Maybe Elena is a too good student because I find myself caught in my own game, the little kitten making the beast at ease and taming him, and one hour has passed before I can notice it.

It's only when my gaze follows a drop of sweat disappearing in her cleavage that I remember to take a break.

"Let's grab some water," I suggest, my lips drier than I'd imagined, and even if it quenches only one thirst, the fresh water is really welcome.

For Elena too, apparently, as she takes long sips from her bottle, my attention once more caught by a drop of water trickling down her smooth skin, and it makes it harder for my next words to come out.

"We can stop for today if you want to. You've already learned a lot, and I know it can be exhausting for beginners."

As much as I've been looking forward to some other parts of the 'lesson', I don't want to tire her. It's easy to forget for me because I'm used to it, but we've already done a lot for her tiny body, and–

"No, I'm fine! I can keep going. I'm not tired yet!" she contradicts me with a large smile and a glimpse of that badass she is inside, even though it quickly disappears as she stutters, "I mean... unless you want to stop... if you need to..."

"No, I'm not tired either!"

Baby, you've just given the beast an opening, and there's no way I'm letting go now. It's time for the interesting part, and I don't let her slip away as I hold her gaze in challenge.

"I will teach you self-defense, and how to get away from a hold and turn the tables. That way next time you'll be able to defend yourself!"

I slowly finish my bottle, leaving her time to recover, and after a few more minutes, and once I'm sure the red on her cheeks is only because of my attentive eyes on her, I lead her back to the center of the room to grab her in a hold, but this time, with a warning before.

My arms are positioned exactly the same as last Sunday, one around her neck and the other gripping her arms behind her back, yet it feels nothing like it. My grip is unconsciously less harsh, and mostly, my blood doesn't freeze, so I can take in each part of our bodies grazing each other until I'm slowly burning.

"What would you do to free yourself?" I ask, waiting patiently through her cute 'er' for her answer.

She can take her time. I'm good here, and I take advantage of our closeness to observe her carefully: the nice shade of pink on her cheeks, the way she's nibbling her lips without even being aware of it as I can almost hear the reels spinning in her head, and the goosebumps forming under my breaths when I lean just an inch closer.

"Maybe... stomp on your feet?"

I jump at her answer, my muscles tightening just slightly around her small frame making me realize my hold has been leaning more towards a shielding embrace than an attack position, and I could have forgotten why we're here.

"Yeah! Really good! And then?" I refocus, though my hold stays the same.

"Er... I can try to move one of my arms a little bit and try to punch you in the stomach... I don't know..."

She doesn't see me as she's too busy looking down and biting her lips, but I smile at her smart, and almost perfect, answer.

"Yeah, it depends on the hold you're in, but you gotta try to punch the stomach or the face." I take her arm to guide it in the movements, her body once more easing under my touch, so much that the slow-motion doesn't even resemble fighting, at least until I announce,

"And now you try." I go back to our original position, keeping her tightly in place, even if she's wriggling in my arms and trying to glance to me, and the only thing she can do is stutter.

"W-What?! B-But I don't want to hurt you..."

Aww, she's so sweet...

"Don't worry, you're not gonna hurt me. I'm used to taking punches!"

She resigns herself to try as I'm not letting her get away in any sense of the word, yet it's once more too soft, her stomping and punches feeling more like sensual brushes, and although she does manage to affect me in some way, I don't budge.

It won't always be me, holding her in that position, and if she ever finds herself attacked, I want to be sure she can defend herself. That's why I tighten my hold, encouraging her.

"Come on! You can do better! Show me the badass you are inside!"

I can feel her still hesitating, and even if she's cute, not wanting to hurt me, she won't have that time in a real attack. She'll need her strength and the fire she has inside, and I'm summoning both as I whisper in her ear,

"Or do I have to annoy you?"

I purposefully brush my lips against the shell of her ear, but while I focus on the bare movement, she takes me by surprise, and my trick has worked better than I've imagined from the way she stomps on my left foot with no restraint. She is in full badass mode as she elbows me in the stomach, the blow so swift and precisely aimed that it reaches the most sensitive part of my abs in a sharp pain.

My hold loosens in reflex, and she takes the opportunity to slip out of my arms, which fly to my stomach while she's spinning around.

I barely have time to straighten up that she's already facing me again, her doe eyes catching me off-guard, and even more when I notice her large smirk, the same I'm always wearing when I tackle down my opponents.

"Was it too hard for you?"

I can see I've really called the badass Elena, and I'm not sure if it's been a good idea when my stomach is still throbbing. But that I won't ever admit it.

"No, it's perfect. I'm used to taking much harder punches!"

It's the truth, even if I'm biting down on my lip, and the only reason that she's got me has been because I haven't got the time to tense my abs and the full force of her blow has hit me.

She always has a way to make me drop all my defense. She still does as she observes me too carefully under a bothered frown, and I quickly forget the pain in my stomach when I continue explaining,

"Then, you gotta be fast and aim for a weak spot: so head, stomach, and for the men, the crotch."

I'm so used to those 'technical' parts of fighting that I don't realize what it implies until her widening eyes travel to my own crotch.

Oh, it looks like I've caught her off guard too...

"Er... For this, I think I'll pass..." The badass is quickly disappearing behind her blush and a nervous laugh, and she looks way too innocent and tempting as she's carefully avoiding my eyes, but her gaze still flickers back to my 'crotch'.

"Yeah, it's better to preserve it. It can be useful..."

I have to hold back my laugh as her cheeks take a deeper shade of red, and she rambles quickly, "Er... And for other holds, like when the attacker is in front, holding me by the neck, trying to strangle me, what can I do?"

She's definitely too innocent and tempting... That's why I chose to not tease her more with my 'crotch', but I still add, my gaze boring into hers,

"Yeah, I'll show you. But you won't learn everything in one lesson."

And I'll gladly give her more lessons, fighting lessons, of course. That's still what we're doing as my large hands wrap around her neck, even if my slow movements, the fast thumps I feel under my palm, and the electricity in the air could look like something else once more.

Luckily, she's a good student so even if we're both distracting each other, she learns fast, and contrary to when I've first taught Dylan how to fight, she understands when I explain with physics laws.

"See, it isn't only about strength, you can use speed, angles, and even gravity to your advantage," I say after one of the many self-defense moves I've shown her today, and she nods.

Though I don't expect her to add,

"Well, who would have thought THE 'baddest bad boy' reasons with physics laws when he fights?"

And who would have thought my shy little kitten would be so bold?

"Hey! There's nothing more accurate and that's why I always win!" I offer her the same smug grin and arguments that I give to everyone doubting my method – okay, not exactly, because I usually add a concrete demonstration for the few that dare to.

But she does it so sweetly, even her laugh, that I can't be mad.

"And they say I'm the nerd?!"

Only one person has ever lived through calling me a nerd, and it's because he's a lucky bastard. But here she is, standing more than five inches under me and looking up at me with a playful grin, and I can barely force my eyes to narrow in question.

"Are you laughing at me?!"

"No! I'm just noting..." She hides her laugh, although it's once more obvious that she's a really bad liar.

From the hold of her teeth to her red cheeks and her eyes glistening with the pressure, she's struggling to hold the tickles of laughter, and I just have to keep my gaze on her to see it all burst into a hearty laugh.

"Oh, I'm gonna get you for this! We'll see if you learned well today!" I grin wickedly as her smile really falls down this time, and she lifts her gaze to me like to double-check that I'm serious.

Yes, baby, you poked the beast, and now you can run, little kitten.

As if reading my thoughts, she instantly takes off, and I leave her two seconds of head start before running after her, knowing I'll catch her anyway. The chase just makes it more fun, and we're both laughing like kids around the large room, at least, until I wrap my arms around her waist, and she stops like a prey realizing her mistake.

But even if she's already wriggling to get out of my hold, there's no way I'll let her go. I even try to tickle her to bring back her melodious giggles, and it's better than I'd imagined because as soon as my fingers are poking her sides, she bursts into the heartiest laughter I'd ever heard. It might become my favorite sound, and I pull out more as I continue my merciless attacks of tickles, watching her squirm and try the techniques I've taught her in vain.

"So, you're ticklish?!" I note, memorizing this precious piece of information.

It's always important to know you're opponent's weaknesses, though the ideas flying through my mind have nothing to do with fighting.

"Stop! Please!" she begs, making the echo of her laugh even sweeter, and if I stop, it's only to let her catch her breath and tease her more.

"Um... Let me think..." I pretend to think, stroking my chin, and right when I hear her take a breath of relief, I go back to tickle her, my fingers now wandering all over her stomach. "No!"

She's in stitches, her laughter echoing louder and louder against the walls of the wide room, and her petite body moving against mine, and I feel like I've finally pulled out the real Elena. So I savor everything about this moment, maybe a little too much, as she catches me off guard, the real badass Elena coming out too and using my self-defense techniques against me.

Before I can see it happening, she's wrapping one of her legs around mine, making my knee buckle down, and as I'm still holding her tightly to me, she's dragged down with me, unfortunately for her, and luckily for me...

We find ourselves in the same position as we always do, like it's meant to be: her small body on mine, straddling me as the law of attraction is pulling us closer, and the atmosphere instantly switches with this powerful force.

There's no hint of laughter and lightness anymore. Everything is thick, charged, and hot from our heavy breaths to our sweaty skins against each other, and while my fingers are still on her waist, they're the ones tickling, tickling to bring her flush against me.

She's leaning on my chest, already so close, and it would just take a little push. Yet I keep my fingers still, digging into the sheer fabric of her tank top, and I let the law of attraction do its job slowly as I stare back into her magnetizing eyes, making sure she doesn't run away this time.

With each heavy rise of our chests, she's closer, and fuck, I'm finally about to taste these tempting, pink lips.

"Hey Alex!"

I almost believe the familiar voice is jolting me out of a too-good dream like it happens too many mornings until I realize Elena's doe eyes are still in front of me, wide and so close, and we both turn our attention towards the door.

"I got the money from last week and you forgot to give me the piston L15..." Josh stops whatever he's saying, as he can't do two things at once, and he's currently too busy staring at us with his bulging eyes. "Sorry, did I interrupt you?"

As if the bastard didn't know it. His smirk is eating half of his face as Elena jumps away, slipping out of my grip like a little scared kitten. I've had her so close, and once more, he's really lucky that I can't kill him because of Mom. Though I'm about to forget this detail when he joins us, his pervert eyes glued to Elena, and my fighting instincts are reawakening with the sourness in my stomach.

"You don't introduce us?"

"Josh, this is Elena. Elena, this is Josh, my brother," I announce, my tone flat and my glare sharp, but both only spur his large grin.

"Ah! The famous Elena..."

What have I said? His smile is growing like a Cheshire cat, and my poor little kitten is shifting from one foot to the other, not knowing what to do or where to look when he takes her hand, and the fucking bastard kisses it, purring,

"Nice to meet you, Elena." And he has the fucking nerve to turn to me and adds, "You didn't tell me she was that hot!"

Yes, and there's a reason why I haven't told you. I even regret mentioning a little too much my project partner as his eyes are now twinkling like a kid who's just found out his new toy on Christmas day. Yet there's no way I'll let Elena be his new doll.

"Leave her alone. You gave me the money, now you can leave," I almost growl but try to stay civilized for Elena, forcing a tight smile, but Josh clearly doesn't take the hint, nor my glare.

"You still didn't give me the piston!" He raises an eyebrow, knowing he's got me on this, and I can only sigh, not trying to argue and lose more time or dignity as he sings out, "You're distracted, little bro!"

I'm not; I'm just focused on something else, and currently, it's whatever he's whispering to my Miss Clumsy Cookie.

I cross the training room faster than I've ever and rummage through my bag to find that piston, yet the seconds still feel like an eternity as I imagine what he can be telling her. He doesn't need much, as he's the biggest player in history – and it's coming from me.

But while I'm more of a straight-to-fuck and leave – usually – my brother is all about the sweet talk to get into girls' pants, and I don't like the idea of him getting anywhere near Elena and her tight, revealing pants.

That's why I'm rushing back to them in record time. 

Though why is she blushing? Okay, she's blushing most of the time, but there are different shades of blush on her cheeks, just like in her eyes, and this glowing red is only mine, when we're alone together. What the fuck has he told her?

I only catch the last part as I step beside her again, just a little closer than before.

"I saw you got the upper hand! Well done!" He grins at me, and I relax slightly at his words. It could have been worse, even if I still roll my eyes as he continues, "My baby bro defeated by a girl on her first lesson... Maybe I should bet on you!"

And here's my big bro's second talent: bragging about being the 'older' brother to feed his ego, or maybe reassure himself about his early wrinkles.

I don't even raise, giving him the piston with a short 'here', as by now, I just want him gone. I'll think about revenge later, and the longer he stays, the sweeter it's gonna be.

"She's fierce. I like that!" he adds towards me, though the words are also hinted at Elena and her blushing cheeks, and by now, I think he's really testing my patience.

"Bye," I reply with a smile, only because I'm thinking about which way I'm gonna make him pay later, though it quickly comes back into a tight line when he throws her a wink.

"If you get bored of him, and if you want a real fighter to teach you, call me!"

"You know I can kick your ass anytime!" And anytime might be sooner than he expects as he keeps grinning, a smile as wide as my jaw is tight.

I almost believe I'll have to push him to the door before he turns around abruptly, calling and laughing to himself,

"Bye, I leave you two alone! Have fun!"

I don't see what's so funny in all of this, and Elena looks as perplexed when I turn to her.

"Sorry for my bro, he can be really annoying."

"No, it's okay, he's... nice." I would have said 'insane' is a better word, but she's way too sweet as she smiles, shaking her head. "And I guess that's siblings' job!"

Josh is taking that job really seriously then! Though all my tensions and whatever has been brewing inside are vanishing in front of her soft smile, and before I know it, the question is slipping past my now-relaxed lips.

"Do you have siblings?"

Her eyes widen slightly, probably not expecting the simple question. At least, there's progress since the first time I've talked to her, and she's glanced behind, but still, she always seems surprised when I show interest about her life and who she really is.

"No, I'm an only child."

"Lucky you!" I chuckle, my gaze not leaving her and her blushing cheeks, which are now just for me, and I decide she's been tortured enough, so I suggest,

"How about we take a break? We've worked enough for today!"

We both need it, and maybe also something sweet – a snack, of course.

"Yeah gladly!" She nods, reaching for her bag, while I go for mine, searching through the mess I've made minutes ago in my rush for the small packet.

"I think I should head back home," she says just when I've found what I've been looking for, and before I can argue, she glances down at her phone with a light frown. "I didn't see the time, and my mom is probably waiting for me."

I guess I'll have to let her go like my hand releases the packet of Kinder Buenos. I don't want to bring her trouble, so as she's already picking up her things, I grab mine and stand beside her.

"Sure, I'll drive you."

The sweets will be for another time, and I can't even be mad as her sweet, tempting lips stretch into a smile.

"Thank you for the lesson."

"You're welcome! Now, you got the basics to defend yourself." I shrug, pulling out my bike keys, though none of us is moving, and if she keeps looking up at me with her doe eyes and pulling her lower lip between her teeth that way, she won't be home before her curfew.

"I would love to learn more..." She finally lets go of her lower lip to let out something that sounds as tempting. "I mean, if you want."

If I want? The answer is easy, and I have to hold back my chuckle as she fiddles nervously with the strap of her bag. 

Instead, I let my smirk fall down into a serious expression. "I'll give you more fighting lessons on one condition..."

It's my turn to have the upper hand as she nods, her shy gaze hanging on mine, and many 'conditions' are crossing my mind, many that have to do with these sweet lips she is nibbling again. But I don't want to scare the little kitten; I'll let her come to me when she's ready, and in the meantime, I know what I want as my grin comes back.

"... If you give me more cooking lessons."

She looks as surprised as I am by the simple demand before she giggles, and I know I've made the best choice.

"Deal!"

You know how the story continues... 😏

I hope you liked this little glimpse into our favorite bad boy's head, and if so, don't forget to vote ⭐ and comment!

Also, don't hesitate to suggest me ideas if you want more bonus chapters like this because it always makes me so happy to come back to my Alexena babies, and boy's POVs can be fun... sometimes! 

I always listen to your ideas, even if sometimes it takes a while 😅

Finally, I just wanted to add a few words (Attention, I'll be emotional!) 😭

I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support on this story from my first readers to my new ones, to all the friends and even family I've found, and also for the love you're showing on my newer stories (If you like our bad boy Alex, you gotta meet Blade from Gun In My Hand 😉😈).

I can't believe it's already been 3 years since I first shared this story, scared and excited, not knowing what to expect. It feels like yesterday, but also a lifetime ago because I don't remember my life without this spark I have for writing and the warmth you're showing me every day. I'm so thankful, and I'll never have enough words to tell you how much I love you ❤️

Here's to more anniversaries, more stories, and more fire! 🌹