"I'm going to teach you some self-defense," Mark announced. "Put your arms around me."

As Vanessa followed Mark's order, forbidden excitement shot through her.

"There are several ways to respond to an attack. Stomp your attacker's foot. Scrape his shin with your heel. Or bend your knee for a backward kick to the groin. Got that?"

"Yes." She'd also gotten hot and bothered by their close contact. Her cheeks were flushed, and her forehead was damp with sweat. A princess was not allowed to sweat.

He made her feel alive. A sexy and intense chemistry sizzled between them.

"Good."

"Mmm, good." She had no idea what he was talking about. She felt dreamy and distracted.

"But sometimes--" He snared her in his arms, flashed a devilishly sexy smile and lowered his head until his lips almost brushed hers. "Sometimes your attacker might use a devious approach. Will you be prepared for that?"

Before she could think, his mouth captured hers.