Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia) novel 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?”

She'd grown up in an orphanage, accustomed to the heavy labor, which had given her strength beyond that of 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..."

Yates raised an eyebrow. He wasn't picky about his opponents, taking on both guys and gals, but something about this docile girl made him hesitate to strike.

Maybe he'd go easy on her, so she wouldn't lose too badly. At this thought, Yates said, "Let's start."

No sooner had 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 the scene unfold before them.

It happened too fast. They hadn't even had time to stand and cheer before it was over.

Yates struggled to break free, but despite her seemingly effortless hold, he was trapped.

"I wasn't ready, let's go again!" he protested.

Cordelia nodded, released his arm, and resumed her stance. Fist ready, right leg back, her face serious but her eyes vacant.

After Yates limbered up, he called out, "Start!"

Twenty seconds later, a prone Yates began to question his life choices. He had anticipated her moves, yet he couldn't keep up with her speed!

Wasn't she supposed to be slow?

Flushed and frustrated, he clenched his fists and finally conceded, "I give up."

Cordelia let him go.

Yates stood, dusting himself off, his face a 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!"

Cordelia responded with a noncommittal, "Okay."

Yates felt like his punch had landed in cotton, with no strength behind it.