Page 45 of Shattered Veil
“Your stance is still off,” Lochan growls, pacing around me like a panther. His hand runs along my lower back, eliciting a shiver.“Shoulders back. Hips straight.”
I adjust my stance.
“Good.”
I’m embarrassed by the tightening in my belly caused by that tiny word of praise.
We move through more drills, and I struggle to keep pace. Each near-miss, each glancing touch, sets my nerves on fire.
“You’re holding back,” Lochan accuses, pinning me against a tree. His muscled chest presses against mine, and I can feel the heat of him through our clothes.
I meet his intense gaze, my heart pounding.“Wouldn’t want to hurt you.”
He snorts.“Again,” Lochan commands, stepping back into a fighting stance.
I push off the tree, letting the shadows flow through me. This time, when we clash, I match him blow for blow.
Our bodies collide, a snarl of limbs and ragged breaths. I duck under Lochan’s swing, countering with a strike to his ribs. He grunts, catching my wrist. In one fluid motion, he twists, pinning me against his chest.
“Better,” he growls, his lips brushing my ear.“But not enough.”
I struggle against his iron grip.“Let go,” I hiss.
“Make me, Brigid.” Lochan challenges, tightening his grip to the point of pain.
The shadows surge within me, responding to my frustration. Before I can stop it, lines of darkness lash out, wrapping around Lochan’s arms. He releases me with a curse.
I pull the shadows back to me, waiting for Lochan to shout at me, to end the session.To be disgusted that I lost control.
But he stays.
Without a word, Lochan takes position again, and motions for me to come towards him with his hand. I hesitate, but he nods.
I match his strength, my movements more precise. The shadows vibrate within me, lending me speed and power.
We grapple, neither willing to yield. His fingers sink into my hips as I twist, slamming him against the tree. Our faces are inches apart, chests heaving.
“Is this what you wanted?” I taunt, pressing closer.
Lochan’s gaze darkens.“You have no idea what I want.”
In one swift motion, he flips our positions, pinning me painfully to the rough bark. His body cages mine, hard muscle pressing against my softness.
Lochan’s eyes look hungry as he stares down at me and I forget to breathe. For a moment, we’re frozen—predator and prey in a standoff, wondering who will move first.
Then his lips crash against mine.
The kiss is hard, relenting, punishing. I gasp, and Lochan’s tongue sweeps into my mouth, his taste like bourbon and spice. My hands reach up to touch him, but he pushes them back down to my sides.
Lochan moves his hands up to roam my body, leaving trails of heat in their wake. He grips my thighs, hoisting me up. I wrap my legs around his waist, grinding against the hard bulge in his pants.
“Fuck.” He breaks the kiss, trailing his lips down my neck. When he reaches the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder, he bites down. Hard.
I cry out, surprised, and ignited.I bite him back.
Harder.
Lochan growls, a primitive sound that sends chills down the back of my neck. His hand slides up to cup my breast, thumb brushing over my nipple as he tugs at the fabric of my top. He tears it over my head, revealing my black lace bra.
