Page 11 of Rescuing Rebel
Ethan quickly regains control, but not before his eyes widen in surprise. “Good improvisation.” The wheels turn behind his assessing gaze. He knows that wasn’t beginner’s luck.
Throughout the demonstration, I make sure to engage and ask interested questions, laughing lightly at his lame attempts at humor.
When we pair off to practice maneuvers, I snag him as my partner and smile invitingly, navigating the line between sweet innocence and hungry predator.
Hmm, now that I’m thinking about it. I could eat him alive. Bet he’s great in bed. A man like that? With looks like that? He’s certainly had plenty of time to practice his moves.
“Let’s run through some basic techniques.” He clears his throat, and I shake my head, wondering how much of my thoughts were expressed on my face.
As we lightly grapple, I take the opportunity to compliment his strength and finesse. “Could you show me that disarm again? You make it look so easy.” I trail a finger along his forearm.
He disengages and clears his throat. “Just remember to keep your stance solid and pivot your hips like I showed you.”
I try a few more subtle touches and leading comments, but Ethan remains stubbornly professional, oblivious, or immune to my charms. It’s clear he won’t be so easily swayed by flirtation alone. His restraint is admirable, if frustrating.
As we lightly tussle, I gain a new appreciation for all those sculpted muscles barely hidden under his shirt.
We continue sparring under the pretense of instruction, but each grapple brings our bodies tight together, limbs tangled in a dangerous dance. My pulse races as our eyes lock again and again. Ethan seems just as affected.
After a slick escape from his hold, he appears determined to test my skills. He forces me into closer contact, and our bodies press tight as we strain against each other.
At one point, he traps me against the wall, his muscular thigh wedged between my legs. Wedged meaning pressed against my lady bits, rubbing said bits. Our heaving chests are inches apart, and his pupils dilate when his gaze drops to my lips.
“Not bad.” I can’t help but tease him, and I admit to having fun as I slip my tongue out and glide it over my bottom lip. “But never lose focus.”
I use the distraction to hook my calf behind his knee, sending us crashing to the mat in a tangle of limbs. We roll until I straddle him, pinning his wrists above his head. I smirk down at his stunned expression.
“You lost focus.” I shift my hips and can’t help but feel his growing arousal. “That’s dangerous.”
His jaw tightens, but it’s too late. He’s aroused. I know it.
And he knows I know it.
Damn, this is fun.
I lean closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear. “Does this frustrate you? Having the woman on top?” He strikes me as the kind of man who never relinquishes control, especially during sex, and I can’t be more blatant about what I’m offering.
A grunt is his only reply as he tosses me off and quickly stands. His chest heaves and a light sheen of sweat coats his skin. When he dismisses the class, his frustration is palpable.
I linger as the other women file out and plaster a satisfied smirk on my face. “Thanks for the lesson,” I call out sweetly. “I look forward to morehands-ontraining.”
Ethan turns away, jaw tight. Oh yes, I got under his skin in more ways than one. Good. The more I disrupt his steely control, the more secrets will spill forth when I finally get him alone.
I’m going to have fun cracking you, Ethan. So much fun.
Over the next few days, I make good on that promise. One day, after class, I fake an ankle injury so he’ll walk me back to my room.
“I twisted my ankle. Would you mind helping me back to my room?” I milk it for all it’s worth.
With a resigned look, he obliges, letting me lean against his sturdy frame as we move slowly toward the dormitory. When his arm wraps firmly around my waist, my pulse flutters wildly.
At my door, I gaze up through my lashes. “Do you want to come in? I could use some help wrapping my ankle.” It’s a blatant invitation, and the heat in Ethan’s eyes says he knows exactly what I’m offering.
But propriety wins out.
“You should ice it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I grab for any excuse to make him stay. “At least give me your number in case Ineedhelp.”