Thieves Like Us by Starr Ambrose Read Free Book Online

you, scream. And second, if he’s not holding onto you, run. That’s it. Thinking you can disarm your attacker is foolhardy. I’ve practiced martial arts for fifteen years, but I’m still not faster than a bullet.”
    His self-deprecating smile allowed them to relax. There was a lot more to this guy than she’d ever suspected.
    “Okay, time to show you ladies how to protect yourselves.” Rocky rubbed his hands together. “Normally my business partner, Ellie, would play the victim, but since she couldn’t be here her friend Janet has agreed to help out.”
    Janet got a smattering of polite applause as she stepped to the center of the floor beside Rocky. He grinned at her before addressing the audience, and she felt the usual self-conscious heat begin to spread inside her.
Boy, was she in trouble; he hadn’t even touched her yet.
    “Our scenario takes place in the park. Janet will be the pretty, unsuspecting victim. I’ll be the creepy, albeit devilishly handsome, stranger who attacks her.” Warm hands landed on her shoulders and nudged her back. “Start over there, Janet, and walk toward me. We’re just two people passing on the hiking trail.”
    He could have just pointed. Obviously, he was going to use any excuse torture her.
    She followed directions, walking the few steps forward that brought her to the center of the room. Not sure what to expect, she was half braced for an attack, but he walked past her with barely a glance. The hairs on the back of her neck seemed to sense him behind her, straining toward him. The Sparks might not see him as creepy, but it was a good description of what he was doing to her.
    Two steps past him she was suddenly jerked from behind and hauled against him. Rocky’s right arm encircled her neck, while the other crossed just beneath her breasts, holding her close. Her gasp might have sounded like a dramatic effect to the entranced women, but it was as real as her thundering heartbeat.
    Her head was against Rocky’s cheek, and she felt his breath on her forehead. He was so close she could smell his shampoo or soap—something fresh and vaguely spicy. It was almost enough to make her forget she was supposed to resist him, not melt into him.
    “In this situation, Janet’s instinctive reaction is panic and fear,” he told the women.
    Her instincts must be a little off. Her heart was pounding hard enough, but the energy surging through her felt more like excitement.
    “Most women would struggle to get away, which would be completely ineffective. Show them, Janet.”
    Obediently, she twisted and fought against his hold. Finding her right hand free, she pulled at the rock-hard muscles of his arm where it circled her neck, accomplishing nothing. He still held her fast against his chest. She tried to look upset about it.
    “Now, this is what I want you all to remember. Even though she seems helpless, she has weapons. Men call it fighting dirty, but really it’s fighting smart. I’m not following the rules by attacking her, so neither should she. She can bite, and if her hands are free, she can scratch.” He turned his head toward her and lowered his voice. “Bite me.”
    It sounded so intimate she nearly blushed. Instead, she closed her teeth on his arm, meeting corded muscle. Her tongue registered a faint taste of salt and the tickle of coarse hairs. She knew her actions were supposed to look desperate and violent, and couldn’t figure out why she felt suddenly shy. It’s not like it was some kind of love bite. She bit down harder.
    Rocky didn’t react. “You might find this distasteful, especially since muggers aren’t known for their good hygiene.” He waited for the laughter to stop. “But I want you to bite into his arm hard, like it’s filet mignon and you haven’t eaten in two days. You’re trying to tear out a chunk, not make dainty dental impressions. And don’t stop there. You have fingernails—use them like claws. Janet . . .”
    His lips brushed the top