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…

opponents, taking on both guys

go easy on her, so she wouldn’t lose too badly. At this thought, Yates said,

he spoken than the seemingly demure Cordelia sprang into action, “Kick, punch, throw, seize, twist“. With 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

hadn’t even had time to stand and cheer before it was

struggled to break free, but despite her

wasn’t ready, let’s go again!”

and resumed her stance. Fist ready, right

eyes vacant.

he

prone Yates began to question his life choices. He had anticipated her moves, yet he couldn’t

13.06

she supposed to be slow?

and frustrated, he clenched his fists and finally conceded,

let him

a mix of defiance and defeat, “You wait, one day

responded with a noncommittal, “Okay”

his punch had landed in cotton, with

took a deep breath, gestured to his gang, and they all straightened up and bowed in unison,

glanced at Yates and then asked, “Boss Cordelia,

locks,

and wouldn’t impose

from Merry, she turned

help asking, “Where are

‘Home to do homework.”

her departure.

students had gone, Everard and

girlfriend got some

a peek at Everard, only to find him tense,

promptly shut up, pretending his question had never been asked. At the Griffin household, the sixty–something Hackett paced his study anxiously.

secretary bowed respectfully, “There’s no trace

and took a puff from his cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke before speaking. “Mr. Watkins moves in shadows. It’s no wonder we can’t find him. But since he’s come to Greenmeadow, we need to be cautious. Tell the others the