"Self-defense?" Sofia looked up curiously. "Is Mom going to learn how to fight? That's so cool!"
I quickly interjected. "It's not fighting, Sofia. This isserious stuff."
"It's for your safety," Alexander insisted. "Anna, your job is too dangerous."
Meeting his serious gaze, I could only nod in agreement.
After breakfast, we headed to the manor's gym, fully equipped with professional training gear. It was clear Alexander used it often.
He changed into black workout clothes. Even in athletic wear, his perfect physique was impossible to ignore.
"First, let's work on proper stance and balance," he said, stepping behind me and placing his hands on my shoulders. "Back straight, center of gravity low."
His warm breath tickled my ear, making it hard to concentrate. His body pressed against my back, enveloping me in that familiar masculine scent.
"Focus," he said with a light chuckle, clearly noticing my distraction. "This is about your safety."
He grasped my wrist to demonstrate, guiding me on the correct way to break free.
"Remember, use leverage, not raw strength," he explained patiently. "Target the weakest point—the thumb joint."
Then he taught me how to use knees and elbows to strike vital areas. I concentrated intently, my movements a bit awkward at first but improving.
"Good," he said approvingly, patting my head. "You're picking it up fast."
Sweat blurred my vision, and a mischievous idea bubbled up amid my heavy breathing. I pretended to catch my breath, then lunged at him from behind like a predator when he turned to grab water. But he seemed to anticipate it, spinning smoothly and countering my momentum with ease. He twisted my arm behind my back, pinning me down with an irresistible force.
The mat absorbed most of the impact, but not the full weight of the moment. His hot breath grazed my neck, laced with playful mockery. "Is that all you've got?"
"Maybe my teacher only taught me that much," I said teasingly, glancing at him.
He chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss me. This time, it was gentle and lingering, filled with deep affection rather than last night's urgency.
"Besides self-defense," he whispered in my ear, "your teacher is also going to get you a small handgun for protection."
"No," I tried to protest. "I won't use something like that."
"It's for your safety," he insisted. "No arguments. I'll teach you how to use it, but I hope you never have to."
Seeing his resolute expression, I knew he wouldn't back down.
After training, we headed to the bathroom, rinsing away the exhaustion and sweat amid the steamy warmth. Alexander wrapped his arms around me from behind, his hands precisely targeting the sorest muscles on my shoulders, massaging with just the right pressure.
"Does it hurt?" he asked.
"A little," I sighed contentedly, relaxing fully into his embrace. "But I like the feeling."
"Oh? You like the pain?" he teased, his voice playful.
I laughed and turned around, water droplets sliding down his sculpted chest. I traced the line of his jaw with my fingers, shaking my head. "I like the feeling of getting stronger. Thank you, Alexander—for not locking me away in a castle, but giving me a sword to defend myself."
He caught my hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss my knuckles, his gaze deep and tender. "No castle could contain you; I know that." He tightened his arms around my waist. "But I need to ensure my queen is invincible out there. Only then can my heart find some peace."
That night, we lay on the soft bed, darkness gently enveloping us. Alexander held me from the side, my head resting on his firm arm, his comforting scent surrounding me completely. His other hand idly stroked my hair, fingers weaving through the strands and sending tingles along my scalp.
The bedside lamp cast a warm, golden halo on his side, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw. We chatted idly about everything—from Sofia's innocent remarks at breakfast to Ivan's latestdessert experiments—our voices hushed, as if afraid to disturb the tranquility.
"Still sore?" His palm slid to my lower back, gently pressing the muscles strained from the afternoon's training.
