Page 20 of Out for Blood
Her lips twitch, “You’re really starting with that?”
“Just setting expectations.”
“Yeah?” she drifts closer, voice dropping. “Lower them.”
We circle. Cassidy’s eyes never leave mine.
The mat muted beneath our feet, the rest of the world disappearing until it’s just her and me, both locked into our breath, movement, and timing.
Light on our feet, measured, waiting for one of us to break first.
She feints left, fast.
Her body hits mine, driving forward, sending me down before I fully react.
I twist, break free, backing off just enough to reset.
Adrenaline spikes, my pulse kicking hard and immediately, all of my senses are in sync.
“Getting slow,” she breathes out playfully.
“Getting cocky,” I fire back.
I fake high then drop low, catching her legs and taking her down.
We slam into the mat.
I pin her for half a second, and that’s all she needs.
She shoves, rotates, breath sharp, her gaze holds mine, like she’s enjoying this way too much.
I grin, letting her think she has the upper hand.
“Alright,” she pants, chuckling, “what do I get when I win?”
“When,” I echo. “Confident.”
“Realistic.”
I lean in, my voice growing quieter, “Dinner. Anywhere you want.”
She scoffs. “Boring.”
“Alright, fine, your pick then.”
Her eyes brighten with competitive fire. No words are exchanged, but the message is clear. Challenge accepted.
She moves again, tightening around me, forcing me into her pace now.
I lunge first this time and catch her mid-step.
We roll, shifting and fighting for control.
“Come on, Chase,” she whispers near my ear, breath warm, taunting. “You’re going to have to do better than that.”
“Oh, I’ve got better.” Securing my hold, flattening her against the mat but only for a moment.
She pivots her hips, explosive and unexpected, breaking my balance just enough, and then she flips it.
