Page 37 of Allure

When I wake, it’s basically the same as yesterday—classes, school work, karate.

Once I arrive at the dojo, I hear Declan’s voice before I can see him. I hate that I’m relieved, that I have to do this with him, but I don’t want to seem like a wimp. I can handle him. Didn’t I already prove that? Ignoring him has helped some, or maybe it’s just because he’s here at college to learn.

With some guys, you can tell that they only go to college for one thing. Two, actually. Parties and girls.

I have to get changed yet, but I approach Declan in the hallway first.

“Can we talk?” I ask.

“About the seminar? Self-defense?” he asks.

Of course Sensei told him about it already.

I nod, my gaze falling to the ground. The carpet in the hallway is a bit thin.

“What do we need to discuss?” he asks, standing with his feet apart, his arms crossed.

“I have a few ideas,” I mumble, forcing myself to stare into his eyes. “I wanted to run them over with you. After class, maybe. Unless you have to teach…”

"I don't have to teach tonight. Sensei's here, but I do have to jet after class, so if you want my help, it has to be now."

“During class?”

He nods and rolls his eyes. “Obviously.”

“Where?”

Declan shakes his head, and he brings me over to a part of the dojo I hadn’t even realized existed. Sure enough, there’s a second mat, a much smaller one.

He turns on the light and waits until he’s in the center of the mat to face me. “Shit, you aren’t even changed yet. Hurry up.”

"I'm sorry, Princess. I won't take too long, so don't turn into a pumpkin," I hiss.

I dart out of there and hurry over to the locker room. After changing in no time, I rush back to the second mat.

Declan eyes me and then yanks on my belt, forcing me to step way too close to him.

“You always tie your belt wrong,” he complains, yanking it off me.

If he wasn’t such an ass all the time, I might enjoy the idea of him stripping me, ripping clothes off me, but I just stand there and let him tie my belt.

“Are you even going to watch so you can start learning how to do it right?” he asks.

“Honestly? No. I like having you do shit for me, and I like you on your knees.”

He smirks. “You don’t have balls, Toots.”

“How many pet names do you have for me? Better go back to Flat Ass or some other insult before I start to think you care for me.”

“Don’t bother.”

“Don’t bother to what?”

“Think anything at all about me,” he says firmly. “Now, I don’t understand why Sensei would’ve given this to you. Why not Jackie?”

“I suggested Sempai—”

“You told him about your being attacked, didn’t you?”

---