Page 46 of Bastard

I strip my T-shirt off, only wearing my sports bra. Skin will be harder for him to grab hold of. I take a defensive stance, and then in the next second, I’m on my stomach on the mat with the wind knocked out of me.

This man brings out the worst in me.

Two exhausting hours pass much the same way, with him upright, me facedown and humiliated, and the Bastard observing it all.

The thought enrages me.

I’m not completely lost, though. Diego would call this man a technical fighter. Trained professionally. Not schooled in the streets, or by a brother with an overprotective streak.

It’s time to get mean.

This time when he comes at me, I lean sideways and place my weight on my right foot. He predictably clasps my left arm as he sweeps a foot across the mat. He’s used this move on me twice. “Cabrón,” I snarl, then jab the heel of my hand upward into his nose.

Blood gushes.

He screams and charges toward me across the mat, slipping and sliding in the mess we’ve made.

“It better not be motherfucking broken.”

I race toward Hayden, who’s standing nearby watching this play out. “Happy now?” I demand, furious that he’d put me in this situation. Combat training? For a party?

His gaze shoots past me, and he shakes his head slightly.

I feel the drill sergeant approaching from behind.

Scooping up two water bottles, Hayden opens them then pours water onto a clean towel that was folded nearby. He hands me the wet towel. “Clean yourself off.” Then he addresses the man behind me. “Pack your bags. She got the best of you. You’re headed back to Hell Camp.”

“Boss. That was a dirty punch.”

“She took a beating for two hours,” Hayden snarls, “then came back to hand you your ass.”

My jaw drops.

“She ... I ...”

“The physician will reset your nose before the chopper arrives.”

The man leaves without another word.

Then, and only then, do I have Hayden’s complete attention.

“Get back on the goddamn mat.”

“Like hell I will ...¡Oh, Dios!” He’s on me lightening quick, hoisting me off my feet and effortlessly flipping me onto my back. But he doesn’t stop there, he pins me down with his big body.

I box him in the ears.

“You keep making the same mistake.”

“Yes. Trusting you.”

Hayden rolls off me then hauls me to my feet. “Arms up like this to counter him reaching for you.” I gasp when he gets behind me to position my arms. His body heat warms my back and the feel of him pressed against me makes it difficult to focus.

“We’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“So soon?”

“The situation is accelerating.”