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It was then that I decided I was going to do whatever it took to earn a smile from Liam. It might be super hard to accomplish, but I always liked a challenge.
“That’s an improvement, at least,” I said. “Let me try again.”
“No.”
“No?”
“You need a break.”
“I feel fine. Let’s keep going. I obviously need the practice.”
Liam shook his head and turned away, tossing the boxing pads to the side. “Fine.”
An excited thrill shot through me. “Are we going to try sparring now?” I asked, unable to fight my grin.
“You’re not ready.”
I deflated a little. “Then what are we doing?”
“Offense isn’t your strong suit,” he said simply. “We need to focus on defensive measures.”
“Like how to break out of holds and stuff?”
“Hm.”
I’ll take that as a yes.
Liam moved towards me, reaching out to grasp my arm. He gripped my wrist firmly, though clearly not using all his strength.
My breath hitched. I was hypnotized by the way he moved. It was clear that he was strong and powerful, yet he touched me with the utmost care. He was so close I could feel his body heat soaking into my skin. He smelled wonderful, like the air after a heavy rainstorm.
“If someone tries to grab you,” he said, speaking in a low tone, “place your other hand over theirs and then swing your arm around to grab the aggressor’s wrist. Like this.” Liam walked me through the motion. It was fluid, practiced. “Once you’ve turned the tables, press downwards. The pressure on their joints will force them to the ground, or else they’ll risk breaking something. Try it.”
“On you? But I’m so much smaller!”
“I know.” I didn’t miss the way his eyes flicked up and down, taking me all in. “But size isn’t always an advantage.”
I took a deep breath and focused, going over what Liam showed me in my mind’s eye. On the silent count of three, I moved as swiftly as I could, going through the steps as seamlessly as possible. I had Liam pinned to the ground, his arm locked behind him.
“I did it!” I exclaimed, releasing him from the hold. I didn’t want to accidentally hurt him.
Liam rose from the floor, rubbing his wrist. “Good.”
“Do you really think someone’s going to try and grab me?”
He stilled, regarding me with those same intensely dark eyes. “One of us will always be with you,” he said calmly. “But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”
“That wasn’t exactly a no.”
“There are no guarantees in this line of work. That’s what the training is for.”
“Where did you learn all of this stuff anyway?”
“Navy SEALs. Served for ten years.”
“Really?” This was fascinating news to me. In a lot of ways, it made so much sense. “Is that how you met the others?”
Liam nodded, but didn’t continue with his explanation, though the corner of his lip did twitch. I was getting closer and closer to earning that smile.
