*Vanessa*

“That was not even close to what I expected,” Aaron rasps out, lying flat on his back. I laugh, removing the knee I kept pinned to his neck. As I stand, I reach out my arm to help him up and he takes it reluctantly. “A warning would’ve been great. I had no idea you were training on your own.”

“So what? Were you hoping to kick my ass thinking I was unprepared for it?” I ask. “Where’s the honor in ...