Chapter 2

Pamela lowered the spear, finishing demonstrating a thrust and block to the class. The class bowed respectfully to the junior instructor. Master Lee gave her a small, approving nod from the side. She’d felt his eyes on her during the class, calculating and fair. One of the four major weapons, and she’d managed not to embarrass herself too much.

“Next week you will teach the staff,” he said as she approached him. “If you keep progressing like this, I will give you more responsibilities in the wǔguǎn.”

“Thank you, Sifu,” she replied, dipping her head respectfully. Warmth spread through her chest at the praise. She’d been training with him since she was twelve and had been a nanny for their children since she was thirteen.

Class ended. Pamela gathered her gear and headed straight for the locker room, the black uniform clinging to her skin with sweat. The locker room was empty this late. She peeled off her jacket, then her pants, letting the cool air hit her damp skin. Her phone buzzed on the bench just as she was about to step into the shower stall.

She smiled when she saw the name.

“Hey, ninja lady,” Kenji said when she picked up, his voice warm and teasing.

Pamela laughed, leaning back against the lockers. “I am not a ninja lady. If anyone here’s a ninja, it should be you. I’m just some Chinese and Black girl learning kung fu.”

“Yeah, well, you looked really cute doing it. That black uniform doesn’t hurt either — especially around the butt.”