Rose caught the heavy leather strips against her chest. The cold air stung her palms.The look on his face made it clear that the gentle mate from the office was gone. Right now, he was just her trainer.
"Wrap them tight, Rose," Ace ordered. His voice was cold and echoed off the walls. "If you hold a wooden staff with bare skin, it will rip your hands to shreds in ten minutes."
Rose did not hesitate. She wound the thick leather around her knuckles and wrists until her hands felt tight and secure. Then, she walked to the wooden bench and lifted a solid ash wood staff. It was heavy, forcing her to tighten her grip.
The moment she stepped into the dirt ring, Ace moved.
There was no warning. His wooden staff sliced through the freezing air, aiming straight for her ribs. Instinct flared hot
