The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 337

"Citrine Carmichael, you're out of line." There was a flicker of anger on Hastings' face as he shot Citrine a cold, mocking smile. "Go home. This isn't some playground for your little games."

He glared at Citrine, then shrugged off all his gear and tossed it onto the ground, making it clear he was done playing along.

At that, the rest of the squad burst into applause.

"Hastings is right."

"We're a team of tough guys-no way we're letting some little girl push us around."

"Look, you're just a kid. We won't hold it against you, but you better head home and have them send us a male instructor next time." The word "male" landed with heavy emphasis.

Citrine shot the group a look of utter disappointment. "Real tough, aren't you?"

Her voice was like ice. "You want a new instructor? Keep dreaming."

"The first lesson for any soldier is to follow orders. From where I stand, none of you are even close to being proper soldiers."

That was the one thing these men couldn't stand

stepped forward, glaring at her, his annoyance palpable. "Instructor Carmichael, we don't accept your judgment. You've got no right to talk

What orders? We're out there running drills while you sit in

run a ten-mile endurance course with full packs, but I'd like to see you try. Forget ten miles, could you even

and legs, I doubt you'd make it through two

lips curled into a sudden smile as she looked them over. "If you're not convinced, why not settle it the old-fashioned way? If you

challenge we train for most. If you can

agreed

event was hand-to-hand combat. In the whole squad, Hastings was the

fighter here. No way she can beat

Hastings a shove toward

to this girl during boot camp still stung, and

in the Vermillion Vanguard can outfight you."

bother explaining. Deep down, he hoped that last loss to Citrine had

slid off her jacket and beckoned to Hastings with a

time, Hastings didn't hesitate. He stepped into

let his