Dark Moon Rising

“I asked you a question!” he growled.

“Shall I introduce myself?” she asked and turned around.

Her smile froze in place. Oh... my... God! Her insides screamed. There must be at least three hundred men. She quickly calculated. What have I gotten into? Don’t panic. Focus. Use what Sensei Yang taught you. Her mental-self gave quick orders to save the situation. Taking a firm grip on her panic, she centred herself and drew courage from deep inside.

Clenching his fists, he refused to look at her further. “This is Miss Alexandra Hernandez,” his raspy voice boomed.

“Alex, please,” she interrupted.

Flashing fonts on the laptop screen grabbed her attention. A frown creased her brow. So, this is how you want to play. Bringing the slide back up onto the screen.

“Giving them fair warning, are you?” Her tone as amused as she could muster. He reached for the laptop, but she moved it out of reach. Looking at the group. “He is right.” Smiling dangerously. “I have a habit of being very difficult, if I so choose.”

Hushed murmurs erupted.

“Miss, please?”

“Don’t patronize me,” she snapped, “you know I prefer to be called by my name, or have you forgotten.”