The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress (Citrine) novel 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.”

“Who the hell are you to say that about us?” That was the one thing these men couldn’t stand to hear. Citrine had hit a nerve.

One of them stepped forward, glaring at her, his annoyance palpable. “Instructor Carmichael, we don’t accept your judgment. You’ve got no right to talk down to us like that.”

“Orders? What orders? We’re out there running drills while you sit in the car. What gives you the right to judge us?”

Others chimed in, egged on by the challenge. “Yeah, you’re just a girl—what real skills do you have? You make us run a ten-mile endurance course with full packs, but I’d like to see you try. Forget ten miles, could you even manage five?”

“Honestly, with those skinny arms and legs, I doubt you’d make it through two miles without collapsing.”

Citrine’s 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 lose, you follow my lead—no complaints.”

“Fine. Then let’s compete in the challenge we train for most. If you can beat any of us, we’ll do whatever you say.”

“Deal.” Citrine agreed without hesitation.

The first event was hand-to-hand combat. In the whole squad, Hastings was the undisputed champion.

“Captain, you’re the best fighter here. No way she can beat you.”