Page 37 of The Doctor's Twins

“Yes, when you fight in a tournament it counts for points. That’s called sport fighting. Otherwise, it’s sparring. Or, if you’re fighting for your life or self-defense, then it’s called Budo.”

“Hhmm.”

I could see the gears turning over behind her bewitching eyes.

“What’s going on in that head of yours Dr. Taylor?”

“I was just thinking that I’d like to dabble a bit in Budo. I reckon every woman needs to know how to defend herself.”

“I agree. I’ll be happy to show you a few moves if you like.”

“That would be great, Ben. Thank you.”

“Anytime. In the meanwhile, I’d better get back to the mat or I’ll have to deal with Dylan. And, trust me, ain’t nobody got time for that,” I smirked.

“Yeah, I’d hate to get on the wrong side of any karate yogi.”

“Sensei,” I chuckled.

“Yup, him either.”

Peyton was so bloody cute.

The rest of the day went well, better than I’d expected. Throughout the next two days, I made my way, steadily, up the victor’s ladder, and by the end of the competition, I was on top. I couldn’t have been prouder of my victory. I’d come away with a beautiful trophy and one or two bruises, but nothing I couldn’t handle.

The only thing I’d grappled with and fought hard against was not sneaking into Peyton’s room at night to make love to her. I lay in my room at night, fantasizing about touching her silky skin and kissing her perfect lips. It was such a shame to leave her beauty unappreciated.

I wasn’t at all surprised when Peyton asked me to teach her how to defend herself. I was going to make damn sure that she’d be more than able to take care of herself the next time anyone tried to push her around.

“We have a day or two before we have to be back at the hospital,” I said when we were on our way home. “Would you like me to show you a few moves in the meantime?”

“I’d like that.”

“Okay. I’ll drop you at home so you can unpack and freshen up. Shall I fetch you tomorrow morning?”

“I’ll come to you. What time?”

“Will 10 am work for you?”

“Yup. I’ll see you then.”

I wanted to say, it’s a date, but that was cringeworthy and cheesy, so I smiled and nodded instead.

* * *

“Good morning, Sensei,” Peyton said and bowed when I opened the door.

She was wearing sweatpants, sneakers, and a T-shirt, and her hair was tied back into a ponytail.

“Ohayo, kohai,” I said and bowed in return. “I see someone has been brushing up on her old karate movies.”

“Hai, sensei,” she said, extenuating the ‘h’ for effect.

“Cute.”

“Alrighty, Ben Forbes, let’s see if you can make a ninja out of me,” Peyton grinned and walked toward the dojo.

“Not sure if the world is ready for such a beautiful assassin.”

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