"Hmm, is that so? Alright, princess—show me what you've got."
Genesis inhaled deeply, her smile fading as a harder, sterner expression took its place. She raised her hands into fists, pulling them up in front of her chest, shoulders squared in a tight defensive stance. She wasn't looking at him as her husband now—she was seeing an opponent. A strong one.
"Someone's ready to rumble," Knight chuckled, rolling his shoulders loose as his eyes tracked her every move.
Genesis didn't smile back. Her fists clenched tighter, her breath steady and controlled. Then she lunged—fast, sharp, so sudden it actually made him blink. Her fist cut the air toward his jaw, but Knight tilted back at the last second, grinning at the fire flashing in her eyes.
"Fast," he muttered, sidestepping.
She spun low, hooking her leg toward his knees. He caught her ankle mid-swing, twisting with such practiced ease she nearly stumbled. Before she could fall, he tugged her forward—chest colliding with his, his breath brushing her cheek as he murmured near her ear, "But sloppy. Don't telegraph your moves, princess."
Her eyes narrowed. She wrenched her leg free, dropped low, and swept his legs. But he was already moving, flipping cleanly and landing behind her in one fluid motion. Before she turned, his arm slid around her waist, pinning her close.
"Predictable," he teased, voice smooth as silk.
Genesis growled, shoving at his chest. "Fight me," she rasped, low and raw, every word scratching at him.
Knight's grin faltered. "No." His tone was flat, absolute.
She stepped back, fists up again, glare sharp enough to cut. "I'm… not weak." Her husky voice carried the weight of steel and smoke, and it hit him harder than her fists ever could.
Knight's jaw flexed. "I never said you were."
"Then… prove it."
She darted forward, jabs flying, each one quicker than the last. He blocked them all, though her knuckles clipped his ribs more than once. When she vaulted onto his back, twisting to bring him down, he shifted smoothly, sweeping her off and slamming her to the mat with practiced precision.
Leaning over her, he smirked. "Wrong footing. Again."
She hissed, shoved up, and struck harder this time—her fist cracking against his jaw with a sharp snap that whipped his head to the side. Knight blinked, stunned. Then his lips curved into a dark grin.
"You're gonna regret that, princess."
This time, he moved faster. His strikes were sharper, precise but restrained, forcing her on defense. Still, he never truly hit her—until her voice cut through his control.
"Don't… hold back," she demanded, breathless, raw. "Hit me. Hard."
His nostrils flared, anger and something hotter sparking behind his eyes. "Genesis…"
"I said… hit me!"
For a moment, he froze. Then his fist darted out, striking her stomach—not hard enough to break, but enough to double her over with a gasp.
Regret flashed instantly across his face. "Fuck, I'm sorry—"
But she wasn't done. She twisted, swept his legs out from under him with brutal precision, and before he could recover, she straddled his waist. One knee pressed firm against his chest, her fist hovering over his face, her lips curling into a rare, dangerous smirk.
"Too soft," she rasped, throwing his earlier words back at him.
Knight stared up at her, chest rising fast, shock melting into something darker. Then he laughed—a low, husky sound that rumbled in his chest.
"You little devil."
Before she could move, he snatched her wrist and yanked her down, their mouths crashing together in a hard, heated kiss. Her hips pressed into his, his groan rumbling as his hands gripped her thighs.
"You're going to kill me one day," he breathed against her lips, voice wicked. "And I'll fucking enjoy it."
Genesis pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, eyes blazing. "I'd rather die."
****
Genesis was practically buzzing with excitement. It was finally time to leave and return to the estate—her true home. She had grown to love everyone at the academy, and though she would miss them, her heart longed for the comfort of the estate. She missed Daisy. She missed the other girls—who she now knew were not just maids, but angels in disguise.
"We're going to miss you," Morgan whispered, one of the ladies Genesis had grown especially close to. She pulled her into a tight hug, and Genesis hugged her back fiercely before embracing the other women who had gathered. They were family now—she could feel it in her bones.
A few minutes later, the girls stepped back, and the crowd parted as Saoku strode forward.
Saoku's sharp eyes softened as she stopped in front of Genesis. She dipped her head in respect, and Genesis mirrored the gesture, her heart swelling at the silent exchange.
"You've grown," Saoku said quietly, her Japanese accent lacing every word with weight. "But your training does not end here. You will continue with him." Her chin tipped toward Knight, who stood behind Genesis, watching with a hard to read expression.
Genesis blinked, her brows furrowing. "Continue… with Knight?" she asked, her voice a rasp, confusion flickering in her tone.
Saoku's lips curved faintly, though her eyes stayed serious. "Until all is settled."
Genesis tilted her head, puzzled. All is settled? She wanted to ask, but Saoku's tone left no room for questions. So instead, she nodded once, respectful.
"Good." Saoku's hand brushed over Genesis's shoulder briefly, almost like a blessing. "You have spirit, child. But spirit alone is dangerous if not honed."
Genesis swallowed, nodding again. She could feel her throat tightening—words always came hard, but she wanted to give something back, something that mattered. Her lips trembled before she finally rasped, "Arigatō… sensei."
For the first time, Saoku's stern mask broke into a small, proud smile. "Hmm. You learn more than fists."
At that moment, Knight stepped forward, slipping his arm around Genesis's waist possessively. His deep voice rolled out in rapid Japanese, smooth and commanding. Genesis didn't understand most of it, but she caught Saoku's eyes flicker with acknowledgment as she bowed once more.
Genesis leaned slightly against him, tilting her head up. "What… did you say?"
Knight smirked down at her, his lips brushing the crown of her head. "Told her not to worry. You're going to be fine."
Her cheeks warmed, and she huffed softly, muttering under her breath, "Silly."
Knight chuckled, pulling her toward the waiting car. Genesis turned, lifting her hand to wave at the women—the sisters she had found in this place. They waved back, some smiling, some teary-eyed, and Genesis's chest ached with the bittersweet tug of leaving them behind.
But as Knight guided her into the sleek black car, his hand warm and firm at her back, she knew she wasn't going back home—because home was already with him.
Meanwhile,
at the estate, Revelation was a fuming mess over what had happened, and she was done hiding.