Page 55 of A Warrior's Heart

Nereus stepped up beside me and nodded in respect. “Sir.”

The breeze snatched hold of his brown hair, ruffling the strands. He closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air, a smile tugging at his lips. The sun had brought color to his face, causing a golden sheen on his once fair skin.

“Should we train?” Nereus asked, opening his eyes.

“Yes.” I walked to the middle of the ship and drew my sword, keeping my back to him. “Begin.”

I brought my sword up and blocked an attempted attack on my left side before spinning around and blocking a second hit.

“Good,” I said, jumping back from a swing aimed at my chest. “Again.”

Nereus paused after a while to remove his tunic. Sweat shone on his muscled chest, and the sun emphasized the curves of his biceps, his broad shoulders, and the indentions of his abdominal muscles. He was improving with each passing day, in both his skill and his strength.

Shar sat in the shade, sharpening his dagger. His eyes lingered on Nereus, trailing down the young warrior’s impeccable form.

I looked away from the assassin for only a moment, and then Shar was right beside me, blocking Nereus’ next blow. Lightning didn’t even move so quick.

“Can I cut in?” Shar asked me.

I fought a smile. “Of course.”

My interest was piqued. I was curious to see how Nereus would fare against someone with a different skill set than my own.

“The time is upon us, is it?” Nereus lowered his sword but remained on his guard, walking in a half circle in front of Shar. “The warrior against the assassin.”

“I hope your pride doesn’t wound easily, kid.” Shar remained in place, following Nereus’ movements with a keen gaze. His short hair appeared more golden beneath the sun’s rays, and I noticed very faint traces of auburn within the strands.

“Call me a kid one more time, and I’ll make you regret it.”

“Is that so?” Shar’s eyes gleamed. “Kid.”

Nereus attacked with all muscle and no brains. The exact opposite of what I had worked so hard to teach him.

I suppressed a sigh and sat down to watch them. The assassin made quick work of Nereus without even using his weapon. Shar ducked beneath the warrior’s swing before kicking out his leg and tripping him. Nereus flopped to the deck like a sack of potatoes.

“What were you saying about making me regret my words?” Shar asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Nereus glared up at him, a blush warming his cheeks. He hopped to his feet and attacked again, this time with more of a plan, much to my relief. I had told him countless times that emotion on the battlefield could mean life or death. Always go into a fight with a clear mind.

I sensed Troy before I saw him. My skin tingled at his proximity, and I turned just as he sat beside me.

“I’ve never seen Nereus perform so horribly before,” Troy said, staring at the pair fighting in front of us. “He’s usually more levelheaded.”

“Blame his hormones.” I returned my attention to Nereus, seeing the smile he tried so hard to conceal when Shar pinned him to the deck. “Desire makes fools of us all.”

“Not you,” Troy said. “I know you desire me, yet you put your mission first. It’s both admirable and infuriating.”

I peered over at him, stunned. He clearly hadn’t believed my lie two nights ago when I’d said kissing him was a mistake. I should’ve known better. Troy had a way of seeing straight to the truth.

“I apologize for upsetting you the other night.” I pulled my dagger free and slowly turned it in my hand. I did it when I needed to calm my mind. “You were right. Iama stubborn ass.”

Troy laughed. “Yes, you are.” A piece of his hair caught the breeze, and I ached to tuck it behind his ear. Instead, I continued moving the dagger between my fingers. “It only upset me because you lied to me.”

“Kissing you wasn’t a mistake,” I said, being honest with not only him but also myself. “But we shouldn’t cross that line again, Troy.”

“Give me one good reason why.”

When I tried to look away from his piercing stare, he took hold of my chin and forced my eyes back to him.