“Welcome, everyone. Find a spot on the mats,” I announce.
Kinsley moves closer to the front while Rip and Shore move off to the side.
“This class is about giving you the tools. Simple moves you can use anywhere, anytime. Nothing fancy tonight, I’m afraid. Just real-world defenses.” I scan the room. Mrs. Martin always complains I don’t smile enough, but I grin when I find myself looking at the newcomer.
“Let’s start with awareness. Keep your heads up, shoulders back, hands free. Notice exits, people around you. Confidence is your first layer of protection.”
I step forward and raise my palm. “Palm heel strike—your secret weapon. If someone grabs you, plunge your palm into their nose or chin. You want to drive through with your body weight, not just your arm. Feel the impact, then pivot away and create distance. I want you to partner up so we can run through some of these drills.”
Everyone pairs off, and Kinsley looks around the room. I move closer to her, and she looks up at me.
“You can partner with me.”
I tell everyone to practice without making contact; we don’t need anyone getting hurt.
We run through the drill before moving on to a wrist grab. I talk Kinsley through grabbing my wrist, then slide my thumb up and twist my wrist toward her thumb gently until she lets go.
“It’s not about strength, it’s about leverage. Use your whole body—step, twist, pull. Don’t freeze. Act fast.”
I let Kinsley practice on me, and everyone practices with their partners. Her touch is soft, and surprisingly, I want her hands on my body. I’m not a touchy-feely guy at the best oftimes, and I hope she doesn’t notice the goosebumps that line my skin from the contact.
Shore and Rip don’t normally stay, but neither have left the room. Interesting.
The lessons don’t go for long, and I hope Kinsley comes back. I would love to show her how to get an attacker on the ground. My body over hers, sweaty and on the mats, plays like a reel in my mind. I know it has been a while since I’ve been laid, but my cock needs a reminder that it’s not okay to get hard in public.
I end the lesson before anyone catches the semi in my workout pants, discreetly turning and tucking myself away.
Shore catches my eye and winks. Of course he had to witness it. He should know I’m not immune to being touched by a beautiful woman, but I bet once everyone leaves, he is going to have a lot to say.
Chapter Six
Kinsley
Nerves punch me straight in my gut—I can’t do this. I’m almost thirty; I’m too old to be signing up for sex websites. My phone vibrates, and Jace’s name flashes on the screen.
“I can’t do this,” I snap instead of hello. He bellows out a laugh.
“I knew you would want to chicken out. What are you so scared of? This is a birthday gift. It would be rude not to accept.”
“I’m too old for this.”
“Bullshit, you are up in your head. The pressure your mother puts on you is making you second-guess your life choices, as always. You have two weeks, and then you will be back in the city, people-pleasing once again. I know you, Kins. Ever since Teddy died, you have been too afraid to live your life how you want. If you don’t want to get married or have kids—then don’t. If you want to paint landscapes and become a health nut—then do that. What is stopping you besides fear?”
“Ugh, you’re right,” I say with a sigh.
“I’m always right,” he quips. “And there is so much more out there than pompous assholes who just want to bend you over and get their rocks off. When was the last time you had sex and had your needs met?”
I honestly can’t remember.
“See? You don’t even know. It’s time to dust off the cobwebs, and what better way than to do it anonymously? There is no awkward morning after, it’s all about you, and maybe—just maybe—you will unlock your freaky side.”
“There is nothing wrong with vanilla sex, Jace. We don’t all need to be choked and punched in the face to get off.”
“Of course there isn’t when you are making love. But fucking should be fun. And if I want my girl to wrap her hand around my neck and punch me, then you bet your ass she will do it. Not that Willow punches me in the face—it would be a shame to ruin this masterpiece.”
“Hah! Fine. I have to admit, the thought of being spanked and having my hair pulled is a turn-on. Why masked men, anyway?”
Jace clears his throat. “You know how we got together with Willow, and it was the most exciting sex I’ve ever had in my life. It was freeing, and I want that for you. With how often Willow makes us wear our masks, maybe you will like it as well.”
