Free Ascension by A.S. Fenichel Page B

took the wind out of her sails.
    She retreated, and he grabbed her wrist and took her knife.
    She screamed, surprised by his quickness. Strong, yes, but his agility had surprised her.
    Now that he had the knife, he might try to force the information from her. He still held her wrist.
    She kicked out catching him in the shin and then spun under the arm that held her. He lost his hold on her and his eyes widened.
    Her kick had little effect on him beyond surprise. Belinda crouched, ready to attack.
    “You want to fight me, Bella?”
    “I want you to leave me alone, but you will not do that.”
    “I’m a trained soldier. You do not know what you’re asking.”
    “I like my chances.”
    Her scream must have been loud. The door opened revealing Faust, Tubbs, and Claire.
    “Out,” she commanded.
    The ladies’ maid, footman, and butler hesitated then backed out of the room closing the door behind them.
    He handed her the knife. “I would prefer if you did not try to kill me.”
    His calm voice irritated her. She pulled the knife back near her ear and with a flick of her wrist sent it sailing.
    He raised one eyebrow as the razor sharp blade whooshed past his head, buried in the portrait of her great uncle, and pierced between the eyes.
    Gabriel turned and looked. “You are exceedingly good. Where did you learn such a skill?” He was digging again.
    “I have learned a great many skills.”
    He bent his knees in a fighting stance. “Are you certain you wish to do this?”
    “Actually, I’m tired and I just want to sleep, but you have pushed me too far. If I win, you must agree to leave this house and never trouble me again.” She circled to her right.
    “And if I win?” he asked.
    “What do you want?”
    His grin was wicked.
    Her heart tripped.
    “If I win, you will tell me everything. I will have the entire truth, Bella.”
    “Funny, I thought you would ask for something else.” Her face warmed accompanied by a surprising surge of disappointment. She was sure she’d turned bright pink.
    “I do not need to deal for your favors, Bella. Ultimately, you want to give those to me of your own free will. Even if you deny it now.”
    His arrogance pushed her rage higher. She took a running start and just when he lifted his arms to protect his face, she slid across the carpet and took his legs out from under him.
    He crashed to the floor, and she rolled away immediately getting to her feet. A small table broke his fall and shattered in a million pieces.
    He jumped up faster than she expected the big man could have and smiled wide, showing his straight white teeth. “I’m impressed.”
    She grunted.
    He rushed forward to tackle her.
    She jumped on the back of the settee, used it to leap behind him and forced her elbow down into the center of his back.
    He stumbled forward, but recovered swiftly, turned and caught her wrists.
    She stepped hard on the top of his foot.
    He grunted.
    She back-fisted him in the nose.
    He released her, and she spun away.
    He would regroup, and she would have to act fast. Figuring out her enemies fighting patterns was what Belinda did best. Winning, even against the strongest opponent, was only a matter of using leverage and surprise.
    He held his injured nose and turned away.
    Winning was everything and the taste of victory sweeter than anything. She ran forward, kicked between Gabriel’s legs.
    He grabbed her foot before it connected with his groin, pulled, and she landed on her back.
    Her head bounced off the thick carpet and the wind rushed from her lungs.
    Gabriel straddled her hips and pinned her arms above her head. He leaned down until his mouth grazed her cheek. “I win.”
    “Blast.” She hated losing, but his lips sent a shiver of excitement through her body.
    He licked her earlobe. “Say it.”
    Her stomach did a little flip and moisture built between her legs. Her throat tightened on the words. “You won.”
    He stood up and pulled her up with him.
    She almost groaned in