“And what about inexperienced?” Zack asked, catching on to my omission. “Do you agree with that?”
I gritted my teeth together. He was more perceptive than I had given him credit for, but I was fairly certain he had no idea just how inexperienced I was. Who would ever expect to come across a twenty-three-year-old virgin in this day and age? But how could I possibly admit that to him?
“I have plenty of experience with men like you,” I bit back.
“Really?” he asked. “Do tell.”
“I don’t have to tell you anything,” I snapped. “We’re not here to get to know one another. We’re here to train.”
“True,” Zack nodded. “And you know what’s a great training technique? Motivation.”
“What are you getting at?”
“We get into the ring and whoever manages to disarm or corner the other gets to ask a question… and that question must be answered honestly.”
It was a dangerous idea, but I knew that backing down from it proved that I was trying to avoid answering certain questions.
“Fine,” I said, with a confidence that I most definitely did not feel. “Let’s go.”
Smiling, Zack walked to the ring, and I had no choice but to follow behind him. I was at an unfair disadvantage, and we both knew it, but I was also too proud to point that out. Instead, I vowed to do my best and focused my mind as I ducked into the ring and reached for my dagger.
“Ready?”
I nodded once, and we began. Within ten seconds, he had me flat on the ground, and my dagger flew out of my hands and landed on the ground beside Zack.
“Ok, my question,” Zack said happily. “Ready for it?”
“Just ask and get it over with,” I said, through gritted teeth as I pulled myself up off the ground.
“Are you attracted to me?”
He was smiling knowingly at me, and despite the fact that the answer was obvious, I knew he wanted me to admit it out loud.
“Well?”
“Fine,” I said, forcing the words out. “I’m attracted to you. Are you happy now?”
“Very.”
“But trust me… I don’t want to be.”
“No need to elaborate,” Zack said, in a self-satisfied manner. “The yes was all I really needed to hear.”
“Come on… let’s go again,” I said,
I was fast, but he anticipated my moves, and he had me on the ground, but this time it took him longer, and I managed to keep my dagger in hand.
“Fuck,” I screamed, banging my hands down on either side of me.
“Next question,” Zack said, clearly having a great time. “Do you fantasize about having me fuck you?”
I gritted my teeth and struggled to my feet. “Zack—”
“Answer the question honestly, please.”
“Yes,” I hissed. “I have thought about it. But I also fantasize about punching you in the face a couple of times every day.”
“Again… no need for added commentary. The yes suffices.”