Chapter 165 Shower Tease

Chapter 165 Shower Tease
Emma's POV:

I stood at the center of the clearing, surveying my Phoenix family members. No one moved.

"No volunteers?" I kept my voice casual, as if I were offering cookies instead of combat. "Is everyone hoping to just stand here until I get bored and let you all go home?"

The squad members shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting between me and each other.

"Well, if you all don't want to leave..." I allowed my lips to curve into what I knew was my dangerous smile. "Then let's begin. Four days to make it back to base—starting now."

"Alright everyone, stop wasting time. Squad Five, you're up first! Form groups of ten and attack in waves!" James cleared his throat, stepping forward to take control of the situation.

As James turned to organize the men, I saw my opportunity. I sprang from my crouched position, my leg shooting out in a perfect arc that connected with his back. The satisfying impact sent him flying several feet before he crashed to the ground with a pained grunt.

"James," I called sweetly, "why don't you lead by example? The mountain's that way." I pointed to a distant peak.

Isabella smirked from her comfortable position on the portable chair I'd brought along. "Better get moving, James. Long way to the top."

The look of absolute despair on James's face as he stared at the looming mountain was priceless.

The rest of my Phoenix members quickly organized themselves, forming groups and launching coordinated attacks on me. I moved instinctively, my body responding before my mind could even process their movements. This was what I lived for—the rush of combat, the perfect clarity that came when your survival depended on reading your opponent's next move.

"Remember," I called out as I ducked under a wild punch, "block five of my attacks and you can follow me back down. Fail, and you're hiking with James."

One by one, they fell to my combinations. I wasn't even breathing hard. Years of training had turned my body into a weapon that responded to threats automatically. After two hours, the crowd behind me consisted of exactly one person: Isabella. She remained lounged on her portable chair, casually smoking a cigarette while watching the spectacle with obvious amusement.

I paused, taking a moment to assess the remaining fighters. "We've reached Squad Fifteen now." I felt a surge of inspiration. "Let's change things up. For Squads Sixteen through Twenty—anyone who blocks my five attacks gets to form their own squad. You'll rank after Squad Twenty."

A murmur ran through the assembled men.

"Form our own squads? As leaders?" someone asked incredulously.

I didn't explain further. The smart ones would understand my strategy. These were Phoenix's newer members—fighters whose skills weren't yet on par with the veterans. By giving them leadership opportunities, I'd motivate them to improve, to train harder, to become worthy of their new responsibilities.

Unlike other crime families, I didn't treat lower-ranking members as disposable. I invested in them. Every Phoenix member learned multiple languages, mastered various weapons, and understood cybersecurity basics. My people weren't just muscle—they were versatile assets with real skills.

That's why no one ever wanted to leave Phoenix. I valued every life in my organization and made sure everyone had a path forward. The training might be brutal, but the purpose was clear: better skilled fighters meant fewer casualties when conflicts inevitably arose.

The remaining squad members attacked with renewed vigor. Their efforts were admirable but largely futile—I'd been fighting since I could walk. By the end of the session, only three more fighters had managed to block the required five attacks.

I waved goodbye to the dejected majority as they trudged after James up the mountain path. Then I turned to the three successful fighters standing behind me.

"Isabella, these three are yours now. Train them."

Isabella nodded, assessing her new charges with a critical eye.

After everyone else had departed, I collapsed onto the portable chair Isabella had vacated. "That was a decent workout."

"Should we head back now, Donna?" one of the successful fighters asked.

I gestured to the chair I was sitting on. "What do you think this is for? I'm not walking back down."

The four exchanged confused glances until my meaning became clear. Suppressing their groans, the fighters positioned themselves at each corner of the chair and carefully lifted me for the journey back to base.

---

Fresh from the shower, I wrapped myself in a plush robe and dropped onto my bed. My muscles ached pleasantly from the day's exertions. I picked up my phone and returned Alexander's missed video call.

"Alexander," I greeted when his face appeared on screen. The sight of his bare shoulders and chest, still wet from the shower, sent a delicious warmth through me.

"You're finally answering," he replied. "Why did you stop pretending you have amnesia?"

I smiled, openly admiring the view he was providing. "The charade served its purpose. I've accomplished most of what I needed to."

"What are you doing?" I asked, noticing his state of undress with growing interest.

"I was in the shower. What did you think?" Alexander raised an eyebrow, his tone playfully sarcastic.

I grinned at his half-naked form on the screen. "Hmm, showering... I want to see more."

I watched his eyes darken with desire at my suggestion. The power I had over him, even from thousands of miles away, was intoxicating. But I wasn't quite ready to give him what he wanted.

"Actually, I'm exhausted," I yawned dramatically. "Think I'll go to sleep now." I smirked at his frustrated expression. "Goodnight."

"Wait—" Alexander started, but I had already blown him a kiss.

"I'll be waiting," he promised before I ended the call, leaving him aroused and alone on the other end.