Page 142 - Fourth Wing

skitters like a teenager.

“You’re tiny.” He says it like an insult.
“Well aware.” My eyes narrow.

“So stop going for bigger moves that expose you.” He drags the tip of the

dagger down his side. “A rib shot would have worked just fine.” Then he
guides our hands around his back, making himself vulnerable. “Kidneys are

a good fit from this angle, too.”

I swallow, refusing to think of other things that are a good fit at this
angle.

He leads our hands to his waist, his gaze never leaving mine. “Chances

are, if your opponent is in armor, it’s weak here. Those are three easy places
you could have struck before your opponent would have had time to stop

you.”
They’re also fatal wounds, and I’ve avoided those at all costs.

“Do you hear me?”

I nod.
“Good. Because you can’t poison every enemy you come across,” he

whispers, and I blanche. “You’re not going to have time to offer tea to some
Braevi gryphon rider when they come at you.”

“How did you know?” I finally ask. My muscles lock, including my

thighs, which just happen to still be bracketing his hips.
His eyes darken. “Oh, Violence, you’re good, but I’ve known better

poison masters. The trick is to not make it quite so obvious.”

My lips part, and I bite back a retort that I was careful not to be obvious.
“I think she’s been taught enough for the day,” Dain barks, reminding me

that we’re far from alone. No, we’re a damned spectacle.

“He always that overprotective?” Xaden grumbles, pressing up from the
mat a few inches.

“He cares about me.” I glare at him.
“He’s holding you back. Don’t worry. Your little poisoning secret is safe