Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 17

Once Cordelia was ready, Calvert extended a hand in front of him, emphasizing with a bit of a taunt, “Hit it hard and fast. But then, you’re a girl so your reflexes might be slower…

He didn’t get to finish his sentence before Cordelia’s foot came flying at him.

“Thud!” Calvert was sent staggering back several steps by the powerful kick before he managed to regain his

balance.

As he caught his breath, he was dumbfounded. How could this little lady pack such a punch?

Cordelia landed gracefully and turned her head towards him, “Need me to go harder?”

nd that of

She’d grown up in an orphanage, accustomed to the heavy labor, which had given her strength beyond the average person.

Unfortunately, she had never learned any form of fighting.

Calvert quickly waved off, “That’s enough.” He flexed his numb hand, continuing. “Let’s work on the punching motion, and take it easy. Don’t need all that strength.”

After going through the moves twice, Cordelia had the basics down pat. Checking the time, she hurried over to where Merry was.

By now, the alley was dimly lit, the streetlights casting a soft glow. When Cordelia arrived, she saw the seven members of the Flame Union plus Merry squatting under the faint light. Yates was still leaning against the wall nearby, engrossed in his video game. The scene had an inexplicable comedic feel to it.

Flame No. 1, who had found a blade of grass to chew on, grumbled, “Damn it! She’s not gonna bail on us, is she?”

Merry piped up anxiously, “It’s not even her fight. Yates, just beat me up and let me go!”

Yates snorted dismissively and didn’t reply. Instead, he perked up his ears and heard light footsteps. approaching.

He glanced sideways to see Cordelia making her way over, her expression blank, her eyes indifferent, and her speech slow as she said, “I’ve learned it.”

Merry was quick to say, “Cordelia, don’t be foolish, you better leave! Yates is tough. No one around here can

beat him…

guys and gals, but something about this docile girl made him hesitate to

go easy on her, so she wouldn’t lose too badly. At this thought, Yates said, “Let’s start.”

a fluid sequence of maneuvers, Yates was on the ground, his arm twisted and controlled by her. Silence fell over the crowd. The rest were stunned, watching the scene unfold before them.

They hadn’t even had time to stand and cheer

free, but despite her seemingly effortless hold, he was

go

arm, and resumed her stance. Fist

eyes vacant.

Yates limbered up, he called

He had anticipated her moves, yet he couldn’t keep up with her speed!

13.06

supposed to be slow?

frustrated, he clenched his fists and finally conceded, “I give up.”

him go.

mix of defiance and defeat, “You wait, one day I’ll beat you, and then you’ll be dyeing your hair red under my command!”

responded with a noncommittal, “Okay”

like his punch had landed in cotton, with no

all straightened up and bowed in unison, “Boss Cordelia” Cordelia was puzzled.

and then asked, “Boss Cordelia,

locks,

believed in individuality and wouldn’t impose

backpack from Merry, she turned and

help asking, “Where

before replying, ‘Home to

her

had gone, Everard and

got some moves. She’s

only to find him tense,

him a cool look, and Calvert promptly shut up, pretending his question had never

no trace of Mr.

no wonder we can’t find him. But since he’s come to Greenmeadow, we need to be cautious. Tell the others the weekend gathering is canceled. We won’t accept any gifts. If Mr. Watkins gets wind of it,