Chapter Eight
Cameed strode off thefield, head held high.As soon as she stepped into the pit, Taio’s eyes locked with mine.I swear I could feel that snap of lightning between us.I acknowledged my attraction to him then pushed it down.I could not let my body’s weakness affect me.When I felt in control, I gave a small nod to indicate I was ready.The prince and I moved in opposite directions, making a wide circle, studying each other, planning our attack.“Nice of you to join me, Lady Mara.I wondered how many of you I would have to fight before you faced me.”
My cheeks flamed hot, but I tamped my mortification down.How many times had my combat instructors warned us not to allow emotions to play a part in a battle?Usually, it was no problem for me.“I wanted to make sure you were warmed up and your muscles limber,” I said.
“How generous.”
I lunged at him, not with any real intent, just testing his reflexes.He easily avoided my jab.We continued circling.I was watching for an opening, trying to see if he favored one side or the other.He had a red mark the size of Cameed’s fist on the left side of his abdomen.Perhaps his left side was weaker.
“If you wanted to dance, you should have said.I would have danced with you last night while Yung played the guitara.”
“If you’re so eager to begin, go ahead,” I said.“Or are you all talk and no action?”This sort of comment had a one hundred percent success rate with men.I’d never said it and not had a man lunge at me immediately after.
“In my kingdom, we have a sentence—a saying,” he corrected.
I feigned lunging at him, but he didn’t jerk back in surprise.I wished he was tense and jumpy, but he seemed cool and calm.I’d already blocked out the shouts of the crowd.He probably had as well.The arena consisted of only we two in the moment.
“In Zulen, we say, ladies first.”
“How quaint,” I replied.
“It can be, depending on the context.”He winked at me.
Sizzle.
I stumbled but quickly righted myself.Why the hellfire was he teasing me?This was a battle, not a seduction.I blew out a breath, tired of the back and forth.If he wanted me to strike first, so be it.I reversed direction, cut toward him, landed a glancing blow to his flank, and slid past him.The blow was largely ineffective, and when he faced me, I saw no pain in his expression.I’d proven something to myself, though.I could use my speed against him.
I’d barely had the thought when he charged.I took three steps back then sliced to the left and around him.But he was quick too.He also cut back and landed in my path.I had to backtrack.I swiped at his neck as I did so, feeling the bristle of his stubble on my fingertips but doing no real damage.
He grabbed for me, and I ducked and rolled, springing to my feet and diving for him.I caught his arm and wrenched it behind his back.I heard the crowd cheer as from a distance but couldn’t enjoy my victory as I was too intent on keeping it.His forearm was thick and muscular, and I couldn’t wrap my hand all the way around it.I heard him grunt in pain when I yanked his arm up as hard as I could.Then my grip slipped, and he was free.He rounded on me, and I couldn’t jump away fast enough.His leg shot out and swept my ankles.As I went down, arms outstretched, I thought that Broga’s taunts about my spider legs had never been truer.
I rolled, but again, I wasn’t fast enough.He caught me about the waist, lifted me as though I weighed nothing, and dangled me above the ground.The crowd booed and hissed.I struggled to catch my breath and to fight off my embarrassment.
He pressed his lips to my ear.“I like holding you, Princess,” he said.
His breath tickled the sensitive flesh, and I fought the impulse to melt into him.I wanted those lips to kiss my ear.
