The Ink That Haunts Us

Chapter Fifteen

"You are the devil and I hate you," I gasped as my lungs struggled to find the air that had been knocked out of them. A smile played on Derek's lips as he stared down at me. "You bastard! You think this is funny? That's it. You and I are done." As soon as I could find the willpower to get to my feet.

    He extended an arm to help me. "Let's go again." Begrudgingly, I allowed him to pull me to my feet.

    "This really isn't fair. You're twice my size. How do I have a chance to take you out?" The ache in my back was waning now and my lungs no longer felt like they were going to burst. That was a good sign, right?

    "The objective isn't to take me out. You're supposed to momentarily incapacitate me so you can get the chance to run away." He ran an irritated hand through his sweat-soaked hair.

    "Why didn't you say so," I said, throwing my hands in the air. "I would've just kicked your balls into your stomach and we would've been home by now."

    "It's not that easy." He rolled his eyes.

    "Sure it is." I grinned.

    "Fine. Give it your best shot." He bent low into an attack position. "If you can kick me in the goods then we can leave." I eyed him, walking back and forth. With as little warning as possible, I charged.

    It was, in fact, not that easy.

    Within a few seconds, he had me on my back for the dozenth time. He stood over me with an 'I told you so' look on his face. It was a look I couldn't stand, and he knew it. Mostly because I didn't like it when people told me so.

    "Come on, Tink. It's important that you learn this. Knowing how to defend yourself will keep you safe." He gave me a pleading look. I wasn't taking this whole defense thing seriously, and he knew it.

    "Ugh, fine!" I groaned. "I'm thinking moving in with you would have been the better option." I rolled to my feet and faced him.

    "It's still on the table," he grinned. "Just say the word and we can go home. To my home."

    "Shut up, big head, and attack me already."

    He reached out, taking a firm hold on my wrist. Quickly, I put my hand on top of his and swung our arms up until his arm was behind his back and I was in control. I shoved him away from me as hard as I could, backing up quickly. Derek stumbled forward, but didn't go down.

    "Excellent job!" He grinned, standing to face me. "That's the best one you've done so far."

    "Yeah, yeah," I grumbled, waving him off. I crouched again and this time when he came at me, I gave it my all. With quick movements, I stopped his advances and this time he was the one laying on his back.

    It was very satisfying.

    "You made that look way too easy," he grunted, looking up at him.

    "Oh! Did I forget to mention that I used to take self-defense classes? Oops," I said, grinning widely at him now.

    Derek narrowed his eyes at me. "No, the fuck you didn't. Why didn't you tell me? And why did you let me take you down so much before?" He was still on his back, propped up by his elbows now.

    "Just waiting for my moment. Besides, it was a long time ago and I'm a little rusty." I dropped to the mat beside him. "Your heart is in the right place, Derek. I appreciate that you want to keep me safe, but I'm going to be okay. It's going to take more than a psycho ex to bring me down." I was bullshitting, but I really hoped it was true. I wouldn't go down without a fight that was for sure.