Page 48 of Allure

“I won’t,” I say, determined to do even better this go around.

By the time class is ended, I am exhausted. I tried to get an arm bar on a yellow belt, but maybe I wasn't fast enough because she rolled out of it.

“The hitchhiker escape,” Declan says, sounding impressed. “Not bad.”

Ugh. He doles out a single compliment during the class, and of course, it's not directed toward me even though I tried my very best.

I drag my feet toward the locker room once the class is finished.

“White Belt,” Declan calls.

Shit, he wants to know if I want to work on stuff for the self-defense class. Honestly, I just want to hit the hay. Shower optional at this point. I’m that exhausted.

I dutifully head into the office, though, where I find him sitting in Sensei’s swivel chair.

“I’m not really up to work on it tonight,” he mutters.

“No worries. I wasn’t able to come up with much anyhow,” I admit. “I mean, I’m serious about doing this! But juggling it all, and I feel like I still have so much to learn yet, and I… Thank you.”

He eyes me skeptically.

“Seriously, thank you. I really enjoyed class for once tonight.”

Declan just continues to eye me, and I wave and head to the locker room. Changing is gross because I’m so sweaty, but I leave the dojo for once feeling accomplished.

And also wishing that I hadn’t walked because it’s late, it’s dark, and I feel vulnerable as I head on my way out of the parking lot.

All in all, today hadn’t been a disaster of a day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, though? I can’t help feeling like another shoe is going to drop at any moment.

CHAPTER18

Ihaven’t even left the parking lot yet when I hear footsteps behind me. I bristle, reaching for my keys, trying to get ready to gouge out the eyes of anyone foolish enough to attack me.

“Brooke, wait up!”

Declan?

Surprised, I turn around and wait for him to approach.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

“Starving, yes. I really worked up an appetite.”

He rubs the back of his neck. “I was really impressed with everyone today, how everyone worked so hard. I know I was tougher on you all, more so than normal, but you all took it in stride, and…”

“Is that a compliment?”

“For everyone,” he grumbles.

“Everyone includes me.” I wink at him.

Shit, did I really just wink at him? Am I that desperate?

I blink a few times, and every time my eyes shut, I swear I see us grappling. I shove that thought away, even as I can't help but acknowledge that I want to grapple him again. I can't ignore that or how I want to wrap my legs around him again, maybe this time without any clothes on.

So not a good idea, but then again, I’m not exactly known for making good choices when it comes to men.

“Why were you asking if I’m hungry?” I ask.

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