Page 22 of Caged

I stepped up behind her, easily seeing over the top of her five-foot-seven head, and laughed. “What’s the matter Catie Cat, cat got-”

Before I had time to react, she spun and swung, landing a solid right cross to my jaw. The familiar taste of copper coated my tongue.

Holy shit.She just fucking hit me. Little Miss I-never-break-the-fucking-rules just hauled off and punched me.

Unable to help myself, I grinned. When I wiped the side of my mouth, my hand came away wet with blood.

Then I did the dumbest thing I could’ve done and laughed.

This time, I was ready when she swung. Grabbing her right wrist, I stepped behind her and twisted it behind her back.

“Let go of me!” she yelled, swinging her left fist.

I pulled her close to my chest so she couldn’t turn and use her left fist against me. I’d egged her on and deserved the punch, but that didn’t mean I’d let her keep striking.

She answered with her left elbow.

Strong and fueled by a fuck ton of hatred, her elbow did some damage. Not broken rib damage, but I’d have a bruise. Reminders of the day I crossed the line and made my partner lose her shit. I grabbed her other wrist and wrapped her in a bear hug.Holy shit, she smells good, like strawberries and champagne.

As irrational as it was, her smelling good pissed me off. Instead of apologizing and putting an end to the madness, I said, “You only get one freebie, Catie Cat. After that, I fight back.” I wouldn’t. Not really. But I was more than capable, and willing, to restrain her so she couldn’t hit me again.

She went perfectly still. I should’ve sensed the calm before the storm, but I was too busy gloating.

Maxwell corrected my misperception by head-butting me, making my head snap back.She might drive me crazy, but I had to respect her determination. I was still off balance when she hooked her foot around the inside of my ankle, yanking my leg out from under me.

Impressive. Before I could put my foot back down, she hooked the other ankle.

Very impressive. Reacting instinctively, I tightened my grip as I fell to make sure I landed on my back, ensuring I’d cushion her fall.

When we landed, I slammed into her trashcan and sent it flying with a crash.

Maxwell elbowed me as soon as I released her hands.

We thrashed on the floor, each trying to get up but getting caught on the other.

“ENOUGH!” My father’s voice echoed through the room.

I pulled away from Maxwell and stood up. It’d be a miracle if he didn’t fire us.No, just me. I won’t let him fire Maxwell because of my stupidity.

Maxwell stood right beside me.

Neither of us made eye contact.

“What the hell is going on in here?” he demanded.

I doubted Maxwell had ever heard that particular question from my father, but I had. Which meant I knew it was rhetorical and it was best not to answer right away.

And under no circumstances should you defend yourself or blame the other person.

At first, neither of us spoke. We stood at attention, arms rigid by our sides, our focus straight ahead but not making eye contact with my father. At least I assumed she’d also reverted to what they’d taught us in boot camp.

My father waited in the doorway, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

Maxwell gave in first. She lifted her head and squared her shoulders. “I’m sorry, sir. I lost my temper and hit Jaden. I was out of line.”

“Is that true, Sheppard?” Hearing my father call me Sheppard solidified just how much trouble I was in. Shadows moved beyond my father’s shoulders.Great, just what I need, an audience.

Something I said sent her way over the edge. If I’d known that'd happen I would’ve backed down. It was fun pushing Maxwell’s buttons, riling her up, but I didn’t want to get her in trouble.

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