Page 214 of Savage Throne
“That’s enough!” Chen shifted his hold on me and locked one arm around my waist, anchoring me to him, while his free hand lashed out like a deadly whip. His fist connected with Marcelo’s jaw.
The impact sent a jarring crack through the air.
Marcelo stumbled and clutched his face like it was the worst hit he’d ever imagined. And that was saying something since Marcelo boxed for years.
Still, that didn’t stop Gunner.
He charged for Chen.
“I said stay back!” Chen barked. “I don’t have time to play nice with you today, Gunner. Iwillkill you.”
I blinked.
Gunner didn’t listen. He ducked low, aiming for Chen’s legs, but Chen shifted his weight at the last second, using the momentum to swing me around in a dizzying arc.
Ahh!
My stomach lurched as we twirled away, the world blurring around me, and then Chen planted his feet right behind Gunnar.
How the hell did we get over here so fast?
Chen delivered a vicious kick to Gunner’s side.
The force sent Gunner sprawling several feet forward, into Leo’s seated monks.
Damn!
Marcelo was already back on his feet. He lunged again, fists flying, and this time, Chen’s grip on me tightened. “Hold still!”
And then Chen held onto me and battled them as easily as if he were swatting flies.
Somehow, I struggled to make sense of what I was seeing.
How was Chen holding his own against both of them while still keeping me restrained?
It was almost inhuman, the precision of his movements, the sheer strength he displayed.
Now I know why he’s Deputy Mountain Master.
Even when Marcelo and Gunner landed blows, Chen didn’t waver.
“Goddamn it, Chen!” I thrashed in his grip. “Let me go!”
“Lei said you stay in the stands and that’s where you’ll stay.”
I glanced back at the arena.
Leo was on the ground now but the crow must have pecked at his eye. He was holding the right one as blood spilled from his hand.
“Oh no.” I shook my head. “He’s going to get to him.”
Before I could say anymore, Chen spun again, pulling me with him. This time, the movement was faster, sharper, and I barely had time to gasp before we crashed into the next row of seats.
The impact jarred my teeth, and I struggled to catch my breath.
But this time he had to let me go because Marcelo and Gunner leapt for him, almost crushing me too.
Ahhh!
