Freda's POVI woke up abruptly to the loud clap that I heard approaching me. I tilted my head from side to side as I tried to be familiar with where I was, and then I suddenly remembered that I was not in Hardin's mansion anymore but Jim's. My gaze suddenly fell on Jim, as he was already dressed in his training kit. “It's six in the morning. Can't we start by eight?” I asked in my groggy voice, but he only chuckled before he replied.“That's the first lesson I want you to learn. You have to be ready to leave your comfort zone and push your limit a little further.” He said, and I rested my head on the pillow. I yawned as I thought of how my room was back in Hardin's mansion. It was the first time sleeping on another bed other than my bed or Hardin's, and it felt so strange.“Get up. Get up. Get up.” He said as he tapped me rapidly and I jolted. I stood up reluctantly from the bed and walked to the bathroom to freshen up. “I will give you five minutes. I told you it's going to get int
Hardin's POVAs I settled into the cozy chair near the window, I carefully positioned my telescope, ensuring that it remained hidden from Freda's sight. Watching her train discreetly had become a ritual for me, a way to witness her growth without intruding on her journey.Freda had always been determined to prove herself and to show me that she was capable of defending herself. It was this drive that led me to send her to my brother Jim for training. As much as I wanted to be the one to guide her, my demanding work schedule left me with little time to spare.Through the lens of the telescope, I marveled at Freda's dedication. Her movements were swift and precise, a testament to the hours she had spent honing her skills. Each swing of her weapon, each defensive maneuver, spoke volumes about her determination and passion.As I watched her, a mix of emotions swirled within me. Pride welled up in my chest, knowing that she was taking charge of her destiny. But there was also a tinge of sa
Hardin’s POVI jumped out of my chair and rallied my men. We hopped into my car and raced over to my brother's house, which was just around the corner. I had booked that apartment just to keep a close eye on Freda, so no harm would come to her.When we pulled up, I told my men to hang tight outside while I snuck in through the back door. I didn't want Freda to catch wind of my arrival. I made my way to my brother's room and plopped down on the couch, waiting for him to show up. The tension in the air was thick, and my heart was pounding in my chest.As I sat there, my mind raced with a mix of emotions. Anger still burned within me, Finally, I heard the door creak open, and Jim stepped into the room. Our eyes locked, and at that moment a pang of anger washed over me.As Jim stood there, frozen, I could feel the fire burning inside me. My blood boiled with a mix of frustration, Every fiber of my being screamed with rage. I clenched my fists, feeling the tension in my muscles.“What the
Freda's POVAs I was practicing the new move Jim taught me, I could feel his gaze on me. I couldn't tell if he was interested in my fighting skills or if he just enjoyed watching me. But one thing I know for sure is that he's much friendlier than Hardin. But then, my mind swayed to Hardin. I couldn't help but wonder what he was up to at that very moment. Was he thinking about me or was he with Shelby? The mere thought of them being together ignited a fire of anger within me. Lost in my thoughts and emotions, I didn't notice my strength. In a fit of frustration and distraction, I accidentally hit my hand and felt a sharp pain shoot through me. The impact took me by surprise, and I winced in agony.My hand throbbed with every heartbeat, a reminder of the physical pain I had caused myself. But the pain in my hand paled in comparison to the tumultuous storm of emotions raging within me. Anger, jealousy, and hurt intertwined, creating a tangled web of emotions that threatened to consume
Freda's POVAs I slipped into the beautiful red dress that Jim had sent me, a wave of excitement washed over me. It was a stark contrast to the short and revealing dresses that Hardin used to make me wear. This dress was different, it was elegant and classy, and it made me feel like a true queen.As I stood in front of the mirror, the dress hugged my curves in all the right places. The vibrant red color complemented my skin tone, making me feel radiant and confident. I couldn't help but twirl around, admiring how the fabric swirled gracefully with each movement.Applying a touch of makeup, I wanted to enhance my natural features without overdoing it. I opted for a soft, smoky eye and a subtle pink lip. I wanted to look like the best version of myself, not for Jim, but for myself.With my hair pulled back into a sleek bun, I felt a sense of sophistication and poise. It was a departure from the tousled, carefree look that Hardin preferred.As I took one last glance in the mirror, I coul
Freda’s POVAs Jim leaned in, his lips dangerously close to mine, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins. In that split second, I couldn't ignore the overwhelming sense of betrayal. How could he, knowing the connection between me and his brother, attempt to cross such boundaries?Without a second thought, I mustered every ounce of strength within me and forcefully pushed him away. The shock on his face mirrored the disbelief in my own. I wasted no time, swiftly opening the car door and fleeing from that suffocating space.My heart pounded in my chest, the sound echoing in my ears as I sprinted towards the safety of my room. The door swung shut behind me, providing a physical barrier against the outside world. I leaned against it, my back pressed firmly against the wood as if seeking solace and protection.Emotions swirled within me, a tempest of anger, confusion, and hurt. How could someone I thought I could trust so callously disregard my boundaries? The weight of his actions
Freda’s POVIt was a sunny morning, and the air was filled with anticipation as we prepared for our training session. Jim, being the more experienced fighter, suggested that we have a friendly sparring match to test my skills. Despite knowing that I was no match for him, I couldn't resist the opportunity to challenge myself and see how far I had come.We stepped onto the training mat, surrounded by the sound of our breathing and the occasional echo of our footsteps. Jim's confident stance and focused gaze told me that he was ready to give it his all, while I tried to steady my nerves and gather my determination.The moment the match began, Jim's speed and agility became apparent. His movements were fluid and precise as if he had mastered every aspect of combat. He effortlessly dodged my attempts to land a punch or a kick, always staying one step ahead of me. I could feel the frustration building within me, but I refused to give up.With each failed attempt, I became more aware of the
Hardin’s POVI was sitting in my office, completely immersed in a mountain of paperwork. The weight of the upcoming meeting with those big buyers was pressing down on me like a ton of bricks. I knew I couldn't afford to leave this work to my men. It was too important, and I had to give it my all.Running my tired hands through my hair, I could feel the exhaustion creeping in. But I couldn't let it stop me. I had to keep pushing forward, no matter how drained I felt. The success of these deals depended on my dedication and attention to detail.As I glanced at the clock, I realized that it had been far too long since I last checked up on Freda. Guilt washed over me like a tidal wave. She deserved my time and attention, but work had consumed me entirely.Thoughts of Freda lingered in the back of my mind, tugging at my heartstrings. I missed her, and I knew I had been neglecting her lately. It weighed heavily on my conscience.Hour after hour, I sat there, filling out paperwork, while a m