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“Combat training,” Dante says, catching his breath and hopping back on his feet. He holds his arm out to help me up, and I take it. “She’s getting better, thanks to me.” Dante smirks at Nico, who is still wearing the same expression.
I roll my eyes, but he’s right. I’ve learned a lot in the last hour. I’m used to my old trainers. I know all their moves.
“She’s fast,” Dante continues, when Nico doesn’t respond. “Which is good. Anyone can pick you up with one arm.” He elbows me.
Nico uncrosses his arms and walks—no, struts—into the ring.
As he takes off his shirt, I can’t help but admire the pure muscle that surrounds his arms, shoulders, and abs. Every hard inch is covered in ink. He stands directly in front of me. My eyes meet his, and he’s wearing a smirk on his face. He totally just caught me checking him out.
“Let’s see, then.” He gestures with his arms to attack him. Is he serious? I’m tired, but I didn’t want to back down. I narrow my eyes.
“Let’s go.” I give him a teasing smile.
We circle around for a moment. I notice soldiers are beginning to trickle into the gym as well as Enzo. He’s looking at me like a hunter would stalk its prey. I won’t make the first move. He takes a swing at me, and I duck quickly. I try to get him behind the knee, but he’s too quick and grabs my leg. I’m able to twist out of it, but he swipes my other leg with his, and he knocks me on my ass.Fuck.He puts his arm out to help me back up, and I take it. The first time he’s touched me since I woke up in his arms, and it’s because we’re fighting. He grabs my waist and turns me around.
“Next time, move your hips this way.”
He’s behind me now, and fuck if my body doesn’t come to life. He grabs my waist with his big hands and repositions my hips into the right position.
“Take your supporting leg and pivot that heel so you don’t lose balance and don’t hurt your knee.”
I nod. I don’t have words. I’m not sure I’m even still breathing.
Just as I gather my thoughts, Nico points to a soldier and gestures for him to move into the ring. “You.”
The soldier rubs his palms together, looking at me with a shit-eating grin on his face. I want to wipe the smile off his face. He comes at me, but I’m faster. He loses his balance from his momentum. He tries to grab me, but I use the weight to knock him to the ground and put him into an arm bar. He struggles as I hang on for dear life until he taps out.
Dante and Enzo clap proudly. The soldier stands, but he won’t make eye contact with anyone and stalks away.
“You keep embarrassing my men. Good work, I guess.” Nico looks like he’s hiding a smile.
“Good? You mean great!” Dante says as he picks me up and spins me in a circle.
I can’t help but laugh and throw my head back. How’s this guy so laid back?
As he sets me down, Nico grabs Dante by his collar.
“Get your hands off of her,” he demands through gritted teeth.
My eyes are wide as I watch the interaction. Enzo just shakes his head, laughing.
I could’ve sworn I heard him say, “This will be interesting,”under his breath.
Bash comes in, and Nico releases Dante. I wipe my forehead with a towel and drink from a water bottle as Bash examines the room. Enzo runs up to him and pats him on the back.
“’Sup, boss?” he asks to Bash, making his way to the door.
“You need a pool,” I say to Bash, only half joking. I love swimming after a good workout.
“Great idea,” he replies. Enzo freezes and spins.
Nico and Dante throw their heads back in surprise, looking at him as if he’d grown another head.
“What?” Bash asks them.
“You wouldn’t even let me get a pooltable, and she gets a whole pool?” Enzo says.
Dante laughs. “Looks like Bash can’t say no to the princess.” He saunters out of the gym.
