Page 9 of The Auction Block
"Tap out, Rhett or I'm going to break your wrist."
"Damn it, Lily!" He slaps the ground three times.
I let go and stand back as he pushes onto his knees, smiling at me.
"I really hate you sometimes."
"I know," I say happily, throwing my braid over my shoulder.
"Mr. Mason, if you don't mind, could you join Lily?" Jax says loudly.
I whip around as he walks toward me, each step hesitant. Moving around him, I face Jax and the others.
"Dresden, Vlad, you're up. Lily, protect Mr. Mason."
Blake sucks in a sharp breath. I position myself between him and the guys. They stalk to one of the picnic tables
"Whatever you do, stay behind me."
"I know how to defend myself, Agent Williams," Blake says in agitation.
"I don't doubt it, but that isn't the point of this."
Dresden and Vlad take off their weapons.
"What's the point then?"
"Too see if you can follow directions, and to prove I'm not as weak as you think."
"I never said you were weak," he says surprised.
"No, you didn't, but you think it."
The guys join us. Dresden is to my right, Vlad the left. These two never waste any time. Dresden lunges, grabbing for Blake's arm. I kick out, bringing my shin into his ribs. A familiar rattle echoes behind me and I turn in time to slam my hands into Vlad's chest as he moves forward.
"That fucking bracelet is your downfall, Rattlesnake!" I turn to block an advance by Dresden.
Vlad laughs, lunging behind me and grabbing Blake's bicep.
"I don't think so," I hiss, twisting in between them.
"Damn it," Vlad growls as I jab my elbow into his ribs, breaking his hold.
"Move, Blake!"
He steps back, as Dresden closes on Vlad and me. I slip under Vlad's arm and shove his back, knocking him into Dresden. They straighten themselves and turn on me.
"Fuck the target," Dresden says quietly, stalking forward.
"Bring it on, asshole." The grin flows onto my face, as I tilt my head to the side.
They lunge at the same time, Vlad landing a jab into my ribs. Dresden twists my right arm behind me and shoves, tossing me across the space. I land next to the picnic table holding my weapons, the hardness of the ground jolting my spine.
He and Vlad high five each other and walk toward Blake.
"We win." Dresden smirks.
I jump to my feet and grab my whip from the table. As Dresden reaches for Blake, I flick my arm forward. The leather shoots out, coiling around his wrist like a snake, tightening as he pulls against it.