Chapter 0247 , ZAIA. , Blow after blow… , The pain in my body is screaming at me to stop, to take a break and breathe… but I , don’t want to. , I refuse to. , This is a way to release the rage inside of me and it’s… empowering. , “Zaia… let’s take a break.” Atticus’s breathless voice comes as he grabs my fist, , yanking me against him, and twists my arm behind my back. “That’s enough for , today.” He says, looking down at me. , His hair is drenched in sweat, as is his body. I’m the same. The hairs that refused to stay back are sticking to my face and I can feel the trickles of sweat dripping down my bare stomach as we stand there chest to chest. , “No. I’m not… but if you want to go, I’ll continue with one of my guards.” I say quietly, , breaking free and turning away from him, about to summon one of my men when he grips hold of my elbow and forces me to face him. , “Zaia…” There’s concern in his eyes as he observes me, but I refuse to let people see , the cracks within me…, I raise an eyebrow and tilt my head. , “What’s wrong Atticus? Can’t you handle me?” I ask challengingly as I slowly tug out , of his hold and cross my arms. , He smirks slightly before sighing and shaking his head. , “Alright then, Red, let’s go again.” He says as he adjusts his sweatpants and re–ties. the string. He’s shirtless, and he’s getting a lot of attention from the other females. , here and a couple of the guys. , He would make a good partner. I just hope he finds the one and gets that happily , 15 BONUS , ever after he deserves without being hung up over me. , “Checking me out?” he asks, cocking a brow. , “I appreciate the view, but no, I was just thinking you aren’t getting any younger. I , want to see you settle down.” I say as I fall into stance. I’m proud to say I’m a fast , learner and this time I make the first move. , “That won’t happen,” he replies as he blocks me….. , “Ok, I’m done, even if you aren’t. I give up.” Atticus says breathlessly as I pin him to the ground, I’m straddling his stomach a dagger to his throat. He raised his hands in surrender, dropping them onto the ground beside his head as he looks up at me., we , Hours have passed and we are the only ones left in the training hall. I know I pushed , him today, but I feel a little calmer, or maybe that’s because I’m just exhausted. , “You went easy on me, didn’t you?” I ask, tilting my head. , “Honestly? No. I didn’t because this isn’t a joke, and I don’t want you to , underestimate the enemy or a real match. Not that you don’t know how to handle , yourself on the battlefield,” he says quietly, slapping the side of my thighs. “You did , good Red.” , I suddenly become aware of our position and dropping the dagger, I climb off him. , groaning at how achy my body is. , “Take a breather.” He says, grabbing my arm and pulling me onto the ground beside. , him. , My back hits the mat beneath me as I lay there beside him staring at the ceiling. , The sound of our thundering hearts as we recover is loud in the room, but it’s oddly , satisfying. , There’s silence between us until he speaks., “You really want me to settle down…” Atticus says, making , over at him. , e turn my head to look , 15 BONUS , “Yes, you aren’t getting any younger. Find a good woman. Life is short.” I say with a , small smile. , “But would that be fair to the woman?” he asks, his smirk fading slightly. , “What do you mean?” I ask. “I mean, you can be a little annoying, but you’re a good , person.” , Not that I have any right to give him advice when my own relationship is something , I can’t even keep together. , Komentar, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.