Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Iconic

ELSA

“Lift your chin and swing your arms with full energy,” the martial arts instructor ordered, and I did as he instructed, punching the sandbag with so much intensity that it flew to the edge before coming back to me.

“Good job, Miss Reed,” the man looked at me with a smile on his face. Kian had kept to his word. He said if I survived, I’d be free for a week. I haven’t seen or heard from him. I used that opportunity to enroll in a self-defense class at my university. I canceled my leave and came back to campus. I was alone; I had to be alone. Anyone who got close to me in any way was going to get hurt. I needed to learn how to protect myself.

“That’s enough for today. I’ll see y’all in the next class.” The trainer’s voice echoed over the hall, and I took in a deep breath. Mentally, I was exhausted; physically, I wanted to die, commit suicide maybe.

I tied my shoelace into a knot and exited the center. The walk back to my dorm was short. Opening the door, Rose, my