Page 100 of Maverick

"Oh you bet it is. We can—" Dammit, she's back. And staring at me, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Why are you so creepy?"

Becca shrugs. "It's a gift." Her mouth purses as she stares. "So Cadence, where'd you learn those moves? That wasn't beginner's luck." She's trying to act casual, but she's practically vibrating.

I shrug, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Oh, you know, I picked up a few things here and there. My grandpa had some skills back in the day."

Nan coughs out a laugh, and covers her mouth with her fingers. "Some skills," she mutters. "Right. Some."

Becca doesn't look entirely convinced. She tilts her head, a challenge in her voice. "How about we spar? See what you've really got?"

Maverick shifts uneasily, moving a little in front of me, which makes my little heart pitter patter. But it also makes me want to show him what I'm capable of. The rest of the men look intrigued, gazes darting from Becca to me and back again.

Becca smirks. "Most of these guys aren't much of a challenge for me anymore. But hey, if you're too scared..."

I give her my best golf clap, grinning. "Nicely done with the reverse psychology, Becca. But you don't need to convince me. I'm game."

As we move to the center of the mat, Maverick steps forward, concern etched on his face. "Cady, wait. Becca's got black belts in like, everything. She's basically a ninja."

Nan's eyes light up, and she pats Maverick's arm reassuringly. "Don't you worry, dear. Our Cadence can handle herself." She gently leads him off the mat, winking at me as they go.

"They're not wrong," Becca says as we circle each other on the mat. "I've been studying since I could walk."

My heart races with excitement, a familiar thrill coursing through my veins. It's been too long since I've had a real challenge like this. "This should be fun then."

Becca strikes first, a lightning-fast jab that I barely dodge. I counter with a low kick, which she blocks effortlessly. We trade blows, testing each other's defenses. The peanut gallery is whisper yelling opinions on how quickly I'm going to get taken down. Other than Maverick and Nan, I do have one other man on my side.

"Make her cry, Cadence!" Colton yells, then immediately backpedals when Becca shoots him a death glare.

I grin, ducking under a high kick and sweeping Becca's other leg. She rolls with the fall, popping back up in a fluid motion. Her eyes are bright with excitement now, a fierce joy that mirrors my own. "I'm going to stop holding back," she warns.

Well fuck. I'm a little rusty, it's been a couple of years since I trained consistently, but there's no way I'm backing down now.

"I'm so scared," I say dryly, making her laugh.

We dance across the mat, a blur of strikes, blocks, and grapples. I pull from every style I know - the crisp movements of karate, the fluid grace of aikido, the raw power of muay thai. Becca matches me at every turn, her technique flawless.

At one point, she manages to lock me in an armbar. "Tap out. There's no shame in it. You put up a great fight."

I grunt, feeling the strain in my joints, but manage to wriggle free before she can fully extend. I counter with a judo throw, sending her flying. But Becca's too good to stay down for long.

The match continues, neither of us gaining a clear advantage. My muscles burn, my lungs heave, but I feel more alive than I have in years. God, I missed this. The sweat, the challenge, the pressure, and the absolute joy of testing my limits against a worthy opponent.

I can see the same happiness reflected in Becca's eyes.

Finally, after what feels like hours but is probably only minutes, I hold up my hand, gasping for breath. "God, that's fun," I manage between gulps of air. "But I'm a little rusty, and I think I could use a break."

Becca nods, not nearly as winded. She reaches out, and we clasp hands, grinning at each other like fools.

"That," she says, "was amazing. How did no one know you could do that?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Am I supposed to lead with it? Hey, I know twenty ways to break someone's arm?"

"Yes," she says seriously. "Always lead with that."

"Weird," I mumble, nudging her with a shoulder, then dancing away before she can take me down.

As we turn back to the group, I'm met with a sea of shocked faces. Nan looks smug, while Maverick's expression is a mix of awe, pride, and something that looks a lot like lust.

"Where the hell did you learn all that?" he asks, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief.