Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 53

Maximus lost his spark in an instant. He had never beaten Elliot before. "Danielle, let’s forget about it," he said dejectedly.

At Shadow Fortress, their training regimen included hand-to-hand combat and shooting, and they often sparred with one another to hone their skills. Seeing the disappointment in Maximus’s eyes, Danielle figured there was no harm in a little practice session.

"Maximus, I don’t mind sparring with you," Danielle said without hesitation.

"Danielle, let’s not do this," Elliot protested. ’If she gets so much as a scratch under my watch, Mom and Dad would skin me alive, he thought.

"Elliot, do you not believe in me?" Danielle asked, her voice as calm as ever.

Elliot thought. It would wound her pride if he said he didn’t trust her. But if he claimed he did, it might

let out a resigned sigh. As a doting older brother, there was no way he could

grounds. In the center stood Danielle and Maximus. At 6 foot 1, Maximus’s muscular frame

by appearance alone, most of the onlookers doubted Danielle stood a chance. After all, Maximus was second only to

win?" Justin

skills are top-notch, but Danielle’s marksmanship is impressive." "Obviously, Danielle will win," Lydia said

the majority placing their bets on Maximus. They knew little about Danielle, having never

border. She was known

heard the voices around her, but she paid no mind to them. To her, a sparring session was a