Page 173 of His Virgin Romance Series

“True,” Ryder nodded. “And you know what’s a great training technique? Motivation.”

“What are you getting at?”

“We get into the ring and whoever manages to disarm or corner the other gets to ask a question… and that question must be answered honestly.”

It was a dangerous idea, but I knew that backing down from it proved that I was trying to avoid answering certain questions.

“Fine,” I said, with a confidence that I most definitely did not feel. “Let’s go.”

Smiling, Ryder walked to the ring, and I had no choice but to follow behind him. I was at an unfair disadvantage, and we both knew it, but I was also too proud to point that out. Instead, I vowed to do my best and focused my mind as I ducked into the ring and reached for my dagger.

“Ready?”

I nodded once, and we began. Within ten seconds, he had me flat on the ground, and my dagger flew out of my hands and landed on the ground beside Ryder.

“Ok, my question,” Ryder said happily. “Ready for it?”

“Just ask and get it over with,” I said, through gritted teeth as I pulled myself up off the ground.

“Are you attracted to me?”

He was smiling knowingly at me, and despite the fact that the answer was obvious, I knew he wanted me to admit it out loud.

“Well?”

“Fine,” I said, forcing the words out. “I’m attracted to you. Are you happy now?”

“Very.”

“But trust me… I don’t want to be.”

“No need to elaborate,” Ryder said, in a self-satisfied manner. “The yes was all I really needed to hear.”

“Come on… let’s go again,” I said,

I was fast, but he anticipated my moves, and he had me on the ground, but this time it took him longer, and I managed to keep my dagger in hand.

“Fuck,” I screamed, banging my hands down on either side of me.

“Next question,” Ryder said, clearly having a great time. “Do you fantasize about having me fuck you?”

I gritted my teeth and struggled to my feet. “Ryder—”

“Answer the question honestly, please.”

“Yes,” I hissed. “I have thought about it. But I also fantasize about punching you in the face a couple of times every day.”

“Again… no need for added commentary. The yes suffices.”

“Let’s go again,” I said, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my body, fueled by new determination.

I wasn’t sure if his concentration was lowered, or if the adrenaline gave me the boost I needed, but I actually managed to whirl through his defenses and have my knife at his throat. He stopped short, and then his expression of shock turned up into a huge smile.

“Fuck, you did it.”

“I…did,” I nodded, panting a little. “I actually managed to back you into a corner.”

“If this was a real fight, you could have finished me off.”

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