Page 59 of Cruelest Kiss and Fairest Blood
She considers before answering. “I’m guessing not that easily based on the way you asked the question.”
“Right you are. While the heart may be an excellent place to strike a killing blow, you have other options.” Reaching beneath her skirts, I unsheathe the dagger. I don’t miss the way she holds her breath when my hand brushes against her thigh. I hand her the weapon. “Here.”
The scowl on Lenore’s face tells me she’s had quite enough of my teasing. I’ll reward her later, but for now, she must train. The heat of her glare brings a smirk to my face. “What next?”
“The heart is a poor choice for several reasons.” Once the hilt is firmly in her grasp, I take her hand in mine. “If you miss the heart, you could strike a rib. Not to mention your attacker may be wearing armor. What if it’s frost season and your attacker is in heavy winter gear? The chest is the most well-shielded area on most men.”
“Fair enough. No heart.”
“There are other places you can choose based on what you have access to. You want to go for areas with high blood flow. Let’s start with the neck. Slitting the throat can be extremely effective.”
“That’s true, unfortunately.” Lenore’s hand drifts to her neck.
Guilt fills me.Maybe try thinking before speaking, dumbass. I clear my throat. “You need more space to swipe across the throat. Stabbing from farther back is more likely to work for you. When looking at the throat, you have two main options. Stabbing into the clavicle…” She gives a shriek when I guide the dagger to my neck. I bring her hand to the open collar of my shirt. “Look for the soft spot right here.” Her fingertips dig into my skin. “Perfect. Your next option is the carotid artery. Here.” I raise her hand. “Feel the pulse there? There’s not a lot you can do to survive once it’s been cut open. The last place you can aim for…”
She yanks back when I try to place her hand on the front of my trousers. “Harrow!”
“This is all part of the lesson.” I wink. She gives me a look that tells me she’s less than convinced. “If you do find yourself on the ground, you can go for the groin.”
“Alright, stab one of those three areas. Got it.” Lenore nods dutifully. I can’t help thinking she’s not taking this seriously.
“Never lose your grip on the hilt. Don’t leave it in or they may survive. Pull it out, let their blood flow.”
Lenore visibly shudders. “Alright.”
“Great. Let’s practice. Attack me with your dagger.”
“You want me to pretend to stab you?”
“No, I want you to actually stab me.”
She opens her mouth, aghast. “No!”
Why must this stubborn woman challenge everything I say? “And why not?”
“What if I kill you?”
“Really, Roseheart? I’m Death.”
She purses her lips, twirling the dagger. “You can’t be hurt?”
Mulling it over, I decide to tell her a partial truth. “I cannot be killed.”
“Killed and hurt are not the same thing.”
“I can be hurt, yes, but I cannot be killed. Happy?”
“Will you bleed?”
“Enough questions. Practice. Go for the kill.” Adopting an attacker’s pose, I raise my hands high.
Lenore looks between my neck and groin. I really hope she doesn’t choose to stab me in the dick. Actually, the thought kind of turns me on. Will she really stab me? It’s a savage act. I’d love to watch her maim, blood spilling across those fair fingers.
Lenore raises an arm above her head and swings the knife toward my carotid. I parry the blow with ease. She isn’t expecting it. The dagger flies from her fingers. The look she gives me is one of pure shock.
“What was that?” She rubs her wrist.
“I saw your attack coming the moment you decided where you wanted to strike.” Retrieving her dagger, I hold it out to her.
