DEEPER TRAINING
~NICHOLAS'S POV~
"You're holding back."
Simone wiped sweat from her forehead, her breathing heavy after our morning run. We'd been at this for an hour, and she was still moving like she was afraid to hurt me.
"I'm not holding back," she protested. "I'm being careful."
"Careful gets you killed." I tossed her a water bottle. "Your uncle's men won't be gentle. Neither will I."
We were in the fortress's underground training room, a space I'd designed specifically for situations like this. Soundproof walls, reinforced flooring, and enough weapons to arm a small militia.
After yesterday's threat, I'd made a decision. No more treating Simone like fragile china.
"Again," I commanded, moving to the center of the mat.
She groaned but took her position anyway. "My arms feel
