Page 118 of The Scars Within
I broke his gaze and tried to clear the knot in my throat. His hand was splayed on the ground next to mine, and it took everything in me not to lace my fingers with his. I’ve seen Rhodes fight like a lethal weapon—precise, calculated, and unstoppable.
Until heforcedhimself to be stopped by Cory.
Hehidwhat he’s actually capable of.
But why?
The ominous weight of everything that has unfolded today screams at me that there is a deeper reason behind his actions, a truth he’s keeping hidden.
The warmth of his hand covering mine melted every ounce of trepidation from my chest. My eyes locked on his again; his beautiful gray-blue eyes sparkled in the evening light.
Rhodes broke the comfortable silence first. “Ready to go over everything we learned again?”
I groaned, slumping my shoulders dramatically. “Again? Are you trying to kill me?”
He smirked, biting into his apple. “More like the opposite. Today is just day one.”
Day one?My stomach sank at the thought. I can’t afford to keep missing classes like I did today—I am already drowning in guilt. The idea led to my next question.
“How am I supposed to explain being absent all day?”
“I talked to all your professors this morning,” Rhodes replied casually, like it was no big deal. “Told them you’d be out for a private lesson.”
I blinked at him, stunned. “Really? And they were okay with that?”
Rhodes turned his head, one brow arching. “You just used a question. You sure you want to waste another?”
I gaped at him before shoving his shoulder lightly. “That doesnotcount!”
He laughed, low and easy, shaking his head as his gaze dropped to the endless space below us. The warmth of the sound was contagious, making me smile.
Rhodes stood, walking back to our makeshift practice ring. “Let’s get going before the dragons return so Noemi doesn’t have to inform me of every little threat Lakota throws my way.”
I followed him, stretching my arms.
“You’ve learned a lot today,” Rhodes said, his voice calm but edged with resolve. “And you’ve proven more to yourself than you realize. Now, it’s time to put everything into action. No individualized moves. No drills. I’m going to take you, and you’re not going to let me. Your goal—” he paused, his tone dropping, “—is to disarm me.”
I stared at him for a moment before squaring my shoulders, my pride flaring.
I bolted.
Rhodes closed the distance in two strides, his hand fisting my jacket before I could react. He yanked me down hard, the impact knocking the wind clean out of me. I barely had time to register the dirt against my face before he flipped me onto my stomach in one fluid motion.
Before I could fight back, he twisted my arms behind me and hauled me upright, my back flush against his chest.
“Running won’t save you when all you have to run toward is your villain,” he murmured in my ear, his voice low and maddeningly calm. “You’re stranded. Take. Me. Down.”
I writhed against his grip, twisting my wrists toward the weakest point of his hold. “I’m ready with one of my earned questions.”
I shot my knees upward, forcing him to shift his stance to counter my weight.
He grunted, his arms tightening as he hoisted me higher, my head resting against the solid line of his collarbone.
“What’s that?” he asked, his voice low, roughened by the effort.
My arms and shoulders burned from the new position he had me locked in. Every muscle screamed for relief, but I forced myself to keep my expression calm, masking the pain.
“Have you ever been in love?” I asked, my voice measured despite my muscles being on fire.
