My heart raced as I faced Enzo, my head bodyguard, in the center of the fighting arena. The familiar feel of the padded floor beneath my feet was a reassuring constant amid the chaos of training. Enzo's voice echoed in my mind: "Stay alert. Focus on your form and anticipate your opponent's moves."

He signaled the start of the sparring session and lunged forward with a series of rapid punches. My reflexes kicked in immediately. I ducked under the first punch, sidestepped the second, and blocked the third with a quick, controlled movement.

"Good, Andrea!" Enzo called out. "Now, counter!"

I pivoted on my heel, grabbing Enzo's arm and using his momentum to throw him off balance. My moves were smooth and practiced. My strikes were precise, targeting key pressure points to subdue him without causing harm.

As Enzo scrambled to regain his footing, I stayed low, my eyes locked on him and ready for his next move. My breath was steady, each action a blend of practiced technique and instinct.

"Keep your balance, stay on your toes," he reminded me. "And remember, control is key."

I adjusted my stance, prepared for the next round. Each movement felt like a dance, each strike and block a testament to my training. The intensity of the combat simulation was high, but I knew it was crucial for staying sharp and prepared for any challenge.

After a few more minutes of sparring, Enzo called it a night. I've been here since 10 PM, and now it's a little past midnight. I've been doing these training sessions every other day since I was 13. If there's one thing I've learned in this world I was adopted into, it's that only the strong survive. No one is safe, especially women. We're treated like toys, objects used for alliances and men's gain.

I trust only two people: my sister, Christina, who's my constant source of support. She helps me get through my toughest times, and I'd do anything to keep her safe. The second is Enzo, our head bodyguard since we were brought into this life. He agreed to train me in secret, without alerting my father or anyone who might report back to him. Enzo has been more of a father figure to me than my own dad ever was.

"I'd say you're strong enough now to take on your dad and brother at once," Enzo remarked. I'd love nothing more than to slit their throats and give them a slow, painful death, but if I did, the entire New York Mafia would be after me. So, I'm just patiently waiting for my opportunity.

Enzo walked me to the corridor outside Christina's and my rooms. As I passed Christina's door, I heard whimpering. I froze and knocked on the door.

"Christina, are you alright?" There was dead silence in response. I immediately sensed something was wrong. I kicked the door open and found the vile Matteo with his hands all over my sister. She had her eyes tightly shut, her hands bound to the bedpost. She was desperately trying to push him off with her legs, but it was futile.

Rage consumed me. I stormed in, seized Matteo by the collar of his shirt, and punched him hard in the nose. He doubled over in pain, clutching his nose as blood poured from it.

"I'll make you pay for that, you bitch. I'll be sure to tell Dad," Matteo sneered, his face inches from mine. His breath reeked of alcohol. He stormed out of the room, and I quickly shut and locked the door behind him.

I grabbed a blanket and went to Christina. Her cheeks were streaked with tears. I untied her hands and wrapped the blanket around her. Her clothes were in tatters on the floor, leaving her in only her underwear.

She collapsed against my chest and sobbed. "I was so scared, Andrea. I opened the door thinking it was you, and he was there. I froze for just a moment, and he took advantage of it." Her voice broke as she tried to explain what had happened.

"Shhh, it's okay, love. I'm here now. I'm so sorry I didn't come sooner." I gently kissed her forehead and tightened my embrace.

"Do you want to take a shower?" I asked. She nodded against my neck.

I led her slowly to the bathroom, filled the tub with hot water, and she eased into it, submerging herself except for her head.

"Can you stay with me tonight?" she asked quietly.

"Of course. I'll stay as long as you need me to." She gave me a soft smile. "I'll just change into some pajamas and be back in the room. Call me if you need anything." She nodded as I went to change into one of Christina's pajamas.

I was reading a book in bed when Christina walked in and slid under the covers. I set the book aside and lay down beside her.

"You'll get in trouble with Dad tomorrow for punching Matteo," she said, her voice cutting through the darkness.

"That's alright. It was worth it just to break his nose," I replied. We both laughed softly. "Don't worry. I can handle Dad's wrath tomorrow. Let's just get some sleep for now."

I kissed her forehead and began humming a song I'd been working on. After about ten minutes, her breathing evened out, signaling that she had fallen asleep. I stopped humming, wrapped my arms around her, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of someone pounding on the door. I blinked awake, still holding Christina close. She stirred slightly but remained asleep. I carefully slipped out of bed and opened the door to find Enzo standing there, a concerned look on his face.

"Is everything alright?" he asked softly.

"Matteo tried to assault Christina last night," I explained quietly. "I'm not sure how much Dad knows yet, but I'm expecting trouble."

Enzo's expression turned grim. He stepped into the room and approached Christina, who was still waking up. "How are you feeling?" he asked gently.

Christina looked at him with a mix of fear and relief. "I'm... better now. Thank you for being here."

Enzo gave Christina a reassuring pat on the back. "We need to be prepared for the worst. You broke the nose of the next leader of the New York Mafia," he warned us.

With that, Enzo left, having been summoned by Dad. I quickly changed into a crop top, jeans, and a jacket, while Christina opted for jeans and a turtleneck t-shirt. We both settled on the bed, waiting for the inevitable summons from Dad.