Chapter 8

Liam's face darkened visibly as he snapped, "Are you training her or playing games with her?"

Adrian swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. "Commander, I was teaching Mrs. Blackwood basic self-defense techniques."

The tension in the training room was palpable. Everyone knew Adrian had crossed a line, and Liam wasn't one to overlook such transgressions.

With a sharp movement, Liam pushed Evelyn aside. "Stay back," he ordered.

Evelyn's pulse quickened inexplicably at his protective gesture.

Though his eyes never met hers, his actions spoke volumes. This contradiction left her utterly confused about his true intentions.

Casually removing his platinum watch, Liam tossed it to Evelyn. "Spar with me. Win, and you keep your position. Lose, and you're dismissed immediately."

Adrian's face turned ashen. "Sir, I could never defeat you! I swear I was only—"

Liam cut him off with a devastating roundhouse kick that sent Adrian crashing into the mats. The impact knocked the wind from his lungs.

Evelyn gasped. The sheer force behind that kick could have killed her instantly.

Groaning in pain, Adrian realized Liam was deadly serious. Gathering his courage, he launched a desperate attack.

Liam dodged effortlessly before delivering a brutal punch to Adrian's solar plexus. Blood trickled from the corner of Adrian's mouth as he collapsed.

Victoria suddenly rushed forward, clinging to Liam's arm. "Stop! He wasn't hurting her!" she pleaded.

The other soldiers joined in. "Have mercy, Commander!"

Liam's expression softened when he looked at Victoria. "You shouldn't interfere," he chided gently. "You might get hurt."

Victoria pouted, pressing closer. "I know you'd never hurt me," she cooed.

The intimate scene made Evelyn's chest constrict painfully. She clutched Liam's watch so tightly the edges dug into her palm.

The contrast was unbearable. Liam feared accidentally harming Victoria during a simple spar, yet he'd fired his weapon inches from Evelyn without hesitation.

"Nate, I need to speak with you privately," Victoria said, tugging him toward the door.

As they left, Liam called over his shoulder, "His fate is in Evelyn's hands now."

Adrian crawled toward Evelyn, desperation in his eyes. "Please, Mrs. Blackwood! I'm loyal to the Commander! I—"