Page 79 of Allure

“No, but that’s why you thought I would quit, right? That I would freak out if I broke a nail?”

“Sometimes, you can tell based on a person’s build, their look, if they’re cut out for karate. There are a few surprises.”

“I’m happy to prove you wrong,” I say with a grin.

He snorts and shakes his head. “You have a long way to go, young grasshopper.”

“If I’m a grasshopper, what does that make you?”

“A praying mantis.”

I giggle. “And if I ever get to praying mantis level, you better watch out.”

His gaze turns hungry. Shit.

“It’s only the females who attack the males during courting,” he says in a low tone, his voice husky.

“Sounds about right,” I mutter, glancing away. “Do you want to die?”

“No, but a bite in a specific spot during a certain time can actually be quite pleasurable.”

I suck in a breath. Way past time to change the subject, but at least he doesn't seem to be in a bad mood anymore.

“So, I was wondering… Do you think you could do me a favor?”

“Depends.”

I can't help grinning because that's my go-to response when someone asks me for a favor. I learned a long time ago never to agree to a favor without first knowing what the favor in question is.

My father taught me that lesson.

“Could you talk to your father about maybe seeing if he can just sit in the parking lot during the event until the last woman leaves? I know he’s busy, and I figure nothing will come of your asking, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?”

Declan slowly nods. “I’ll ask, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up,” he warns, his tone gentle. “My parents have been talking about maybe taking a spur-of-the-moment trip soon. It could conflict.”

“How does the police force allow your father to leave all the time at the drop of a hat?”

“They’re that desperate, and he’s threatened to quit before when they tried to push back.”

“Geez.”

Declan makes a face, half-grimace, half-rueful smile. “My parents know how to get what they want.”

“Hmm. Does their son take after them?”

“Clearly not,” he says flatly.

I’m so shocked by his tone that I gape at him. He’s still smarting from what happened between us, but he still hasn’t owned up to his words, hasn’t apologized, instead trying to act like it had been justified when I had just been sticking up for myself. Sure, I might’ve gone a little too far at times, but he had been the one to start it and push me.

Yes, I should’ve risen above, but damn it, I’m not going to forget that he bullied me and pretend it didn’t happen. Forgive and then forget? Sure, not a problem, but to forgive, there has to be an apology first.

“Are you nervous?” he asks.

It's just as well he changed the subject because I shouldn't have asked him that question in the first place. I expected him to tease me, to make a comment about wanting me because maybe I enjoy our banter, our dancing, our verbal sparring, our literal grappling… both kinds…

But the thought of having a second romp with him does make me nervous.

Not what he’s referring to, though.

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