Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 451

Chapter 451 The Wild Beauty and the Rogue

“You’re a lonely bachelor; of course no one is worried about you.”

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“The Cole family is probably just waiting for you to drop dead.”

”

“So, stay away from me.”

“Hey! Are you looking for a fight?”

Foster ignored him and moved further away to continue his work.

Finding no entertainment there, Norman shoved his hands into his pockets and wandered around until he spotted Tammy practicing her strikes. Her punches and hooks were remarkably precise, her movements full of raw power. When she exerted herself, the lines of her muscles were stunning–a truly wild kind of beauty.

Norman stood there watching for a long time. Before he could even get close, Tammy detected him and shot him a wary, sharp glare.

“Don’t be so tense. I just wanted to ask—where did you learn that style?” It looked strangely familiar to him.

She muttered a few specific names.

Norman’s expression soured. “No wonder it looks familiar.” Back when he was active in Hindersville, he had been chased out by those very people. He had traded blows with them more than once, and her technique was unmistakable. No wonder she had managed to land a hit on him.

“Your center of gravity is off, though.” He demonstrated a few stances, pointing to his waist. “When you throw an upper–cut, the power comes from here, not just the arm.”

Tammy was sharp; she grasped the logic immediately. “Like this?”

“No. Give me your hand.”

Tammy reached out without hesitation. Norman was amused by her bluntness. Without any lingering reserve, he guided her hand to his waist. “Feel how the muscles engage.”

He threw a sudden hook, and the muscles beneath her palm tightened into iron. “Understand

now?”

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10:30 Sun, Jan 11

Chapter 451 The Wild Beauty and the Rogue

Her eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously. “Like this!” She immediately threw a punch.

“Right, exactly. You’re just a bit stiff; keep practicing.”

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Norman was genuinely impressed. This girl’s learning capacity was incredible; she had mastered the nuance in seconds. His initial appreciation for her deepened. He spent the next while correcting her form and refining her smaller movements.

Tammy cherished the instruction, learning with intense focus.

“Alright, that’s it. You’ve got it now.”

Tammy wiped the sweat from her brow and asked bluntly, “How do you know so much about it?”

“I’ve fought the creator of that style,” Norman replied casually.

“Are you a criminal?”

“…Watch your tone. I’ve never done anything illegal in Hindersville.” He felt a bit miffed. He had decided to go straight a long time ago, even if the process was inevitably bloody.

“So you’ve done bad things elsewhere.”

“I suppose. What, are you scared?”

Tammy shook her head. “Have you ever been involved in human trafficking?”

“I don’t touch that disgusting business.”

The fist she had been subconsciously clenching relaxed slightly. If he had admitted to that, she would have blindsided him with a punch right then and there.

“You’re a fast learner. Do you plan on catching bad guys for a living?”

“No. I’m going to protect Tati.”

“Is that your only goal in life?”

“To eat every kind of chocolate and candy in the world.”

That was her second goal. It was a simple, almost childish dream that stood in stark contrast to her fierce, wild exterior.

Norman chuckled. “What kind of goal is that? Are you a child?”

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Chapter 451 The Wild Beauty and the Rogue

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Tammy ignored him, turning back to her drills. Seeing her dismiss him again, Norman’s rogue nature flared up. “You’re still a bit clumsy with it. Want to spar? But let’s get one thing straight- don’t go for the kill. I find it hard to hold back my strength.”

Tammy’s eyes snapped toward him, burning with excitement. “Teach me!”

It didn’t take long for Norman to regret it. This woman wasn’t like any he had ever met; she didn’t seem to know what pain was. No matter how many times he knocked her down, she scrambled back up. Her tenacity was monstrous. What started as a casual spar forced him into a serious confrontation.

By the time night fell, Tammy finally couldn’t get up. She lay on the ground, gasping for air. Norman wiped a trace of blood from his lip and extended a fist toward her. “You’re pretty good.”

Tammy reached out and bumped his fist, flashing her bright white teeth in a grin. “So are you!”

Under the moonlight, her smile was breathtaking. Norman felt a sudden stir in his chest. “Hey… do you have a man?”

Tammy’s guard went back up instantly. “What’s that to you!”

“Whoa, easy. I was just asking.”

“I already have a man I like!”

“And? Is he yours?”

Tammy deflated instantly. “No…”

“Then the guy has terrible taste.”

Tammy felt slightly consoled by the remark.

“So, why not consider a change of pace?”

“I don’t want to.”

Norman wasn’t the type to push where he wasn’t wanted. He clapped his hands and stood up. “Fine. If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. I’m always available.”

Tammy watched him walk away without further pestering, and her impression of him improved significantly.

As night deepened, the campfire roared to life, the aroma of roasting meat filling the air. Everyone sat or stood around comfortably, chatting and drinking. Norman had somehow produced several crates of beer. The two groups, which had been so clearly divided before,

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