“Well, now I want to know. How do I use this?” He watched as her delicate wrist twisted the knife in the air, making a figure eight.
“First of all, there are many ways you could hold it. But I suggest you hold it with the blade down. Then wrap your fingers and thumb around it. That’s the reverse grip. It has some disadvantages, but at least you can hook people from this position.”
He didn’t want to startle her, especially in the darkness. “I’m going to adjust your grip. Don’t move.” He reached out and plied her fingers and thumb until they were in the correct position.
“Now, slowly, lift your hand up into the air. If you were to swipe down–don’t do it now, mind you–you can feel how strong that is, right?”
“Yes, I can.”
“Then, if an attacker, heaven forbid, should come at you, he might reach out his arm like this.” Quinn extended his arm toward her left ear. “You can have your knife hidden at your side. Use your left arm to block his arm and then swipe your knife up his arm.”
“Where?”
“Anywhere. Forearm. Bicep. Either one should sever his grip on his weapon, or render his arm fairly useless.”
“Oh my god…” he could hear the quiver in her voice. What the blazes was he thinking talking so gruesomely about incapacitating someone?
“Oh, I’m sorry Kat. I’m such a fatwit. I just started talking and I thought I was helping.”
“I just didn’t think of the consequences of actually using the knife…” the words must have stuck in her throat.
“Put the knife away. That’s enough for one night. Or perhaps a lifetime. Give me the knife.”
Kat handed over the dagger, and he stowed it in his boot.
“I think we best try to find some sleep. It’s unlikely to be a good one.”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep. It’s too cold.”
It was dangerous territory to invite her into, but there weren’t many options.
“Get over here.” He spread his legs for her to sit between his thighs. Her curvy bottom fit snuggly between him, and he could sense a gentle swelling starting. “Just ignore…everything. Go to sleep now.” He pulled her back against his chest and tucked his jacket around her front.
“Are you cold?”
“No.” He was anything but cold.
“Are you comfortable?”
“Yes.” He was also anything but comfortable.
“Are you–”
“Sleep. Now. Please.”
“Good night.”
He mumbled something indecipherable in reply. Saying goodnight felt too intimate. What the hell, this whole position felt too intimate. But around her, he had the insufferable ability to only think in the present. And at present, they both needed to be reasonably warm to incur any amount of sleep. Besides, after that kiss, what danger could a small cuddle be? No, not a cuddle. A last resort.
Chapter 5
ATTHECRACKOFdawn, Quinn was up. All of him. It was a most uncomfortable state of up to be in, with her round bottom squeezed around his upness.
“Ugh,” the loud groan did nothing to wake Kat. “Uuuuggghhhh,” his chest rattled with the increased volume.
Kat lay motionless, head resting against his vibrating chest.
About to try again, Quinn was stopped by an unmistakable movement along his groin. And before he could think, Kat had twisted around and thrown her arms around him. Only, she was still sleeping. But now her chin was nuzzling to get under his jaw and her breasts were rubbing up against his chest. “Mmm…” a moan fell from Kat’s lips.
