Reese smiled, and his eyes scanned over me. “You’re beautiful, Dez,” he said and walked toward me. He cupped my face, pressing his lips to mine. Then he pulled back. “Now, prepare yourself.”
Before I could counter, Reese swept my feet from under me. I hit the ground. Crap. That was my move. “Sidetracking me with hot kisses? Is that the only way you can beat me?” I peeled myself from the ground.
“Have to use what I got.” He lunged at me, but I countered, blocking his white blow. So we were going with our power. Fine.
My stomach felt a little nauseated as I summoned my White Flame. I was hesitant to use it in combat, especially this close to the other person. But I had to practice it sooner or later. I had to know what I could do. I just didn’t want to hurt Reese. Pressing my palm against my leather breeches, I felt my crystal. I trusted it would keep me from losing control.
I came at him, throwing punches as the white light surrounded my arms. Reese blocked every one. “Stop holding back,” he grunted, taking a hit to his side. “I can tell.”
“It sounds like it’s hard to speak from where I’m at.” I punched his ribs again.
He twisted my arms in his, bringing my face close to his. “You’re still holding back. Don’t be afraid of it.”
I fought back, pushing the image of my mother’s scarred wrist out of my mind. I couldn’t lose focus. I had to learn to use my power. I unlocked my arms from Reese, kicking off him. Staring him down, I raised my arms and sent a beam of light soaring through the air.
I panicked for a moment, thinking I’d sent too much power, but Reese brought his arms up and crossed them, blocking it. “Good.” He sent a beam back at me.
I mimicked his move. My shielded arms absorbed the power. I looked at my hands. Normally, when fighting with opposite power—Charge and Flame—our shielded arms only deflected the blow, sending it someplace else. But this power was different.
Before I could think about my next move, Reese shot another beam at me. I blocked and ran for him. I couldn’t beat him by using my power that way. We’d absorb each other’s blows all day. I had to get up close.
I fell to my hands and cartwheeled, kicking Reese in his stomach and sending him backward. He slid across the bank. I got back to my feet and jumped, attempting to land a blow while he was down. He rolled, reaching out and grabbing hold of my foot, taking me down.
That was the second time he’d put me on my back. Aggravated, I bounced up and faced him. We sidestepped, circling each other.
Fighting Reese was different than sparring with Jace. I realized in that moment, that if the fight would have gone on between them, Reese would probably have won. Not by using our white power, just on his hand-to-hand skills alone. He was quick.
Reese took a shot, coming at me from the side. I turned, bringing my fist around and jabbing him in his kidneys. He grunted, but came at me again. I didn’t see the head butt coming and stumbled from the impact. He took advantage of my falter and sent a blow to my side. He was definitely faster than me. But I was more creative.
As he prepared to send the finishing blow, I jumped into his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. It worked; he was caught off guard. He stared at me wide-eyed as I clasped his face and twisted his head. “You’re dead.”
Reese shot his head back around and grabbed my butt. “Best death ever.” Then he kissed me.
Sparring with Reese had its advantages. I melted against him and ran my fingers over his strained muscles, feeling his body tense. I could tell he was restraining himself.
Pulling away, I looked into his eyes. “No holding back, huh?” I tilted my head and tugged on his ear with my elongated teeth.
He let out a small groan. “Don’t tease. Sometimes holding back isn’t a bad thing…and it’s harder than it seems.” He buried his head in my neck, his lips caressing my skin. “Especially when you look so hot.”
“Then don’t.” I looked into his fiery, red eyes.
Reese studied my face for a moment, then his lips met mine, hard. He knelt, bringing us both to the bank, and lowered me to the ground. He slid my hands above my head and held them there before running his warm fingers down my arms. I shivered as they roamed along my body, feeling their way across my stomach. Warmth spread over my skin as he slowly slipped his hand under my blouse.
I skimmed my hands along his back, feeling his muscles work. Then I released a small current rippling over his body. He shuddered and deepened the kiss. Lost in the moment, my hands found their way to the fastening of his pants. I tugged at the snap, and it gave between my fingers.
Reese’s head shot up. “Dez, you don’t have to prove anything…”
“I know,” I said. “I want to.” I began to unclasp my breeches, but he grabbed my hand, stopping me.
He released a heavy breath. “And believe me, I want to.” He dipped his head and quickly kissed me. “But not like this. Not when you’re still upset, and definitely not here.” He brushed his fingers through my hair, his eyes trailing over my face. “I care about you.”
I stared into his eyes as they changed from red to violet. We hadn’t known each other very long. But time wasn’t a factor for us. We were the same. We shared something deep and secret that other Kythan didn’t. And I didn’t want to be separated from him ever again.
I finally spoke after a long moment. “I care about you,” I said, taking in his anxious expression.
The crease between his eyebrows relaxed. “For a minute there, I was worried.” His lips spread into a relieved smile. “I thought I’d scared you off.”
I shook my head against the ground. “Never.” I kissed him, feeling his lips—the lips I wanted to kiss every day. I slowed the kiss, and he pulled back.