Twisted Hearts (The Camorra Chronicles 5)

He knew it.

Today was the first time we’d be allowed to fight together in years. I could barely contain my excitement, but at the same time, I had to admit I was nervous. Of course, Diego would be there as a chaperone, but still.

When I faced Savio in the cage and saw the teasing twinkle in his eyes, I knew he had something planned. I kept my eyes firmly above his waist, trying to ignore the horns.

Diego pretended to be pummeling the boxing bag when, in truth, he kept an eye on me and Savio.

For good reason, it turned out, because Savio used the fight to bring us as close as possible, as often as possible.

None of the touches were inappropriate and yet they felt like they were. When I landed on my back after another futile high kick, Savio crouched over me, my arms pressed into the ground above my head. His other hand clamped down on my hip and for some reason I could feel the touch between my legs.

We stared at each other, breathing harshly.

“I think this was enough training for one day,” Diego muttered.

Savio straightened with obvious reluctance and pulled me with him. I quickly took a step back. Diego’s phone rang again. He cursed and picked up, nodding grimly. “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

He hung up. “Fuck.”

“What’s the matter?” I asked as I climbed out of the cage.

“The stupid stove again. That thing is only giving us trouble. We should have bought a new one a long time ago. I need to get over there immediately.”

“I need to shower and stretch,” I said.

“I can take Gemma home,” Savio offered at once.

Diego glanced between him and me, obviously suspicious of my fiancé’s motives, and probably for good reason. “All right. But I probably won’t be long. I might be able to pick you up.”

I nodded. “Help Dad. I can handle this.”

Savio cocked an eyebrow.

With a last warning glance at Savio, Diego left. I sank down to the ground and stretched out my legs, then touched my feet with my fingertips, feeling the slight tug of my hamstrings.

Savio lowered himself beside me. “I didn’t think Diego would agree. He’s been slacking with his guard duties recently.”

“You’re my fiancé. That’s why. It’s only a matter of time before we’re married and I’m no longer his responsibility.”

Savio nodded, but as usual, didn’t comment when it came to our wedding. He touched his feet as well. As a kickboxer, you needed to be flexible, and Savio was. That was why he could do the most amazing high kicks.

My eyes kept checking Savio out as we went through the stretching routine, and I caught him doing the same with my body. I was flushed when we were finally done.

Grabbing a towel, I headed for the locker room but stopped when Savio followed close by. “I need to shower and get dressed.”

He grinned. “I know. So do I. There’s enough room for both of us, don’t you think?”

I stared. “I won’t change in front of you, much less shower.”

“Scared?” Savio murmured, leaning down. The challenge in his eyes was a trap, and yet I stepped into it.

“Of course not.” Savio pushed the door open and motioned for me to step in.

I shook my head. “I’m not going to be naked in front of you.”

“Then go ahead and change. Once you’re in the last shower stall I can’t see you if I stay in the front.”

“Don’t you dare take a peek. I mean it, Savio.”

“Go in, Kitty. I won’t take a peek, don’t worry.”

I entered the changing room. My stomach was buzzing with a billion butterflies from the feel of it. What was I doing? Every night I lay awake, touching myself in the dark as I imagined Savio’s touch.

Savio closed the door, waiting outside. “Hurry up. I need a cold shower.”

I quickly got out of my gym clothes, keeping an eye on the door, then grabbed a towel and clean clothes. The moment I was in the shower, I called for Savio to come in. My voice was croaky.

I turned the water on but regretted it when I couldn’t hear Savio anymore. What if he didn’t keep his promise and came to the last stall. I was proud of my body. I knew he’d be pleased, so it wasn’t that, but I was scared like Savio had said. Not of him doing something I didn’t want. Savio wasn’t the type to force a woman. I’d never heard those kinds of rumors about him. He was too vain for that. He wanted the girl to yearn for his touch, not fear it.

And I yearned for it, despite my traditional upbringing, despite Nonna’s and Mom’s and Dad’s and Diego’s warning words.

I washed my hair quicker than ever before then turned off the water. Savio was still showering from the sound of it. I dried off and got dressed. I was pulling my sneakers on when the water in the stall at the other end stopped. Savio reached outside and gripped the towel.