Chapter 15

Camille’s POV

The fist came at my face too fast to dodge. I tried to block like Jason had taught me, but my arms felt heavy as stone. His knuckles grazed my cheek as I stumbled backward.

“Too slow,” he barked. “Again.”

My lungs burned. Sweat stung my eyes. We’d been at this for almost two hours, and the digital clock on the gym wall showed 5:47 AM. The sun wasn’t even up yet.

Jason Winters stood opposite me on the training mat, barely breathing hard. His military haircut and scarred face gave nothing away, no tiredness, no frustration, just cold assessment. As Victoria’s head of security, he’d protected presidents and royalty before becoming my combat instructor three weeks ago.

“I can’t,” I gasped, hands on my knees. “Need water.”

“Your sister won’t give you water when she’s destroying everything you love,” he said flatly. “Your ex-husband won’t offer a break when he’s laughing at your weakness.”

The mention of Rose and Stefan sent f