Page 135 of Crimson Promises
"Precisely. Use your intellect. It's your best weapon."
But as she watched and listened, I saw the change. She started to predict the bag's movements, using her intellect to anticipate rather than react. Her hits became more rhythmic, more controlled.
By the time we moved on to sparring, she was drenched in sweat, strands of hair clinging to her forehead.
I could see the fatigue setting in, her movements becoming heavier. "Come on, Aurora, focus. Remember, the body achieves what the mind believes."
She nodded, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her glove. "Okay, I've got this," she breathed out, squaring her shoulders.
I was relentless, pushing her, showing her no quarter. She needed to be ready for anything, for anyone. She stumbled, she faltered, she missed. But she kept getting back up, her jaw set, her eyes burning with an unquenchable fire.
Her blocks were getting better, her dodges more intuitive. And when she finally landed a solid punch on my shoulder, the impact sent a ripple of both pride and something far more dangerous through me. I had to remind myself to stay focused—this was about her, not the growing attraction between us.
“That's the spirit." I watched as she bobbed and weaved, throwing punches that came closer and closer to their mark.
I could see her adapting, her body learning from each missed swing, each successful block.
"You're getting it," I said, a note of admiration in my voice. "Soon, you'll be teaching me."
Aurora laughed, the sound light and breathless. "I doubt that, but I appreciate the confidence."
We drilled for hours, and fatigue set in, her punches growing sloppy, her guard dropping. But it was in these moments of exhaustion that her true potential shone through. She compensated for her tired muscles with sharp, cerebral feints and maneuvers, outsmarting rather than overpowering her opponent.
Everything around us blurred in the background. Aurora was earning my respect. Instead of running, she wanted to fight. A lot of other people would have chosen the easier option. Hell, it was the one I wanted her to take, but her commitment to rely on no one but herself was admirable, not to mention sexy as hell.
As the evening light faded, we collapsed onto the floor, exhausted but exhilarated. I couldn't deny that I was impressed by Aurora’s progress.
"You did good today, better than good."
She looked up at me, her chest heaving from exertion, a determined glint in her eyes. "I'll do better next time. I have to."
"You will," I affirmed, releasing her hand. "You're the most determined person I know."
And it was true. As I watched her peel off her gloves, her face flushed with effort, there was a beauty in her resilience, a magnetism in her resolve.
“It will take time and practice for you to feel comfortable with most of those maneuvers.” I said. "But remember, self-defense isn't just about knowing how to fight. It's about being aware of your surroundings and trusting your instincts. Promise me you'll always be careful. We don’t need to repeat what happened when your necklace went missing.”
Aurora nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “I dare that guy to try and come at me now.”
The girl was getting ballsier by the minute.
“We should start heading out,” I said as I wiped my forehead with the edge of my shirt.
Her gaze dipped to my exposed abs. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips.
Aurora’s growling stomach cut through the moment like a cleaver.
“Time to feed the human,” I chimed. We gathered our stuff and exited the ring.
As we walked out of the training room, I scanned the gym. Sully was nowhere to be found. We were about five paces from the exit when I heard, “Ben-nut.”
I placed my hand on the small of Aurora’s back and pushed her forward. That way, I could pretend I didn’t hear him calling.
The squeaking of rubber soles against the gym floors let me know I wouldn’t get away scot-free.
Connor reached and grabbed a fistful of my t-shirt. “Now, where are you off to in such a hurry.”
Aurora peeked over her shoulder, a smile playing at the ends of her lips.
