I only understood half of what she said because since Ezra has been so close to me, I can only concentrate on the throbbing in my belly. Everything else seems secondary because this sensual longing that sets me on fire makes me lose focus.
“Cora?” I am snapped out of the madness of my thoughts and feel an elbow jab me in the ribs.
I wince and realize that all three of them are looking at me. My cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“Lost in thought, are we?” Kelly asks, amused.
Lifting my head slightly, I meet Ezra’s eyes and how he’s looking at me; he knows exactly what’s happening in my head. I can’t do this! I can’t think about you like this.
Kelly gives me another scrutinizing look, but when I nod imperceptibly at her, confirming everything is fine, she turns to Tobi with her best smile. She must have found her new victim. I’m not surprised, though. This Tobi doesn’t look bad, either. Well trained, not entirely as defined and broad as Ezra, but still very handsome. Tobi is also blonde, which is more Kelly’s type.
I watch for a moment as Tobi shows her the first steps. As I wasn’t paying attention, I’m unsure whether this should be a self-defense course or just a trial session. I feel out of place here and don’t know what to do until a hot breath hits the back of my neck again.
“Gentle or rough?” Ezra asks close behind me, and I feel his hands lightly stroking upwards over my arms.
I swallow hard at his question, and my mind goes haywire. My pulse quickens, and my breathing increases involuntarily. When Ezra’s near, I can’t keep myself under control—it’s embarrassing.
“Hm?” is all I can get out.
Ezra steps a little closer to me, pressing himself back again and leaning down a little so that his lips hover over my neck but not touching me.
“Training,” he murmurs. “Do you prefer it gentle?”
His fingers delicately run up my arms and over my collarbone from behind as he speaks, giving me goosebumps and making me gasp softly.
“Or do you prefer it rough?” he mumbles deep into my ear before he unexpectedly wraps his upper arm around my neck and twists my arm behind my back with his other hand, completely dominating me.
I gasp again, and my heart beats so hard against my chest that he must feel it pounding. Then there’s his steely body, which he presses against my back. This captivates me, so I can’t say anything, think, or act. I am entirely at his mercy; I wouldn’t know this is a negative feeling right now. Unfortunately!
“I like it rough.” Just as he finishes the sentence, Ezra pushes his knee between my thighs from behind and presses it against my crotch.
Another gasp, only hoarse, because of his muscular upper arm around my neck, leaves my lips, and the throbbing between my legs intensifies. My fingers automatically claw into his skin. I don’t know exactly why yet. To get rid of him or to find my footing?
“Maybe a little dirtier sometimes, so you work up a good sweat,” his smoky voice whispers into my ear, and I feel his soft lips against mine.
Shutting my eyes briefly, I realize I like his closeness far too much, more than I should. I can’t do this; it echoes through my head again, and I open my eyes. When Kelly’s gaze meets mine, everything becomes too much for me.
I wriggle in his grip to free myself.
“Let go of me!” I hiss at him over my shoulder, and instantly, Ezra lets go of me and keeps his distance.
Without thinking or saying anything, I storm off the mats, across the hall, and up the stairs to the changing rooms. I have to get out of here!
Too many thoughts flood my mind and almost drown me. But one is clear: I have to stay away from Ezra!
I can’t go on like this because I’m acting like a teenager when I’m a grown woman. A mother and wife, not this constantly embarrassed thing. I’m pining over him when nothing has even happened between us. Thank goodness!
That’s over now!
No more reprehensible thoughts.
No more flirting.
No more of all this!
After getting changed in a rush and putting my wedding ring back on, I’m just about to leave the changing room when Ezra enters unexpectedly, causing me to freeze. My hand tightens around the strap of the bag resting on my shoulder.
Ezra looks at me with a tilted head. His expression is serious and unfathomable; this time, he has spared himself his typical smile.