"We stop fighting each other...and start fighting for each other instead."

"Branigan stood at the edge of the training field, his keen eyes observing the scattered figures practicing their deadly arts. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were alert and flickered with something vile and insidious. He revelled in the whispers that followed him, the hushed voices that spoke of his unmatched skill and cunning. He knew he was the best, and he made sure everyone else knew it too."

"From his vantage point, Branigan saw -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·- emerging from one of the training buildings. He smirked, a twisted sense of amusement curling his lips. He relished the distraction that -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·- presented, an entertaining adversary in the cutthroat world of the academy."

"Branigan moved silently, a shadow among shadows, until he was directly in -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-’s path." “Late-night training, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-?” "he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery." “Trying to catch up?”

"Branigan's lips curled into a smirk as Adrianna brushed past him, her curvy figure on full display in her tight training clothes. Her dismissive tone only amused him further."

"Pleasure's all mine, darling," "he purred, trailing behind her like a predator stalking its prey. The darkness meant little to him; his other senses had long since sharpened to compensate."

"You know, for all your late nights in the training rooms, some parts of you still look...soft," "he drawled, eyes raking over her body hungrily." "Perhaps I could offer some...private lessons. Help you reach your full potential."

"Branigan matched her pace easily, ensuring she felt the heat of his body close behind hers. His fingers itched to touch, to feel that plush skin under his hands, but he restrained himself - for now. Pushing her too far too fast would ruin his fun."

"Branigan chuckled softly at her reaction, unperturbed." "It wasn't a joke, darling. Merely an observation."

"Falling into step beside her, he allowed his eyes to roam openly over her curves once more. A hungry gleam entered his gaze as it lingered on the swell of her breasts, the plushness of her thighs."

"Your body is nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary - it gives you an advantage. Your enemies will be too distracted by your...charms to see your blade coming."

"Reaching out, he trailed a finger lightly along her arm, feeling her soft skin beneath his calloused touch. Leaning in, his breath was hot against her ear."

"And it would feel so good wrapped around me as I fuck that arrogance out of you. Show you what those 'skills' are really for."

"Branigan smirked, knowing his crude words were getting under her skin, arousing her ire and something more. He lived to break down her defenses and claim her, body and soul."

"Branigan's smirk widened at the sight of her temper flaring, his eyes gleaming with amusement. He easily dodged her swinging fist, stepping back a few paces as she whirled to face him. Her words only made him more excited - he loved it when she was angry."

"My, my, such language," "he tsked mockingly." "I thought you were supposed to be a lady, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-."

"He watched her carefully, noting the way her chest rose and fell with each breath, the way her eyes blazed with fury. It only made him want her more. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them once more."

"Come now, don't be like that. You know I'm just teasing you." "He reached out, tracing a finger along her jawline, feeling the heat of her skin beneath his touch." "But if you're so desperate to prove yourself, why not let me show you what a real assassin can do?"

"His voice was low and seductive, filled with promises of pleasure and danger. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear."

"I know you want it, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. You want me to take you, make you mine. And I will, if you just give in to your desires."

"Branigan's smirk faltered slightly at the slap, but he quickly regained his composure. He took a step back, giving her some space."

"Oh, but I do, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-," "he replied smoothly, his eyes glinting with something dark and dangerous." "I know you better than anyone else in this academy. I know your weaknesses, your fears, your desires."

"He leaned against a nearby tree, crossing his arms over his chest as he regarded her with a predatory gaze."

"You're so desperate to prove yourself, to show everyone that you belong here. But deep down, you know you'll never be good enough. You're too soft, too weak. And that's why you're so angry all the time."

"Branigan's voice was low and hypnotic, drawing her in despite herself."

"But you don't have to be angry, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. You just have to give in to your desires. Let me show you what it means to truly let go."

"Branigan's eyes darkened dangerously at her words. He pushed off the tree, invading her personal space once more as he loomed over her."

"This has nothing to do with rising above you," "he growled, his voice low and threatening." "You seem to have me all wrong, Adrianna."

"Reaching out, he grasped her chin firmly, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. His touch was rough, possessive."

"I want you because you're the only one in this pathetic excuse for an academy who's even remotely a challenge. The only one who might actually be worth my time."

"His eyes roamed hungrily over her body once more." "And that curvy little body of yours is just a bonus. I'm going to enjoy breaking you."

"Leaning down, he brought his lips mere inches from hers." "So what's it going to be, darling? Are you going to fight me...or fuck me?"

"Branigan froze at the feeling of cold steel against his throat. His eyes flicked down to the dagger pressed to his skin, then back up to meet her fiery gaze. A slow smirk spread across his lips."

"Well, well. It seems you've got some fire in you after all," "he purred, not a hint of fear in his voice. If anything, he seemed...impressed."

"Very slowly, he raised his hands in a placating gesture. But his eyes remained locked with hers, filled with heat and challenge."

"As much as I'd love to see where this goes, I think it's best if we continue our...discussion another time. When you're feeling more...receptive."

"He took a deliberate step back, putting some distance between them once more. His eyes roamed her body hungrily one last time."

"I'll be seeing you around, Adrianna. Try not to think of me too much..."

"With that parting taunt and a mocking smirk, Branigan turned and melted into the shadows of the forest, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts."

"Branigan dropped nimbly from the tree branches, landing in a crouch before straightening up to face her. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he casually twirled another dagger between his fingers."

"Afternoon, darling," "he drawled, giving her curvy form a leisurely once-over." "Fancy meeting you out here."

"His gaze lingered on the sliver of skin revealed by her cropped sweatshirt, the way her shorts hugged her thick thighs. A smirk curled his lips."

"I thought we could continue our...conversation from last night. But it seems you're not in a talking mood."

"In a flash, he threw the dagger. But this time, she was ready - she dodged with catlike grace, already pulling her own blade from its sheath. Their eyes met, hers burning with challenge."

"Show me what you've got, darling," "Branigan purred, drawing another dagger." "Let's see if you can put that soft body of yours to good use."

"He crouched, ready to spring. The game was on."

"Branigan threw back his head and laughed, a wild, reckless sound that echoed through the forest."

"Rules were made to be broken, darling," "he taunted, twirling his dagger lazily." "And you and I both know the professors play favorites. Wouldn't want them interfering, would we?"

"His eyes gleamed with something feral and untamed as he began to slowly circle her, like a predator sizing up its prey."

"Don't tell me you're scared, Adrianna. I thought you were supposed to be an assassin." "His voice dropped to a low, seductive purr." "Or is that body of yours just for show after all?"

"Without warning, he lunged at her, dagger slashing through the air with deadly accuracy. Their blades met with a steely clang, the force of the blow traveling up her arm. His face was mere inches from hers, breath mingling, eyes locked in a primal battle of wills."

"Show me what you've got, darling," "he growled." "Fight me."

"Branigan growled in frustration as she drew away, his eyes flashing dangerously."

"Like what?" he demanded. "In control? Unafraid?"

"He began to circle her once more, movements predatorial." "You know you want this, Adrianna. You want to test your skills against the best."

"His voice dropped to a seductive purr." "You want to feel alive, on the edge. And with me, you'll feel more alive than you ever have."

"Without warning, he lunged at her again, blades clashing in a flurry of steel. His face was mere inches from hers, breath mingling, eyes locked in a primal battle."

"Fight me," he snarled. "Unless you're nothing but talk after all. Unless that curvy body of yours is good for nothing but fucking."

"He smirked, knowing exactly which buttons to push to make her temper flare. He lived to break down her walls and make her lose control."

"Branigan sensed her unease and faltered control - it only fueled his own frenzied state. A part of him knew he was pushing too far, but he was past the point of reason now."

"Why? Does the truth hurt?" "he taunted, voice low and dangerous." "We both know that's all you're good for. A pretty little fuck toy for the real assassins."

"He began to stalk towards her, movements wild and unchecked. His eyes were alight with something unhinged."

"Come on, darling. One good fuck and I might just go easy on you." "His voice dropped to a mockingly sweet purr." "You know you want it."

"He lunged at her again, no finesse or skill behind the blow - just raw, primal violence. A dark part of him wanted to break her, to make her hurt as much as he was hurting inside."

"Branigan watched her flee with a feral gleam in his eyes, chest heaving. Some distant, rational part of him knew he had crossed a line, but the frenzied beast within had taken over. He started to give chase, intent on continuing their fight."

"Run while you can, darling!" "he howled after her retreating form, voice ragged with unchecked fury." "You'll never escape me!"

"But as she disappeared into the dense forest, a sliver of clarity broke through the haze. He sank to his knees among the fallen leaves, dragging in great lungfuls of air, hands clenched into fists. What was he doing? This wasn't like him, losing all control."

"Slowly, the frenzy began to fade, leaving him feeling hollow and drained. He had really fucked up this time, pushing her too far just to sate his own twisted needs. A familiar sense of loneliness crept in."

"For the first time, Branigan questioned whether his usual tactics were getting him what he really wanted after all."

"At the instructor's announcement, Branigan turned his head to meet Adrianna's gaze. For once, his eyes gave nothing away - no mocking gleam, no hint of the frenzied beast from the day before. He simply observed her with an unreadable expression."

"When she refused, he wasn't surprised. But he knew causing a scene would only make the situation worse."

"Sir," "Branigan addressed the instructor calmly," "if Adrianna would rather not partner with me today, I understand. Perhaps it's best if we sit this one out."

"A murmur rippled through the students at his uncharacteristic acquiescence. But his eyes remained fixed on Adrianna, as if silently communicating that the ball was in her court now. Whatever happened between them, he would follow her lead - for now."

"But his pride still stung at her public rejection. He hoped this gesture would show her he was willing to meet her halfway, if she would just give him a chance to explain."

"Branigan accepted the instructor's decision with a curt nod, retrieving his own dagger. As he moved to face Adrianna on the mat, he caught her wary gaze and held up a placating hand."

"Wait," "he said quietly, pitching his voice low so only she could hear." "Before we start...I just want you to know, I won't push you. Not after yesterday. You set the pace here."

"His eyes, for once, were calm and sincere. No trace of mocking arrogance or frenzied violence lingered."

"When you're ready to fight, I'm here. But there will be no taunts, no tricks - just a fair match, blade to blade. You have my word."

"He waited, giving her the chance to search his face for any sign of deception. For the first time, she might see the skilled assassin beneath the layers of ego and bravado - controlled and focused on the task at hand."

"Branigan parried her blow with ease, not rising to the bait of her angry words. His eyes remained fixed on hers, calm yet alert."

"Not at all," "he replied evenly." "I just want you to know - whatever happened yesterday, it ends here. This is between us, blade to blade, nothing more."

"He met her next strike with equal force, the ring of steel on steel echoing through the silent training hall. Their eyes were locked, gauging each other's moves with razor focus."

"You were never some delicate flower to me," "he continued, voice low enough that only she could hear." "You were always my equal - my better, even. That's why I pushed you so hard."

"His blade darted in, swift as a viper, testing her defenses. But beneath the steely clash of weapons, his eyes held only respect - and perhaps, the faintest glimmer of something more."

"Branigan's arm remained wrapped tightly around her waist, his hand splayed possessively over the curve of her hip. He could feel the heat radiating off her body, the rapid rise and fall of her chest as she struggled to regain her composure."

"Why do you think?" "he murmured, voice low and seductive." "Maybe it's because I've wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you."

"He leaned in closer, lips brushing against the shell of her ear." "Maybe it's because you're the only one who challenges me like this - mind, body, and soul. Maybe it's because I can't get you out of my head, no matter how hard I try."

"His words were a confession, raw and unfiltered. He had never been one for vulnerability or emotional honesty, but something about Adrianna brought out a side of him he didn't even know existed."

"But most of all," "he continued, voice dropping to a whisper," "maybe it's because I can't stand the thought of anyone else having you. You're mine, Adrianna Reyes. And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you know that."

"Branigan felt her body trembling in his grasp, could sense her rapid pulse where his hand rested on the curve of her hip. He knew this was all so new, so confusing for her after everything between them."

"I'm talking about this," "he murmured, tightening his arm around her waist to pull her flush against his hard body. She would feel his arousal, rigid and insistent, leaving no doubt about the effect she had on him."

"I'm talking about wanting you - all of you," "he growled low in her ear, his free hand coming up to cup the soft swell of her breast through her thin top, thumb brushing over her already pebbled nipple."

"I'm talking about claiming every single inch of this delectable body and making you scream my name." "His voice was rough with barely restrained desire."

"Unless...you truly want me to stop?" "He nipped lightly at the sensitive skin below her ear, waiting for her response, ready to obey her command. But gods, he hoped she wouldn't send him away..."

"Branigan let out a low growl at her words, nipping along the column of her neck in a way that was surely leaving marks."

"Is that what you think of me, Adrianna - that I'm some brute who only wants your body and nothing more?" "he murmured against her flushed skin."

"No, darling girl...what I want is all of you." "His hand slid down to cup her soft stomach, fingers splaying possessively."

"I want your sharp wit, your fiery spirit, the way you're the only one who's ever been my equal." "He turned her in his arms to meet her darkened gaze, hands coming up to cradle her face."

"I want your mind, your heart - everything that makes you uniquely you. And if that means having your delectable body as a bonus, well..."

"He pulled her flush against his arousal with a smirk." "Consider me a lucky man."

"Branigan gazed down at her, eyes roaming her flushed face with an intensity she had never seen before. Gentle thumbs stroked along her cheekbones, as if trying to memorize every freckle, every curve."

"Something like that," "he murmured, voice uncharacteristically soft." "We stop fighting each other...and start fighting for each other instead."

"Leaning in, he pressed his forehead to hers, closing his eyes as if savoring this intimate contact. As if she was the one thing tethering him to sanity in this chaotic world of theirs."

"Let me prove to you that we could be so much more," "he breathed, lips a hairsbreadth from hers, waiting for her permission."

"Give me a chance, Adrianna. I'll spend every day for the rest of our lives making you glad you did."

"His heart, normally so guarded, was laid bare before her. The ball was in her court - all she had to do was say the word."

"A shuddering breath escaped Branigan's lips at her tentative touch, her consent sending a thrill through his entire body. Slowly, reverently, he brought a hand up to cradle the back of her neck."

"Never," "he swore, voice rough with emotion." "You'll never regret giving me a chance, Adrianna. I promise you that."

"Then finally, hesitantly, he closed the minuscule distance between them to brush his lips softly against hers in a chaste, questioning kiss. His heart soared when she didn't pull away, emboldening him to deepen it ever so slightly, pouring all the passion and longing of months into the gentle caress."

"When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers once more, thumb stroking her flushed cheek. Eyes still closed, he breathed," "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

"A low chuckle rumbled in Branigan's chest, his eyes crinkling in amusement when he opened them to meet her gaze once more."

"You know me too well, darling girl," "he murmured, voice warm with affection rather than malice."

"But from now on..." "His lips quirked in a smile as he leaned in to brush them lightly over hers again." "Let's focus our competitive spirit into more...pleasurable pursuits, shall we?"

"Sliding one hand down her back to grip her supple rear, he ground his arousal against her in a slow, teasing roll of his hips. A question in his eyes, waiting for her consent to take this further."

"What do you say, Adrianna? Ready to see who can make the other fall apart first?"

"Branigan's eyes fluttered shut at the feel of her tongue on his pulse point, a low groan escaping him."

"You know me too well, darling girl," "he rasped, nipping lightly at her plush bottom lip."

"But this..." "His hands slid down to grip her shapely rear, lifting her against his aching hardness." "This is a game I plan to lose over and over again."

"Capturing her lips in a searing kiss, he walked them backwards until her back met the cool stone wall. His arousal ground against her core through their clothes, seeking friction."

"Now stop talking and put that smart mouth of yours to better use," "he growled, nipping along her jaw." "Show me what you can do with it besides running it, Adrianna."

"Branigan growled low in his throat, hands squeezing her plush rear possessively."

"Because I've wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you, you infuriating, irresistible woman," "he rasped against her lips."

"Because no one's ever challenged me like you - in body or mind." "He nipped along her jaw."

"And because I'm going to spend every goddamn day proving to you that you're mine, Adrianna." "His voice dropped to a guttural whisper."

"So what do you say, darling girl - ready to stop fighting me...and start fucking me instead?"

"He rolled his hips against her, letting her feel the rigid length of his desire straining against the confines of his trousers, leaving no doubt about the effect she had on him."