The beast and the blessed novel by Ashley Breanne novel Chapter 112

Seven: Joselin

Joselin's P.O.V.

Natalie dodged effortlessly as I swung at her. It was challenging to balance the need to get my frustration out and not hurt her. I knew she could handle herself, but I was going easy on her, and she knew it.

’This is ridiculous," Natalie said as she stopped. "Are you trying to let me win?”

She placed her hands on her hips, and her glare made me smile. "Yes. It's to boost your confidence, so when I take you to the ground in a minute, you won't be upset by how easily I do it."

Several people laughed, including Natalie. She threw her head back. Her long brown hair was in a high ponytail and swayed behind her slightly as she let out the musical sound. She may not have grown up as royalty, but she sure had it mastered after the few months she had been here.

Everything about her was flawless, and I was positive that if she were to shit her pants right now, she would still find a way to do it with dignity and grace.

"Then perhaps you need a stronger opponent to really challenge you." Her smile widened, and I saw a mischievous glint flash in her eye as her gaze flickered over my shoulder. I didn't need to turn around to know Tobias was lifting weights on the other side of the large room.

From the second he entered the room, I felt his eyes on me, making me second-guess every move I made. It was impossible to focus with him here, but I did what I needed to do. Until the pain in my chest stopped, I needed to pretend everything was the same as a few months ago. A time when we were friends and civil. I had kept my feelings to myself as much as possible and hadn't fallen all over myself trying to get him to notice me as more... and, in turn, fell all over him too.

"Don't interfere, Natalie," I said lowly, praying that he couldn't hear me but knowing he would. Still, my heart dropped, and my hands went clammy when I heard the sound of large weights falling to the ground.

"I didn't even say anything." She shrugged, but I could feel him moving closer. Natalie leaned in, whispering into my ear softly. ’I really didn't. I promise, not even through the link. This is all him."

She winked as she pulled back, and my eyes widened as I felt him stop only a few feet away, sending her a silent plea to be a good friend and save me from him. I wasn’t ready to touch him again, not so soon. She looked torn, and for a moment, I thought she would help me out of this, that she had seen the pain and defeat on my face.

The low growl behind me made every muscle in my back tense, and I turned slowly, keeping my gaze on his chest. A light sheen of sweat covered his torso, his muscles swollen and bulging from his workout. He had the kind of build that made me want to toss any pride I had left aside and climb him like a tree in front of everyone.

"I am done training for today, actually." As soon as I spun toward the training field to get some air, his hand wrapped around my wrist. My head snapped up to Natalie, but she had her back to me as she moved to one of the open treadmills.

Traitor.

The heat of his hand felt like I was being burned, and the fleeting thought that I could be okay with a scar of his hand around my arm swam through my mind. It would be his mark, even if it wasn't the one I wanted. I would be able to carry it with me forever.

I closed my eyes as I realized just how insane this man had made me. It was unnatural.

I hated how much of a hold he had over me. My lips pressed together in irritation as I ripped my arm out of his grip, my anger fueling me as I swung my arm around for a punch.

If he wanted to insist on sparring, so be it.