My Man Michael (34 page)
Kayli watched as Michael took over—again—but this time it didn’t bother her. The ability to lead was one of the qualities that had drawn her to him, and since he was being fair about it, she saw no reason to hold her grudge.
She faded back; when he didn’t notice, she left the platform and joined her mother. She could still hear Michael explaining.
“Once I think you have that down,” he said, “we’ll work on submissions that don’t require brawn as much as speed and technique. Even if you’re knocked to the ground, there are ways to bring your opponent down, too, so that you’ll be in the dominant position.”
Raemay shook her head. “They hang on his every word.”
“He’s a good speaker,” Kayli agreed. “And he knows what he’s talking about.”
Idola stared toward Michael, but spoke to Kayli. “When will you join him in union?” Her lashes fluttered, as if she had mixed feelings on the matter. “Or have you changed your mind about that?”
“Actually,” Kayli said, taking advantage of the opening, “we decided to do the ceremony tonight.”
Raemay stirred. “Tonight?”
“Does that not please you?”
“It should,” Idola said. “You and your man have caused quite a bit of gossip, and many of the women are now anxious to follow your lead.”
Lifting a brow, Kayli asked, “What does that mean?”
Raemay waved a hand. “It’s nothing, really. It’s just that some of the colony members have expressed a hope that your behavior will become acceptable.”
“My behavior?”
“Oh, don’t be coy, Kayli.” Idola smiled, and there wasn’t any real animosity in the amusement. “You and Michael have been most . . . demonstrative in your affection. It surprises many, me included, because we never saw that side of you. Somehow it makes you much more human.”
Kayli frowned.
“Before Michael, we viewed you as almost superhuman in your dedication. But now . . . well, if you don’t join in union soon, we could see many couples forgoing the tradition of a formal ceremony.”
“Nonsense.” Raemay grew flustered. “Your sister would never be so improper.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Kayli said, and she almost choked on the gratitude. If they hadn’t been interrupted, she’d be back in her rooms right now, being
very
improper with Michael.
very
improper with Michael.
Idola winked. “Not that I am entirely against such a change. It would be most freeing.”
“Tonight then,” Raemay said in a rush. “Shall I make the arrangements?”
“Yes, please. I would like to stay here and work with Michael and the others.”
“I’ll help Mother,” Idola offered. “And I bet Mesha will want to be involved, too. Do not worry, sister, we’ll organize everything.” She shooed Kayli away. “Go, take care of your duties.”
Because she couldn’t think of any reason not to, Kayli did just that.
Michael had already joined the men on the ground, starting their practice hours earlier than originally planned. Kayli doubted if anyone had had a proper meal yet, but no one complained.
The women vied to outdo the men, and the men wanted to prove themselves worthy of Michael’s trust. The end result was that everyone worked extra hard.
Michael exhibited a move, allowing one of the trainees to throw him to the ground. He rebounded to his feet so fast, it was almost as if he never went down. Kayli watched with interest, but she wasn’t a woman to stand by idly when she could be physically involved.
She stepped forward. “Try it with me.”
And Michael, with a twinkle in his eyes, held out a hand. “Whatever you say, sweet.”
CHAPTER 19
M
ALLET drew Kayli in close—maybe even a little closer than necessary. “You’ve been watching?”
ALLET drew Kayli in close—maybe even a little closer than necessary. “You’ve been watching?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to toss you, and I want you to—”
She surprised him by tossing him first. He hit the ground hard on his back, shot back to his feet, and grabbed her to swing her in a wide circle while he laughed out loud.
To their audience, he said, “And that, folks, is how it’s done!”
Kayli laughed, too, which made smiles appear on many faces.
Enjoying their new camaraderie, Mallet put her back on her feet. “Sneaky wench. Is it my turn to drop you now?”
“All right.”
He knew better than to temper his strength too much, but there was no way in hell he’d hurt her. He wouldn’t put his all into practice with any woman. He wanted them to learn, and they would, but not by getting bruised.
He put Kayli down, and she got back up faster than he’d expected, but not yet as fast as she’d need to be. After instructing her, he set up teams, men with women to help balance things, and set them all to practicing.
It was pretty hilarious, really, given that the trained women were so much better than the men. But the men, taking his example, laughed at their own shortcomings, and teased the women about their strengths. And they learned. All of them.
He now understood why his friends enjoyed coaching so much. Both Dean and Simon had left the ring to train other fighters, and they seemed as content doing that as engaging in the actual competitions.
It was a rewarding thing, to see others learn from his instruction.
They broke for a rest, with the agreement that those not on patrol would return in the late afternoon for more lessons. The respite would give everyone a chance for a light meal.
Before Kayli could come to him, Mallet sought out Raemay. “I need assistance.”
She was in conversation with a group of young girls, but at his interruption, she excused herself. “How may I help you, sir?”
“Michael. If we’re going to be family, you can’t call me sir.”
“As you wish.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but . . .” He ran a hand over his head, aware of Kayli watching him from some distance away. How long did he have before she came after him? “Kayli and I will join in union tonight.”
“So she told me. I was just instructing some of our young ones on the occasion. They will help with making announcements and gathering flowers.”
“The thing is . . . I don’t have a ring for Kayli.”
“A ring?”
“Yeah. You know, a ring to give her. I assume you have places to buy them here, but I’m pretty sure my credit cards have expired.”
She smiled. “It is a lovely thought, Michael, but the tradition of giving the woman a symbolic ring ended a long time ago. If a woman wants jewelry she can purchase it for herself.”
It figured that in even this, he’d be out of the loop. “So call me old-fashioned, but I want to give Kayli something. If not a ring, then what do you suggest?”
Raemay thought for a moment, then nodded. “I do understand. Sometimes a gift is simply a gesture of caring.” She studied him. “And you care for her?”
“Yeah, I do.”
Her smile warmed. “At first, I worried, maybe more than I should have. But I think you will be good for my daughter.”
“Count on it.”
Pulling a ring from her right hand, Raemay said, “This was a very special gift given to me a long time ago. I had thought to one day pass it on to Kayli, but now . . . I think there will never be a better time.”
Mallet stared at the ring. It was a delicate piece of work with a thin, braided silver band and an intricate heart topped with a natural pearl. “It’s beautiful, Raemay, but I didn’t mean—”
She folded his hands around it. “Please, I insist. The ring has much meaning for me, and for Kayli.”
Mallet didn’t like the way she said that. “For Kayli? How so?”
But Raemay shook her head. “It is not important.” Her smile now was tremulous and determined. “Just know that wearing it may bring Kayli added protection when she encounters conflicts outside our colony.”
Again, Mallet examined the ring. But it was more the look in Raemay’s face that convinced him. He tucked the ring deep into his pocket and, taking her by surprise, pulled Raemay into a big bear hug that lifted her off her small feet. “Thank you.”
When he set her down again, she was bright pink and laughing. “Go on with you.” Patting her hair, she said, “Here comes Kayli. Will you give her the ring now?”
“In private, if that’s okay.”
“It suits perfectly.” And with that, Raemay waved to Kayli and turned to go the opposite way.
When she reached him, Mallet held out a hand. “You hungry, babe?”
“A little.” Kayli used a forearm to dab sweat from her brow as she watched her mother’s retreat. “What did you discuss with my mother?”
“Just making peace with her, that’s all.”
Appearing unconvinced, Kayli said, “I’m relieved. As our Arbiter, it is important that you get along with her.”
“I was more concerned with her role as your mother, but whatever.” He drew her around to face him. “You ever been on a picnic?”
Confused, she shook her head.
“It’s where you pack some food and eat outside, usually under a nice shade tree. I thought if you were game, we could grab something simple and head off by ourselves. Along the way, you could tell me how to operate the aircycle.”
“How much time do we have?”
“Enough. I promise to be a fast learner.”
A little dubious, she shrugged. “Okay.”
Obviously his plan had worked even better than he’d expected. He’d given her just a few small tastes of sexual pleasure, and she’d turned into an agreeable, adoring woman.
She pleased him so much that Mallet had to kiss her. “I can’t wait till tonight.”
“The ceremony?”
“After that.” He tucked her in close and hugged her. “But speaking of the ceremony . . . I have no idea how this all works. I don’t need to dress up, do I?”
“Somewhat. I’ll have Hauk supply you with appropriate clothing.”
“Nothing pansy-ass, okay?”
She laughed. “Denim is not appropriate, nor is the clothing you wear for practices. But I will endeavor to suit your demeanor.”
“Yeah, whatever that means.”
“It means, nothing pansy-ass.”
Mallet laughed, and it seemed he didn’t stop laughing for hours. The instruction she gave him on the aircycle was almost comical. She was an incredible trainer, but when it came to teaching anything else . . . her patience ran thin. She expected him to get all the nuances on the first go-around.
He had an affinity for all things mechanical so he didn’t disappoint her. And still she was a harsh taskmaster, grumbling about every little thing until he abruptly stopped the aircycle, wrestled her to the ground, and tickled her till she cried for mercy.
While he had her down, he showed her a few moves far progressed from the routine training they’d been doing with the others.
No matter how complicated the move, Kayli caught on quick.
What she lacked in muscle she made up for with speed, technique, and agility. Mallet tried a hold on her, and through a little fumbling, allowed her to get him in a rear naked choke. She squeezed—but he was laughing too hard to take the move seriously.
That is, until she got her knees in his back, and really cranked. He tapped her arm, letting her know she had the upper hand, and she turned him loose.
She was on her feet before he drew in a long, much-needed breath.
Every bit as cocky as a seasoned MMA fighter, she stood with her hands on her hips and a victorious smile on her mouth. She wasn’t breathing hard. She hadn’t strained herself overly.
More proud than he should have been, Mallet stood and grinned down at her. “Not too shabby, Kayli. If I’d been a real threat, you could have forced me to pass out.”
“Yeah right.” She gave him a playful slug in his shoulder. “Except that you
let
me get you in the choke in the first place.”
let
me get you in the choke in the first place.”
“Trust me, most men will let you get them in that hold. They won’t know enough to avoid it. But you’ve got the knowledge, and you know how to use it to your advantage. As long as you can stay calm in a crisis situation—and Mesha swears that you do—then I think you’ll do great.”
She glowed, that was the only word for it. Mallet knew then how much his doubt had hurt her. He felt like an ass, and vowed to do his best never to underestimate her again.
HOURS later Mallet found himself standing before a large crowd, dressed all in white. He felt like the freakin’ bride, or maybe a sacrificial virgin. The clothes were comfortable enough, with loose drawstring pants, a billowing tunic-style shirt, and sandals.
When Kayli, flanked by her sisters, strode onto the scene in a long dark dress, he felt especially out of place being all in white.
She
looked like she was headed to a funeral. Well, except that her eyes glowed and her lush mouth held a timid smile that promised him unspeakable pleasure.
looked like she was headed to a funeral. Well, except that her eyes glowed and her lush mouth held a timid smile that promised him unspeakable pleasure.
The long sleeveless gown made her look even taller, slimmer. She wore no makeup, but a faint blush colored her cheeks. As she walked, Mallet saw that she wore dainty slip-on black sandals.
Spellbound, he watched her. Hard to believe that soon she’d be his.
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