Page 62 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
He sneered at her, his lips curling into an arrogant smirk. “Mind your business, sweetheart.”
She took another step forward, unflinching. “Who do you think you are?” She repeated her tone like ice. “Who or what gave you permission - or the right - to hit her?”
The guy scoffed, waving her off dismissively. “Why don’t you walk away before you get hurt too?”
The crowd stirred, murmurs rippling through as everyone watched the scene unfold, unsure of what she would do next.
Her eyes narrowed, and she tilted her head, assessing him like he was nothing more than a stubborn fly buzzing in her space. “Hurt me?” She echoed, her voice softer but laced with something dangerous. “You never answered me. Who or what gave you permission?”
The guy smirked, clearly trying to act tough in front of the crowd. “I don’t need permission.”
“Oh, you don’t?” She said, her tone is mocking now. “Good. Because I sure as hell did not need permission for what’s about to happen next.”
Before he could respond, she was already moving…, moving faster than I thought possible, her foot connecting with his shin in a swift, precise kick. He stumbled back, swearing loudly.
The second guy lunged at her, but she sidestepped effortlessly, delivering two sharp slaps that echoed in the silence. In one fluid motion, she grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back, forcing him to his knees.
“Let me go!” He yelped.
We are all silent, our shock palpable. This girl is smaller than these guys, yet…, yet…
Wow.
“Does that hurt?”
The guy squirmed, but she held firm, her strength seeming almost impossible for someone her size.
“Let it go,” a guy said, stepping forward and gently pulling her away. Another girl rushed to help the one who had been shoved.
Hazel finally released the guy, but not before glaring at both of them one last time. “Oh, and if you even think about gettingrevenge - on me, on her, on anyone - I will make sure you regret it. Got it?”
The guys nodded, and with that, she walked away, leaving the two guys nursing their bruised egos and the rest of us staring in stunned silence.
As the crowd began to disperse, Logan let out a low whistle. “That was badass. She definitely lives up to her reputation.”
I blinked, still watching her retreating figure. “You know her?”
Logan laughed. “Have you been living under a rock? That is Hazel. Everyone knows Hazel.”
“Well, sorry for not keeping up with the local gossip,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I have only been back in town for three months. Cut me some slack.”
“Well, now you know,” Logan said, grinning. “And trust me, you’ll never forget her.”
I did not respond. My attention was still fixed on her as she disappeared into the distance, her friends flanking her like bodyguards.
He was right. That was the day she made her first impression on me - fierce, fearless, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
***End of Flashback***
The memory fades, only to open the door to more - moments I had not thought about in a long time come rushing back like a flood.
Our first real meeting, where I finally managed to talk to her after watching her from afar for weeks. I had planned it out, every word rehearsed, but the second she looked at me, all confidence flew out the window. I stammered and fumbled over my words like an idiot. Thankfully, she found it endearing.
Our first date. Our first kiss. Our first arguments. Us crying over Roger, my dog that passed away. And then there were all the little moments in between - her laughter, the way her handfelt in mine, the way she always seemed to find joy in the smallest things.
So many memories trickle in, each one bittersweet.
Before I know it, I am standing by the window, staring out into the quiet night. My gaze drifts to the guest house, where her silhouette moves behind the curtain.
