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Think, Briony. I know this one. At least, I did. Ryan definitely said something about the thumb. Twist towards it? Or away from it?

I try away. Nothing happens, apart from Niamh raising an eyebrow. So I twist the other way and yank, and my wrist comes free so suddenly that I stumble back two steps.

“Good,” Ryan says. “Again.”

We practise it a few more times until I can do it without stopping to think. I notice Liam and Imran have wandered over from the heavy bags and are leaning against the fence beside Emmy. Wonderful. It was bad enough that Emmy was filming this. Now I’ve attracted an audience.

“Next, mount escape,” Ryan calls.

Niamh points at the mat. I lie down on my back, and she settles astride my hips, leaning over me with her hands planted either side of my head.

Okay, this one I definitely remember—though mostly because last time it ended with me sitting on Ryan’s face.

“Here, Emmy,” Liam says. “Since you’re filming this, I’d like a copy. For…educational purposes.”

“Devlin,” Ryan says coolly. “Are you and me gonnae have a problem?”

“Naw, naw. Just a wee joke.”

“Honestly, Liam?” Emmy murmurs, though not particularly quietly. “I get it. I can’t work out whether I’m jealous or turned on.”

“Emmy!” I say.

Liam and Imran crack up. Even Niamh snorts.

“Right, Briony,” Ryan says. “Ignore the commentary. Whenever you’re ready.”

Okay, let me remember what I’m supposed to do. And important mental note: do not end up on Niamh’s face. That’d be too much for Liam and Emmy.

So, wrist first, then the ankle…

I grab Niamh’s wrist and clamp it to my chest, hook my foot round her ankle on the same side, and drive my hips up. Niamh tips over, and I roll with her and come up on my knees, between her legs. I did it!

“And now you get away,” Ryan reminds me.

Ah, yeah, I forgot that bit last time too. I make to go and, of course, Niamh grabs my ankle. I twist it towards her thumb and pull free, and I don’t even stumble. My lady parts remain a respectable distance from her face the whole time.

“Well done,” Ryan calls. He’s grinning at me, looking absurdly proud, and I feel a smile tug at my own mouth.

After that, we train for maybe another half hour, going over what Ryan showed me in his home gym and learning a few new techniques too. Some escapes I get first time. Others take three or four goes, with Ryan calling instructions through the fence, mostly about my feet.

At some point, Liam and Imran lose interest and drift back to the heavy bags, but they wander over again as we’re finishing up. When Ryan calls time, Imran starts clapping.

To my horror, it catches on. A couple of men at the heavy bags join in, then someone over by the weights, then a few of the teenagers on the mats, until what feels like half the gym is applauding me. My face is hotter now than it’s been all session.

Ryan opens the cage door for me, but before I can make my escape, Niamh says, “No so fast. Ry’s missed out one thing you need to know. Aye, self-defence is mainly about getting away, but if some guy grabs you and you get the chance, you know what you do? Knee him in the baws as hard as you can, then you run.”

Niamh gestures to Ryan. “C’mon, get in here. She can try that one on you.”

Is it just me, or does Ryan go a shade paler when she says that?

“No.” I point to Liam. “You’re up. Maybe then you’ll think twice about replaying this for educational purposes.”

Imran laughs and gives Liam a shove. Liam cups himself protectively with one hand. “Mate, your girlfriend scares me,” he complains.

“Good.” Ryan winks at me. “Normally, I’m all about practice, but that can be one you keep up your sleeve in case you ever need it. Pretty sure none of the lads here are gonnae volunteer, and if one did, he’s clearly got a kink I’m no letting you anywhere near.”

I climb out of the cage, and Niamh follows, slapping my back. “No bad, Briony.” She stretches her arms above her head. “Right, that’s me done for the day. I’m off for a shower.”