The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Thomas was taken aback, his eyes darting towards Percival.

“Ma’am, you’re practically signing my death warrant here!” He yelled inside.

“Percival, hear me out. This is the training grounds. I have to be in combat gear. I am the Chief Instructor, and I can’t very well train them in a suit and tie!”

Percival’s eyes briefly swept over Thomas’s attire without a word, instead wrapping his arm around Vivienne, and they made their way deeper into the training area.

For a few seconds, Thomas felt like he just walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

Leopold slapped Thomas on the back with a smirk, “Man, that gear does look sharp on you, though.”

Thomas shot him a glare that could kill and kicked out at him half-heartedly, then quickly caught up with Percival.

“Percival, the training’s halfway through. If we’re bringing in the newbie, we might need to fast-track her.”

Thomas implied that Anna had to pass the earlier assessment today if she wanted to keep her spot here.

Percival’s stern face held a grave expression as he said, “Let’s begin now.”

Neither Vivienne nor Anna had any objections.

It was only fair.

If Anna could not pass the earlier assessments, it only proved she did not have the mettle to stay.

“Captain.”

Off in the distance, a man in an olive-drab tee approached, saluting Percival crisply.

This was Soren, the physical training examiner.

After exchanging pleasantries with Percival, Soren sized up Vivienne. Then his gaze landed on Anna. “So you’re the little lady who waltzed in through the back door?”

His tone was less than friendly, and his eyes were full of disdain.

Thomas signaled to him discreetly, whispering, “Soren, watch the attitude.”

“Come on, man, she’s Ma’am’s protégé. Besides, it’s not like she wanted the shortcut. If she can’t make the cut, even Percival won’t keep her here. Don’t be so aggressive, or you might just tick off Percival!” He thought, trying to signal Soren with his eyes.

his spiel to Anna. “I’m the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don’t make it, beat it, and I

words were clearly

who the fuck do you think you’re talking

Leopold back, her icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. “You’re not wrong. Show your worth, and don’t waste my

“Who’s wasting whose

annoyance crossed Percival’s face. “Soren, empty threats aren’t your

Agency’s special squad third division, was the most hot-headed of

he was stronger than Leopold and just

As for Thomas and Leopold, Soren

Percival speak, Soren’s attitude

skills do the talking.”

piqued

Soren’s real challenge was

Interesting.

slight

could not even beat Percival were not worthy

my opponent. If I win, I stay for

saw the fire in the eyes

comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle

from the sidelines, aware

outcome was

to wager?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “I bet

my money on Soren,”

around,

the roaring crowd, only grew

fight between the two was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon turning them into

Anna used her agility to dodge

the match was

on Anna’s vital point while she held his artery

stalemate, neither

formed a triumphant smile, turning to Percival, “Looks

the whistle, stepped forward, and separated them,

“Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting

a clod of mud, sending it flying straight

couple of inches, and the

flick of her toe, a