Page 80 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
Frustration builds in my chest. "Maybe if you explained it better—"
In a blur of movement, I'm suddenly airborne. I crash onto the mat, stunned, as Kade pins me with embarrassing ease.
"Explanations won't save you in the field," his face inches from mine. "Muscle memory will."
I buck against him, trying to break free. "Get. Off. Me."
"Make me," he challenges, eyes glittering.
I try every move he's shown me, but he counters each attempt effortlessly. Sweat beads on my forehead, my breathing ragged.
"Stop fighting my strength," he murmurs, adjusting his grip. "Use leverage, not force."
I force myself to relax, sensing an opening. When I shift my hips, he momentarily loses balance. I exploit the weakness, rolling him partially off.
"Better," he acknowledges, a hint of respect in his tone.
For a split second, we're face to face, breathless. Something electric passes between us.
"Now," Kade's voice rougher than before, "let's try something more advanced."
He helps me up, his touch lingering longer than necessary. "This is a takedown that works against larger opponents."
As he demonstrates, his hands slide along my waist, positioning me precisely. Each touch sends sparks dancing across my skin.
"Your stance is too narrow," he moves behind me. His foot nudges my legs wider apart. "You need a solid foundation."
I'm now acutely aware of his proximity, the heat from his body. His hands grip my hips, adjusting my position with a firmness that makes my stomach flip.
"Now," he continues, voice dropping lower, "when they come at you, you pivot here—" His palm presses against my lower back, guiding me into a turn that brings us chest to chest.
His stare captures mine, a raw hunger flashing. My heart thunders against my ribs as his attention drifts downward to my mouth.
"And then?" I whisper.
"Then you use their momentum against them." He shows, and suddenly I'm pressed against the wall, his massive frame caging me in.
My heart hammers as he pins my wrists above my head, his body flush against mine. "Feel how I'm controlling you without hurting you? That's the difference between discipline and brute force."
I nod, unable to form words. The solid wall of his chest presses against me with each breath, and there's no mistaking the hard ridge pressing against my stomach.
"Now," he murmurs, "try to break free."
I struggle against his grip, but it's futile. The effort only grinds my body against his, creating a friction that sends a wave of pleasure through me.
"Relax," he whispers. "Use technique, not strength."
I force myself to think past the distraction of his body. Remembering a move he showed me earlier, I shift my weight and twist, creating momentary space.
Before I can capitalize on it, Kade's arm snakes around my waist, yanking me back against him. His mouth grazes my ear. "Better," he growls. "But not good enough."
Heat pools low in my belly as his lips brush the sensitive skin below my ear. I can't help the small gasp that escapes me.
"Kade," I breathe, unsure if I'm asking him to stop or begging for more.
"This," he murmurs, "is what happens when you let your guard down."
His lips trail down my neck, his stubble scraping deliciously against my sensitive skin. My nipples tighten, pressing against my sports bra as arousal floods through me.
