Twisted Bonds (The Camorra Chronicles 4)

“I thought we could head for the gym for defense training. After the attack on the mansion, I think it’s absolutely crucial that you learn to defend yourself.

“Now?” Kiara asked, glancing down at the dough.

“Yes, Savio asked me to spar with him later.”

“Okay,” she said hesitantly, and put the bowl in the fridge. “I’ll just grab my gym clothes.”

Kiara was always tense when it came to her defense training, which was why I decided not to tell her I planned on having her fight Savio. He’d trained with the young Bazzoli girl a couple of times now and knew how to hold back when faced with a petite woman.

KIARA

When Nino and I entered the Falcone gym, I could already hear the sounds of fighting.

“Gemma, be careful, for God’s sake!” a familiar voice shouted.

“Shut up, Diego. You keep distracting me!”

The dojo came into view and with it the fighting cage. My eyes widened at what I saw.

Savio was inside the cage with Gemma. The girl reached only his chest but moved with a grace and confidence that showed she was used to fighting. It was still an unsettling sight. Savio was scarred and muscled, and this girl tried to land a hit in his side, which he blocked.

“You need to be quicker, Kitty, if you want to hurt me,” he taunted.

Her face turned even redder and she tried a kick between his legs.

Diego, who was clutching the mesh of the cage, shouted, “Gemma! Stop the shit!”

Savio bent down, hoisted her over his shoulder and threw Gemma over his back. She let out a surprised cry when she hung head-down over his shoulder while he held her with one arm over her calves.

“Let me down! Savio!” She wiggled desperately, but Savio had her trapped. She started pounding his thighs with her fists and he turned to us with a grin, completely ignoring Gemma. For a moment, I thought he’d clap her butt because it was typical for Savio, but he didn’t.

“How old is she?” I asked Nino, who led me closer.

“Thirteen, I believe.”

Diego noticed us and glanced from Nino to me, his expression falling slightly. Maybe he remembered our last encounter when he’d suggested I was Savio’s newest conquest. I tried to ignore that he, like Savio and Nino, was only wearing fight shorts. All these naked chests were making me uncomfortable.

He straightened and held out a hand to Nino, shaking hands with him. Then he gave me a small nod. “Mrs. Falcone.”

I stifled a smile.

“What? No ‘nice catch’ comment today?” Savio hollered. Gemma had stopped fighting by now and was trying to keep her head up.

Nino frowned at his brother then glanced between Diego and me.

Diego gave Savio an incredulous look. “Shut up.”

Savio chuckled and finally set Gemma back on her feet. She swayed slightly then narrowed her eyes and shoved his chest, embarrassment unmistakable on her face. “Don’t do that again. I’m not a little kid.”

Savio climbed out of the cage, grabbed a towel and began wiping his chest. “If you say so, Kitty.”

Gemma glowered as she followed him. “Hello,” she mumbled to Nino and me. I wasn’t sure if her face was bright red from exertion or embarrassment. That didn’t make her any less stunning. Despite her tomboy attitude she looked like a doll: long dark hair, olive-green eyes and sweet pout.

“Savio, can you help with Kiara’s training for a while?”

My heart sank. There could only be one reason why Nino wanted Savio around.

Savio glanced at me then shrugged. “Sure.” He flashed Gemma a condescending grin. “Maybe you have a chance against Diego, Kitty?”

Diego scoffed. “As if.”

Gemma made a face at her older brother. “You’re always worried about hurting me, that’s why I’m going to kick your ass.”

Diego nudged her toward the cage and muttered something under his breath.

I followed Nino and Savio toward the boxing ring, trying not to freak out yet. Savio swung himself over the ropes and held them open for me. I climbed through and sent Nino an anxious look.

He shook his head. “I know you don’t like it, Kiara, but we need to make progress. Now more than ever. If you refuse to fight Remo, you’ll have to deal with Savio.”

“Good to know that I’m not your first choice,” Savio said, winking.

I gave him a shaky smile.

“Get in position,” Nino said. I could tell that he wouldn’t back down today.

Swallowing my nerves, I faced Savio. Had he always been this tall and muscled?

“Like what you see?” he asked, stretching out his arms.

My mouth fell open. “I … I didn’t…”

“Check me out? Sure.”

I glanced at Nino for help. He looked slightly amused. “My brother needs a good ass-kicking, maybe you can give it to him.”

“Ready?” Savio asked.

I nodded, but the moment he advanced on me my muscles started freezing up. “Tiny, this is your chance to grab a feel, don’t waste it.”