Page 133 of Haze of Obedience

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"I wouldn't."

"No matter how mad you get."

"Of course not. What is it?"

"The proper way to administer a groin kick."

I bite back a laugh. "You think I'd do something like that?"

He holds his hands in the air. "You're a pretty feisty woman. And you did slap me twice within the first five minutes we met. I need to protect myself."

"Very funny."

He puts his hand on his ear. "I still haven't heard a promise."

"You're serious?"

He folds his arms and grins. "Until you promise, I can't show you."

"You're impossible."

"Hey, I've gotta protect my guys."

I snort.

"I promise are the two words—"

"Fine. I promise. Now show me the correct way."

He steps forward and kisses me. "That was fun."

"Really?"

He grins. "Yep."

"Are you going to show me?"

He backs up, and we spend the next ten minutes working on proper body form and movements.

Right before we finish, he puts his arms around me and tilts my head up. "What don't you ever do, Zoe?"

"Hesitate."

He pecks me, and darkness fills his eyes. "Yes. And if something happens...if you have to kill someone, what can't you do until you're away from the scene and alone or with me?"

"Breakdown."

"Why?"

"I need to keep a clear head and get out of there."

"And if you use a weapon?"

"Take it with me and dispose of it somewhere no one will find it then destroy it as soon as possible."

"Your clothes?"

"Burn them."

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