CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Riley didn’t wait to find out the soldier’s intent. She stooped over and hurled herself headfirst into Private Pope’s abdomen. He toppled to the ground, and she planted her foot on his chest.
She was about to draw her weapon when he grabbed her leg and threw her to the side. By the time she regained her balance, he was on his feet, and she was in a violent clinch with him.
As they staggered back and forth in the space between the guardrail and the cliff, Riley realized that she didn’t know where the edge was. If they stumbled off it together, it would mean both their deaths.
He’s strong, she realized.
In fact, he was much stronger than he looked—wiry and muscular. And he was a skilled fighter too. He had lots of potential.
She pushed sharply against his chest, breaki
