12. Bella
TWELVE
Bella
I arrive at the self-defense class, my heart pounding in my chest. The room is already filling up with people, the buzz of conversation mingling with the thud of practice mats being laid out.
I scan the room and spot Alex near the back, his presence unmistakable. He catches my eye and smiles, a gesture that sends a thrill through me.
I walk over to him, trying to keep my nerves in check. “Hey,” I say, my voice a bit breathless. “Ready to get your ass whupped?”
“I was hoping to whup yours,” he replies, his eyes locking onto mine.
We settle in, pairing up together just like last time. Karen begins with the basics, going over the techniques we practiced last time.
Having Alex as my partner adds an entirely new layer of intensity to every move, every touch. As we practice, his hands guide me, correcting my stance with a firm but gentle touch.
Each time his fingers brush against my skin, it sends electric sparks through me, making it hard to focus on anything but him.
“Keep your elbows in,” Alex murmurs, his breath warm against my ear as he adjusts my arm. His voice is low, soothing, but filled with authority.
I nod, trying to steady my racing heart. “Like this?” I ask, adjusting my stance.
“God,” he replies, his hand lingering on my waist for a moment longer than necessary. “You’re getting better.”
Karen walks by, observing our technique. “Good, Bella. Keep that left arm up higher. Alex, make sure she’s rotating her hips properly when she blocks.”
Alex nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “You heard her,” he says with a smile. “Rotate those hips.”
“Like this?” I pivot, feeling the movement flow through me.
“Exactly,” Karen says, giving me a nod of approval. “Now, let’s move on to some grappling techniques. Pair up and try to unbalance your partner. Remember, it’s about leverage, not strength.”
Alex and I face each other, the air between us charged with anticipation. He reaches for my wrist, his grip firm but gentle. “Ready?” he asks, his eyes locking onto mine.
“Ready,” I reply, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach.
We begin the drill, our bodies moving in sync. He demonstrates how to break free from a wrist grab, his hands guiding me through each step. “Use your body weight,” he instructs, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “Don’t just rely on your arms.”
I follow his lead, the casual contact between us both thrilling and comforting. Our movements become more fluid, the techniques blending into a seamless dance of defense and counter-defense.
“Nice work,” Karen calls out, watching as I successfully unbalance Alex. “Remember, keep your center of gravity low. Bella, you’re doing great. Alex, make sure she’s following through with her movements.”
“Remember to keep your guard up,” he says, demonstrating a block. “And always be ready to counter.”
I nod, focusing on his instructions. “Like this?” I ask, mimicking his movements.
“Exactly,” he replies, his eyes filled with pride.
When the session comes to an end, Karen gathers us for a brief debrief. “Great work today, everyone,” she says, her tone encouraging. “Keep working on those techniques, and don’t be afraid to push yourselves.”
As the class disperses, I linger for a bit, reluctant to leave his company. “Do you want to grab a coffee or something?” Alex asks, his eyes glancing outside.
I nod, a smile spreading across my face. “I’d like that.”
We find a nearby café, the soft glow of its lights inviting us in. We settle into a corner booth, the ambiance cozy and intimate.
When you gave me the command in the bar,” I ask, “where did you go?”
His eyes darken with intensity. “Something came up.”
“That seems to happen a lot.”
“Did you do what I told you?”
“I did,” I confess. “First time I’ve ever done that in a toilet stall.”
“Submission lets you try new things without guilt. Still got the vibrator?”
“Might have.”
“Use it tonight,” he instructs, his voice firm. “I’ll be watching.”