That was Kyla’s undoing. Her eyes spat venom at him. “Bastard!” she hissed and struck his sword with force. He retained his balance and parried her cuts easily, forcing her to skip back several times. Then in one swift motion he trapped her sword and flicked it from her grasp, sending it flying some feet away. Stunned, she stared up at him, panting from the strenuous duel. He merely stood there, a smug grin on his face as his solid chest moved rapidly. 

When she caught her breath, she made to strike him with her bare hands but he caught her wrists.

“I should have known better than to duel with you–you horrible–arrogant–!”

He brought her body up against his. “I’ve heard that speech before, my dear. It’s wise you watch your tongue around grown men,” he said huskily.

“My tongue? How dare you speak to me this way!” she accused, trying to twist free.

His eyes lowered to her mouth. “I dare because this is my domain, little Kyla, and a Lord can do as he pleases.” His grip tightened on her. She gasped and turned her face away as his mouth brushed up against her ear. His warm breath tickled her, sending delicious bumps over her skin. “I commend your skill as a sword fighter…but I’m curious about your other skills…” he drawled.