Chapter 1
The slap echoed across the training field so sharply that even the wind seemed to stop.
Private Natalie Brooks didn’t fall.
That was the first thing everyone noticed.
Her head turned from the impact, her cheek burning red beneath the Georgia sun, but her boots stayed planted in the dirt.
Her shoulders stayed squared.
Her chin lifted again before the dust from her backpack had even settled near her feet.
Staff Sergeant Cole Ramsey stood inches from her face, breathing hard, his cruel eyes locked on hers.
He expected tears.
He expected begging.
He expected the whole formation to watch her break.
Instead, Natalie raised one trembling hand to her cheek, looked him straight in the eye, and said nothing.
Not yet.
Behind her, thirty-seven recruits stood frozen in formation.
Nobody laughed.
Nobody moved.
Nobody dared.
Because every person on that field knew Staff Sergeant Ramsey had just crossed a line.
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And every person also knew he had crossed lines before.
Read Part 2 to find out why Ramsey hated Natalie long before he ever raised his hand.
