Even though he didn’t understand Russian Clint could tell she was cursing, and even without the cursing it would have been very clear that Natalia was less than pleased to lose. She didn’t try to fight back, though; didn’t try to throw him off or throw a fit. She just submitted.

Releasing his hold on her, Clint rolled over to sit beside her and brushed a hand back through his hair. “Not yet,” he agreed. It was a statement of fact, but also one that spoke of a faith that she would get better. To be honest, had she kicked his ass right off the first go he might have been worried, at least once he got over his hurt pride. “But you’re still better than some of the new recruits I’ve seen.”