The pretty lady could only hold on to her mean mug for seconds before a smirk dressed her face. “What is that?”
“Don’t be so cocky. There’s no way you can beat me from the shoulders.”
“Then how am I supposed to take you down?” she asked.
I stood and pulled her up with me, placing her on her feet. “Pressure points. Do you know a man’s most sensitive spots?”
A softness touched her gaze. “His heart.”
“What else?” I hurried to ask to will away the idea of vulnerability sinking in.
She made her brows jump. “His balls.”
“Good girl. Keep going.”
Kannon’s fingers roamed through my beard, then outlined the cross tattooed in the center of my neck. “Right here.”
“Right,” I replied in a voice so low I could hardly hear myself. “Back up. Let me show you something.”
I wasn’t an expert, but I taught Kannon combos that would allow her to take a man down. An element of trust invaded our connection, allowing her to let me lead. We went back and forth, jabbing and sneaking each other until she used a combo to get me on the mat. Winded and panting, Kannon looked down at me with a satisfied smile.
“You feelin’ like hot shit now?” I asked.
“A little bit.”
A loud squeak from the door carried our attention across the room. Echo stepped toward the ring holding bottles of water and towels.
“Hello,” Kannon spoke softly.
“What’s good, pretty lady? You have no business in here busting a sweat.”
I sat up on my elbows with a grimace so sharp it hurt to move my face. “Aye! Why are you being so damn friendly?”
Kannon giggled as she stood to her feet and approached the ropes. “I’ll take a towel.”
Echo gawked at Kannon with a lustful stare as she dabbed blotches of sweat off her glistering, chocolate skin. I could tell from the way he looked at her that his twin hadn’t told him my business. I had no place to press my cousin for staring at Kannon, but the truth wasn’t registering in my mind. A part of me wanted to pay itdust,while another part wanted to pluck his eyes out.
“What can I do for you, Cuz?” I interjected.
“Shit. I came to see who you had in my spot.” His attention drifted to Kannon. “It’s nice to meet you, beautiful. I’m Echo, Neptune’s older cousin. What’s your name?”
She glanced over her shoulder at me, then gave my nosy cousin her eyes. “Kitty.”
I growled, instantly upset at the thought that she was giving someone permission to use a name I gave her.
“I’m just playing. Kannon Blackstone.”
“Blackstone?” Echo’s sight raced to me. I knew he wanted an explanation, but I stayed mute. I wasn’t above explaining my moves because I would still do what I wanted to do. I also knew there was a time and place to handle shit, and now wasn’t the time.
“Echo, I appreciate the drop-off. We won’t be in here long.”
He rubbed his chin, visibly debating whether he wanted to leave or press the issue. “You rushing me off?”
“Echo!” I hollered his name. “Get out before I put you out of your own spot!”
He dropped a laugh into his fist. “All right. I’ll meet you at the spot tonight. Nine sharp, nigga!”
Once my cousin was out of sight, Kannon laced me with a scowl.
