Page 24 of Tamed (The Courtside King Duology 1)

And miss the block.

Kai’s fist paused just centimeters away from his face.

Breck coughed a laugh.

Kai pulled his arm back. “Focus.”

Breck frowned. He was focusing. Or trying to, anyway. In his defense, his partner made concentrating really difficult. Up close like this, Kai’s allure was downright potent. But he was also a little intimidating, Breck wouldn’t lie.

The way he loomed like a jungle cat, ever ready to pounce. The way his eyes bore into Breck’s being, as if scrutinizing his soul. And his voice, always emanating calm but somehow still coming out a rumble. Seductive, yet ominous. Both a dare and a threat. At once completely ramping Breck up while stressing him out.

Breck drew in a breath, did a refresh in his skull, then squared his shoulders and nodded. “Okay. I’m cool.”

Kai’s dark eyes sharpened.

A heartbeat later, he gunned for Breck’s abs.

Breck thrust a low block to stop him but—way too late.

Kai’s knuckles kissed his stomach.

Breck sucked in a breath.

Kai went for his sternum.

He barely dodged it.

Kai went low again. Then high. Then a knife strike. Then a doozy of a double.

Breck only blocked half.

Kai pulled back. “You have to concentrate.”

“I am,” he snapped. Anger flared. He felt flustered. More people glanced his way. God fucking damn it. He looked like an idiot.

Jegs laughed to his right. “Come on, B. You’re better than that.”

Breck shot him a glower. Go fuck yourself.

Charlie chuckled. “The king is pissed.”

Breck glared at him, too, then turned back to Kai. The guy was eyeing him as if making mental notes.

Kai’s lips curved subtly. “They call you king?”

Fuck. Breck did not want to have this conversation with him. Anyone else? Yeah, bring it on. But not this man. Around him, Breck didn’t feel like a king. More like a jester.

Which was bullshit. He’d worked his ass off to get where he was, busted his balls to achieve the status he enjoyed. No one, no matter how hot he found them to be, would ever rob him of that pride.

It was his.

Squaring his shoulders, he lifted his chin. “Yeah. They do. King of the Court. Because I bring home the gold.”

Speaking of which, the season’s practice kicked off next week.

Kai studied him, then canted his head. “I see.” He eased back into position. “You must be good.”

Breck grunted. “Try great.” He resumed his stance as well.

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