“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-embellisheddagger 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 areaper. “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?”
