Page 15

CHAPTER 15

Lalo

Lalo jolted at her touch. His body fizzled with energy. He was alone in a room with someone who would happily stake him, and yet he could only focus on the way her touch made him feel…and her mouth.

Even when she was scowling, which was often, the corners of her lips turned up as if they were in on a joke that she wasn’t aware of.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she snapped.

“Like what?”

She simpered. “You are gazing at me as if you wish to kiss.”

He choked on his own saliva. “Of all the ridiculous notions. You are the one who keeps touching me! If I didn’t know better, I’d think you wished to kiss. In fact, I should run out of this room just as I am and scream to the world that you are trying to seduce me.”

“You wouldn’t dare. A scandal like that would ruin your sister’s reputation as well.”

“You are despicable,” he said.

“No, I am capable. Most men can’t differentiate the two.”

That was true. And he couldn’t deny that he admired the fire that came from her tongue. Quick and ruthless, she would definitely be able to help him through this mess if she agreed to it.

“How about this?” he said. “I will pretend to adore you, even though that will be practically impossible. And in return, you help me figure out if your great-great-great-grandparents started un vampiro bloodline. If I am wrong and your precious Fuentes name remains untarnished, I’ll get on my knees and beg for your forgiveness. Do we have a deal?”

“I do like the idea of that.” A single, dark brow raised. “Still, shouldn’t people avoid making deals with the devil?”

He shrugged. “I’ll manage.”

Carolina snorted. “Was that a jest? Coming from you?”

He hadn’t meant it as a joke. Carolina frightened him more than any monster. She made his body react in devilish ways he’d never experienced before. The sensation was rather terrifying.

“We have a deal,” she said. “But before we step a single foot outside this room, I must teach you a thing or two about basic combat.”

He recoiled. “Why?”

“Because if we happen upon any of your kind, I will not hesitate to fight, and an unworthy partner will slow me down.”

“I’m only wearing underpants.” He gestured at his body.

“Shall I strip down too so we are on even ground?”

“Saints, no. You are a heathen.”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. She placed the ruby-embellished dagger in her clutches on the night table, faced him, and put up her fists. “I want you to try and hit me.”

Lalo balked. “I beg your pardon?”

“Try and hit me,” she commanded again.

“I don’t want to hurt—” Lalo’s face cracked to the left. His hand cupped his throbbing cheek. “You punched me!”

“That was hardly a punch. And for the millionth time, lower your voice. We wouldn’t want anyone to barge in on us like this.”

That would be a disaster. Her father would probably duel Lalo himself.

“Lesson one,” she said, bouncing lightly on her bare feet. “The person to throw the first blow typically wins. You can knock your opponent off their balance and strike again easier. Now, put your fists up and see if you can stop me.”

“I don’t think—”

She swung again, smacking him hard against his temple with an open palm.

Irritation blazed within him. “You demon!”

Carolina batted her lashes. “Takes one to know one.”

This time, when she lunged for him, he was ready. He held up his arms and blocked her advance. It still hurt, though. The girl hit with the strength of a ram.

“Very good,” she said. “Now it’s your turn to swing.”

Lalo knew if he hesitated the little brat would take the first opportunity she had to assault him once more. And she’d enjoy it too.

He half-heartedly thrust his fist. Carolina did not offer an ounce of mercy. She grabbed his arm and twisted his wrist so hard that he thought it might snap. His knees buckled when she pinched a nerve, and he collapsed onto the floor.

“Lesson number two,” she said, hovering over him like a reaper. “Never let your opponent get you on the ground. You are a dead man if so.” She mimicked stabbing him in the neck and chest with her fingers.

“Come.” She pulled him to his feet. “Ready for lesson three?”

“I—”

The air rushed out of his lungs, and he wheezed. He bent over, gasping for breath. The little beast had struck him in the gut.

She angled her body, so they were nose to nose. “Never let your guard down.”

“You are wicked,” he rasped.

“Be grateful I didn’t demonstrate lesson four.”

He grimaced. “What is it? Kick your opponent’s puppy?”

“Close,” she said in all seriousness. “The fourth lesson is to do whatever it takes to survive. Bite, pull hair, hit their nether regions. Fighting dirty is sometimes the only way to win.” She patted his back. “You did well for your first training.”

Slowly, he straightened, rubbing his throbbing temple. “Did I?”

Carolina raised her fist as if she were going to punch him again. He blocked his body, shielding himself from her abuse.

She beamed. “See. You do learn fast. Or perhaps I am a great teacher?”

“Your humility knows no bounds.”

“I agree.” Carolina winked. “One last lesson.”

He frowned.

“I will not hurt you. I promise.”

Silently, she stepped to him and took his hand. Her calluses scraped against his skin as she closed his fingers into a fist. She tucked his thumb just under his knuckles. A shudder ran through him at the sudden intimacy of the gesture.

“When you throw a punch, lead with these two knuckles.” She brushed the pad of her thumb over his pointer and middle finger. Chills exploded over Lalo’s skin. “Rotate your hand inward and make sure to keep your wrist perfectly straight.”

She eased his arm up and demonstrated what she meant. Her hands slid over his bare skin until his form was just right. He could only pray she didn’t notice the goose bumps there.

He tilted his chin to catch a glimpse of her face. He wished he hadn’t because their gazes met, and his stomach did that dreadful flip he found so unpleasant.

“I think I’ve got it,” he whispered.

She stepped away. “Good,” she said. “Very good. Let’s get you dressed.”