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