Chapter 10
Ava’s POV
TRAINING GROUND CEN
CENTER
+8 Pearls
I put on fitted leggings and a sports bra to feel less vulnerable. I pulled my hair up and stepped into the boxing ring. I didn’t understand why he’d chosen boxing today. Was it supposed to make me stronger?
I took a deep breath and waited. When I heard footsteps and the sharp slam of the door. I knew it was him. I turned, and my breath hitched. Fabio was wearing only shorts. My eyes couldn’t help but linger on his perfectly defined muscles and powerful biceps.
“Eyes up here,” he said, snapping me out of my daze. He pointed to his own eyes. “Did you sleep well, Ava?”
I swallowed and shrugged. “Yeah. Perfectly
“Good. Show me what you’ve got,” he said, wrapping his hands.
JI wrapped my own hands, my gaze locked on his. He thinks I’m weak. He’s about to be surprised.
The bell rang, and I started punching. I was fast; I was ready.
I tried to hit him with a right hook. He moved easily, dodging it.
Then, he moved.
He didn’t really hit me. He blocked my punches, gently pushing me away. He was trying to stop me from hurting myself. He moved like he was guiding me, not fighting me.
He blocked my ribs softly, pushed my jaw away, and turned my punch away from his face. I felt my confidence shaken.
I stepped back, out of breath. He wasn’t even sweating. He looked at me, his eyes serious.
You’re fast,” he said. “But you need to be precise. And incontrol.”
I lunged at him, trying to strike, but he blocked every move. He quickly twisted my arm behind me, flipped me over, and suddenly he was on top of me, breathing heavily.
I tried to move, but he pinned my wrists above my head and held my legs down, stopping me from kicking. The position was awkward, my legs spread, his body pressed against mine.
I hate this. I was strong! I could fight anyone. But not him. He made me feel weak.
My lips parted, gasping for air, but he didn’t release me. “Why aren’t you letting go? You won.”
“What if you found yourself in this position?” he asked, his voice serious. “Could you defend yourself?”
“Not against you,” I admitted, my voice a strained whisper. “I’m weak against you…”
He slowly released me, his eyes searching mine. But it was a trap. I immediately kicked him, sending him sprawling to the floor with a soft groan. I straddled him, my fingers tightening around his neck. “Who said I couldn’t beat you?” I breathed, my chest heaving.
“Ugh, get off me,” he groaned.
I grinned a little too wide. “What’s the mutter, Don Moretti? Can’t handle a little.. reversal of fortune?”
He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing awkwardly. “You’re… you’re kind of… perched on me.”
I blinked, then looked down. Oh. Right. My thighs were intimately acquainted with his hips. And my well, let’s just say gravity was doing its thing.
“Oh,” I said, my voice suddenly several octaves higher. “Right. The whole… winning thing. I forgot about the positioning.”
“Yes, the positioning,” he said, his voice tight. “Specifically, the positioning of your everything against my… everything.”
1/3
Chapter 10
+8 Pearls
My eyes widened as I felt the unexpected pressure against me. I jumped up, a shocked gasp escaping my lips. “Oh my god!” I turned and ran like an idiot.
“DON’T RUN.“”
I walked out of the training ground, trying to pretend I wasn’t completely flustered. But my heart was pounding, and I felt like I was going to explode. He’s my protector. The Don. I need to chill. It was nothing. Forget it. forget it, forget it.
“Ava.”
I jumped slightly, turning to see Dante. I forced a smile, my voice a little too high. “Oh, hi Looking for Fabio? He’s still in there”
Dante’s eyes traveled from my chest to my neck, then to my face. He stepped forward, a smirk on his lips. “So, you survived your training session? How was it?”
It was fine.” I said, trying to brush past him.
Then I heard footsteps. Fabio.
My heart pounded, a frantic drumbeat in my ears. It’s him. I had to leave, but his sharp and commanding voice rooted me to the spot. “Ava, stay.”
I was stuck, trapped between them.
“Dante, what are you doing here?” Fabio’s voice was stern, unwelcoming.
Dante’s smile turned into a flash of teeth. Just checking on my older brother. Making sure you’re still fit to handle things. Wouldn’t want you to get too stressed, now would we?”
“Did Grandpa send you to spy on me?” Fabio asked, his smile tight. “There’s nothing to see. Then, his hand gripped my arm. not roughly, but firmly, pulling me away with him.
I pulled my arm away. “What are you doing?”
He sighed, his voice laced with frustration. “What am I doing? What are you doing? Didn’t I tell you to avoid my brothers. especially Dante?”
“So, I’m supposed to ignore him if he asks me a question?” I asked softly. “That would be rude.”
“So you care more about his feelings than your own safety?” he scoffed. “Even if you know how to fight, you can’t protect yourself from a Moretti if they want something from you…
I nodded, my cheeks flushing. The memory of our earlier closeness was still too vivid. That’s why I took a step back, trying to
create some distance. 7L.. I understand.”
“I apologize for what happened earlier,” he said, his voice low. “It was an accident. Like you said, accidents happen. Forget about it. Pretend it never happened, okay?”
“Hmm–hmm.” I nod my head.
I walked away from him, my back stiff, ignoring the weight of his stare. I went to the kitchen, finding Cecille there..
“Would you like a glass of water, Miss Ava?” she asked, holding a pitcher.”
“Yes, thank you,” I said, taking the glass and drinking quickly.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when Dante walked in. “Did Fabio tell you to stay away from me?” he asked.
Isighed, placing the glass on the counter. “Yes. He did,”
I just want to be friends, Ava,” he said. “I’m not your enemy. I heard you were married to Caspian. How did you end up living here
“There’s plenty of room for everyone. And, for your information, I have my own home. I’m just here temporarily,” I said, my smile tight.
“So, did you and Caspian… consummate your marriage?” he asked, his voice sounded with a disturbing curiosity. “I mean sex, so you’re still a virgin-
I hit him. Hard. In the face.
