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“What is it?” Soren asks.

“Gilli has no idea how to defend herself. She almost gotkilled in her apartment.” Tase is terse and keeps his words snappy, business-like. “She needs to learn some self-defense.”

I scoff. “I’m pretty handy with a baseball bat. I got in some good hits.”

“And what happens when they catch you unawares?” he presses. “You need to know how to be able to break a hold, if someone has their hands around your neck.”

The image he paints is terrifying. It’s a good idea, actually. I’ll feel better knowing some basic tactics.

I hold my arms out to the side. “I’m game. What sort of maneuvers do you want to teach me first?”

Tase jerks his chin to Soren. “He’s the guy who takes martial arts classes. He’d be the one with the most knowledge.”

Martial arts?

Soren snorts, gazing out at the lake.

“What’s your belt color?” I ask, and as an afterthought it hits me that this is the kind of thing one should know about a person one sleeps with.

About a stepbrother. Not what their cum tastes like.

“Black,” he admits. “As if you had any doubt about it.”

Soren beckons me forward with the crook of his index finger and my heart takes a deep dive. I slowly head his way and his hungry gaze takes in my every move.

“I’d rather you be in yoga pants for this,” he says.

“You just want to stare at my ass.”

He shakes his head and his eyes narrow. “If you’re serious, then we have to focus. Besides, I’ve seen your ass, and it’s a goddamn delight.” He licks his lips. “Widen your stance.”

I spread my legs out, keenly aware of Tase watching us.

“The first thing you’re going to want to do if someone comes up from behind you, because I guarantee you won’t be able to see them coming, is to make sure they don’t grab you around the chest.”

Soren turns me around and stalks behind me, reaching out to wrap both arms around my torso.

I’m a faster learner than I bargained for. The little light of pleasure it ignites inside of me is gratifying. And they’re right. The more I know, the better off I’ll be, because I won’t always have a weapon handy.

Although, as Tase is quick to point out, anything can be used as a weapon.

Halfway through the lesson, Tase grabs a seat to watch us, his eyes a burning sensation along my spine as Soren walks me through the moves.

I catch my breath when Soren sweeps a leg out and I stumble backward, my arms windmilling for purchase. But he’s quick and steps up to catch me before I fall.

“This is why you need to be aware.” His breath tickles my ear. “Not distracted.”

“Sorry, am I bothering you?” Tase doesn’t sound apologetic.

“You have to have situational awareness, Gillian.” Soren takes a beat to swipe his hand across my breast and tweak my nipple before he steps back.

Electricity zaps through me. Damn it. What is it about him that digs under my skin and lodges there, spreading fire in my veins?

Why does it turn me on knowing that Tase is there and gnashing his teeth as he watches us? But he doesn’t step in and he doesn’t try to touch me. He only offers commentary occasionally.

The spell between us snaps when he stands abruptly.

Soren takes the opportunity of my distraction to grab me and haul me to him. His arms band around me and keep me plastered to his chest, squeezing lightly enough for me to feel the pressure and my lungs to hitch.