PART 13

Riley undressed for bed. Despite her determination to put it out of her mind, she was still thinking about her conversation with Lucas. How could he think about Thor like that? He doesn't know Thor like she does. Suddenly angry with herself for dwelling on the issue for so long, she grabbed her mobile and called Maya.

"Talk to me sexy mama."

Riley did her best not to roll her eyes at the absurdity of Maya's greeting. "Hello to you too. I need your help."

"Of course you do my love. So what do you need?"

"I need information on a Fudo Miyagi," Riley said.

"Fudo Miyagi, a member of the House of Representative in Japan, believed to be part of the notorious yakuza. Word on the street he's apparently big on international weapon-running scene, prostitution and drugs. Highly connected because of his standing in the Japanese Government and not to mention his family's deep ties to the current Prime Minister. He owns couple of hefty real estates in Miami, Vegas, Los Angeles, Japan and so on. It's rumoured that he's recently gotten close to Columbian drug kingpin Eduardo Manchola. And hello, he's set to visit Manila on Thursday for a charity event and will be staying at the Manila Peninsula. I've sent his bio and iterinary of his stay on your phone as we speak. Later my lovely. Say hello to Mr. Hottie for me. Peaches out," and with that Maya hang up.

…..

Riley's first thought on waking was that she needed to talk to Lucas.

"We need to talk," she said crisply, her tone no-nonsense when he opened his bedroom door. "You got involve into this op to make things better, not worse, and it's important we find a way to keep our public appearance positive."

If she'd caught him off guard, he gave no indication. "I agree," he said.

Riley couldn't read his inflection. "You can't help me if you object to everything I need or have to do," she continued stiffly. "So I propose that we work harder at creating clearer communication channels and ground rules."

"Communication channels and ground rules, yes."

She understood then that he was, without a doubt, mocking her. And Riley knew that she had a choice - she could call him on his attitude, thus detouring from the purpose of her presence, or she could let his sarcasm slide. She chose the latter. "Before we go out again," she persisted, "and before you make another appearance, we need to choreograph the day."

Lucas cleared his throat. "Are we entering a dance competition, by chance?"

Riley chose to ignore this bit of sarcasm, too. "I need to know before you barge into my office what you expect and how we're both to behave. I can't wing it anymore. I'm not an actress and I can't improvise the way you can. And also, you have to give me space to do my other job. My more important job."

There was silence and it seemed to stretch endlessly.

Exasperated, she closed her eyes, counted to five. "Did you hear me?"

"What?" he asked innocently.

"This doesn't have to be difficult," she said through gritted teeth.

"You're right." And then his tone changed, his voice deepened. "So let me make this easier. We've a party to go to tomorrow night at the Manila Peninsula. It's a fund raising event and I've arranged to be there to give my support. You'll attend and -" he broke off, hesitated as if searching for the right word "-pretend to enjoy me."

Riley flushed hotly. "How did you manage to... never mind. That's not exactly the choreographed routine I was imagining. It sounds more like a set of military orders."

"But at least you know my expectations."

"Fair enough," she flashed, furious that she was losing her temper yet again but unable to stop it. He had the most negative effect on her. From the beginning he'd annihilated her self-control. "Now here's my expectations. One, you'll let me do my job without interfering, two, you will keep your thoughts to yourself regardless of what you see or hear."

"Okay. On point two - I will, at least until we are alone. But you can expect to have your photograph taken, and expect to stand by my side for majority of the time." He paused. "Is there anything else?"

"No. I'll see you in the living room in ten," she choked out, and then left his room.

…..

Riley moved some furniture around to make more space in the living room.

"Am I going to run an obstacle course?"

"No. We need to focus on self-defence and get you up to speed on the world of spies and covert operatives. How much self-defence training do you have?"

"Not much."

"Self-defence is not about hitting and kicking people. Self-defence is about your body being yours and no one else's, and about doing whatever is necessary to stop other people from hurting you," Riley said.

"What I'm going to teach you is simple. These techniques are for escape and evasion. There are other things you can do with them, but the main idea here is to give yourself some room to run, and some time to do it. Let's talk about strike points." She walked towards Lucas.

"You already know where they are and what they do. You've known since grade school. If you poke someone in the eye, in the throat, hit them with a palm on the bridge of the nose, strike to the groin, kick them in the front or side of the knee - these will all hurt, distract - and it works for everyone. Size and condition doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is how hard you strike."

She demonstrated by jabbing toward Lucas' face and stopping mere inch away. "For the throat jab, don't strike directly into the hollow, strike about one-half to three-quarters of an inch above it."

He nodded.

"Attack me."

"What?"

"I said attack me."

"No. I might hurt you."

Riley snorted. "If you are to help me then you have to be serious with this training."

Lucas attacked but she was ready for him and flipped him onto his back with such calm, controlled move.

Before she moved away, she sent her hand over Lucas' shoulder and down his arm. "You have to focus."

Lucas came in low and, with one smooth move grabbed her fingers and had her down on the carpet. She whirled her body, broke his hold and was easily on her feet. "Not bad. Did you learn that move from one of your movies?" Riley asked quietly.

The look Lucas gave her was one of annoyance and...warning? Riley wasn't sure because Lucas attacked again. They grappled, neither one giving any quarter, two hard, slick bodies battling for control. When Riley got the upper hand, she didn't hesitate. She brought him down.

Riley was sweating. Lucas looked so hot on his back, his chest heaving from his exertions, the delineation of muscle and smooth skin covered in sheen of sweat.

God only knows what would have happened if Nina hadn't come into the living room. If she wasn't caught in a compromising position with Lucas, Riley would have found the housekeeper's face hilarious.

"It seems that you like being on top."

"Of course," Riley replied.

With one swift move, Riley rose. "That's enough for today. We'll practice again some other time."

He only nodded. Next time they train Lucas will make sure that he gives Nina a day off.

Hello, hello. Sorry for not being able to update recently, I haven't been feeling well and to make up I am posting another chapter. I know you guys are probably wondering if this is a Riley/Lucas or Riley/Thor story and unfortunately I still don't know...sort of (I mean too much fluff going on both sides). Just bare with me because I promise you that it will be worth it.

Please don't forget to review and leave your comment. Thanks 😚