What on earth has gotten into me? Fuck. I don't bring girls home for fucking family dinner. I grumble towards myself as I walk inside the kitchen to see that Karma is already seated next to my mother. Why do I have a feeling they're both going to enjoy this at my expense?

My dad is at the head of the table smiling like he's having the time of his fucking life, ushering me to sit closest to him opposite of my mother and Karma. Next to me are Micah and Marty. Next to her, Sonny. After that, the chairs followed are filled by almost everyone else working at the mansion. I don't like this seat layout one bit. Sonny and my mom are way too close to her and I'm sitting too far away with grumpy and my old man next to me. I'm fucked.

My mom seems to be in an especially good mood tonight. I'm not sure if it's because for the first time in a long time almost everyone's eating dinner together, or because Karma's here. She stands up and places multiple plates of food in the center of the table, picking up my father's plate and giving him a large portion before motioning to the others to help themselves. My nose immediately catches the smell of freshly made empanadas making my stomach turn once again. Urgh, I need to remind myself not to eat that much sweet stuff ever again. I lean back in my chair putting as much distance between me and the scent of food as possible without being rude to my mother.

Everyone except for Karma starts to pile their plates with food. As they dig in scorching their meal down their throats in a hurry Karma studies all of us in silence. She already thought of us as a bunch of cavemen, our family dinners probably won't help to alter her point of view. I chuckle as the men begin to talk among themselves in hushed tones while eating while Karma looks around the whole table in utter astonishment before her eyes eventually land on me. I give her a wry smile. Less fancy than you expected? I ask her in my mind, as if she heard me she shakes her head a little with a smile before helping herself to a few empanadas. I keep my eyes glued on her, watching her movements until my mother's voice breaks the silence.

'Luca. Since you aren't eating, would you mind fetching a couple of bottles of wine from the cellar?'

I look up at her, not missing the mischievous tone that lingers in her voice. Mamá, please... I plead her with my eyes, knowing that she's going to tell every embarrassing story in the book while I'm out of sight. Her eyes only seem to sparkle more as she ushers with her hands for me to leave and says.

'Off you go. Hurry, before everyone's finished eating.'

Damn. Reluctantly I shove my chair back ignoring the wave of nausea that washes over me as I stand up and nod at her, biting my lower lip. Karma smirks twirling her fork in her hand obviously amused by the situation.

'Alright, goddammit.'

I mutter and stalk out of the kitchen. Once I'm around the corner I dart to the basement as fast as possible, hearing the chipper voice of my mother echo through the hall. The quicker the better! I turn on the lights and look over the racks, this one. I bend down to pick up one of the bottles but again my stomach turns in knots nearly making me throw up. Shit, I feel sick as fuck! I grunt, quickly grabbing the bottle before standing back up and taking a few deep breaths to calm my nausea. I look around and grab some other bottles before heading back upstairs. Karma's laughter rings through the hallway and my heartbeat quickens instantly at the sound of it. Why don't you laugh like that whenever you're with me? My chest tightens thinking that. I wanna hear that beautiful sound more. I quicken my pace, determent to know what made her laugh like that. Once I enter the kitchen my arms filled with several bottles my mother's attention turns to me.

'Finally, what took you so long?'

She stands up as I walk over to her and she takes the bottles one by one out of my arms, while Karma turns in my direction as she snickers.

'Did you seriously almost drown yourself in a pool the first time you drank alcohol?'

I almost drop the last bottle of wine that's clamped between my arm and chest as my eyes fly over to my mother.

'You told her that?!'

I shout, making my dad and the others immediately burst out in laughter.

'Actually, your father did.'

She says as if I've just accused her of a fatal crime. My eyes glance over to my father who has continued eating with his eyes closed as if nothing's wrong. Old bastard. I walk back to my chair and let myself fall back down on it, but before I can snarl a comment at him my mother continues.

'The only thing I told her about is your eternal love for Aria.'

'Mamá!'

I see Karma's face cloud over slightly while she casts her eyes down to her plate, her fork playing mindlessly with a piece of food from one of the side dishes. Stunned to silence I look at my mother who's pouring all of us a glass of wine without a care in the world. What on earth did you do, mamá? The boys are all trying to stifle their laughter. Even Micah, Sonny, and Marty seem to find it entertaining. My dad looks up at me shrugging his shoulders as he says in a low voice.

'We could've done worse.'

'Are you serious right now?!'

I glare at both of them before I turn my attention to Karma whose eyes are still glued to the food like it's the most interesting thing she's ever seen. I lean in a little as I drag my hands through my hair in frustration.

'Okay, listen. I'm damn sure they twisted this whole damn thing. I died nearly in a pool because of a damn hazing. They dared me to steal my father's favorite liquor and drink it at his favorite spot in the house because I'm supposed to be my father's successor.'

Micah bursts out in laughter tears rolling down his face remembering that particular evening. I give him a hard kick underneath the table and snap, stop it! But I end up only making it worse. Karma still isn't looking at me and frustration gets the better of me when even my father and mother start chuckling. Stop laughing about it for fuck's sake! Raging I stand up making my chair fall over as I lean towards Karma and grumble.

'I fell asleep in my dad's lounge chair with the empty bottle in hand. Then my lovely father over here found me and dropped my ass in the pool while I was still asleep. So technically it might be more appropriate to say my old man nearly drowned my drunk ass!'

My father's laughter echoes through the kitchen and everyone else quickly chimes in, but I pay them no mind and keep my eyes trained on Karma instead. Finally, she slowly looks up and I can see her shoulders shaking slightly, one of her hands clasped over her mouth. I see a watery glimmer in her eyes but it's nothing like before, now she's almost crying from holding back her laughter. When our eyes lock she can't hold back anymore and she burst out laughing, seeing her laugh so wholeheartedly makes me feel slightly relieved. I stand back upright and drag my hands through my hair until I feel another wave of nausea flush over me and I clamp my stomach slightly, not now. Karma doesn't miss it either and laughs even harder as I grumble.

'Now you're laughing? You little sadist.'

'A-Are you, gheh-haha, alright?*

I buckle a little trying to keep myself together glaring at her. No, as my maid this afternoon you should've stopped me from making the huge mistake of eating so much sugar. I clutch my stomach even harder in order to suppress the storm cooking inside of me, oh fuck! I bolt through the door trying to make it to the toilet in time while I shout.

'Dammit! I think ... all that sweet stuff ... gave me fucking food poisoning!'

***
Mama's P.O.V.

Luca speeds out of the kitchen shouting while the whole table dies from laughter. Karma especially, who is clutching her stomach so hard I'm almost afraid her fingers will draw blood. I can't help but smile softly while I pour myself some wine. It's been a while since I've heard everyone laugh so hard. Slowly the laughter starts to die down at the table and I turn to Karma and ask curiously.

'How much did he eat, exactly? I know my son, Dios mio, he sure can hold his food.'

'Well... I think he went to almost the entire menu, excluding the full dinners he, smartly so, avoided ...about thirty-some dishes? Mostly sweet ones.'

My mouth drops utterly stunned and Rocco who's next to me accidentally drops his fork in shock. The others seem to be taken aback as well since all the noise at the table dies down and none of us seem able to utter a response. Niño, you really did that? I drop to my chair never breaking my eye contact with Karma, she seems to notice our bewilderment and asks quietly.

'I know that it is an awful lot ...but is something wrong?'

Rocco's low rumble of laughter rings in my ears and I can't help but smile a little as well. For him to go so far... I look back up at Karma motioning her to come with me and walk to one of the cabinets that hold all kinds of medicines as I tell her.

'Luca can't hold his sugar well, Cher. He isn't diabetic or anything like that. Sugar is more like ...a poison for his body. Mostly desserts, he avoids like it's the plague because he can only have a few bites before he starts feeling sick.'

'What?! But he ate so many...'

'The talk he wanted to have with you must've been very important to him if he went through such lengths.'

I whisper to her so no one else can hear as I grab a pack of medication and a bottle of water from the fridge. I mix them together, then hand it to Karma who's looking at me a little dazed.

'Can you go check on him? This medicine will help, he must've been feeling awful for hours now.'

She nods rapidly and asks me where she can find him. After I tell her the way she speeds out of the kitchen bottle in hand, worry written on her face. I like her already, she's different...

***
Luca's P.O.V.

I splash my face with cold water, grabbing a towel next to me as I try to regain my composure. While drying myself off I walk to the laundry room connected to the bathroom. I throw the towel into a bin and start to take off my shirt which is covered in a cold sweat. So those sweets were a fucked up idea... I grumble as I suddenly hear someone knock on the bathroom door and I mutter.

'Who is it?'

'Karma.'

She says opening the door, peeking inside to see if the coast is clear before slowly stepping inside. Once she notices I'm half undressed she halts for a second, her eyes glued on my upper body.

'What? Wanna help out?'

'N-No! Your mother told me to bring you this medicine.'

She says walking a little closer holding out a bottle to me, not that stuff again. I grimace slightly at I as I pull my shirt off completely and throw it in the laundry bin.

'No thanks, I'm fine now.'

I groan while taking off my jeans as well. I notice her gulp as her eyes follow my every movement. I like that look in your eyes. I smirk and throw my pants in the laundry as well. Almost makes all that sugar worth it. I grab a clean pair of gray sweatpants and put them on quickly as I decide not to bother putting on a new shirt. I like seeing you sexually frustrated, not knowing where to look even though the lust in your eyes is plainly obvious. Karma clears her throat, remembering our conversation as she stammers annoyed looking everywhere around the room except at me.

'Y-Yeah right! What kind of idiot are you anyway?! Why would you eat so much sugar if it makes you sick?!'

She takes another small step motioning for me to take the bottle without looking at me. So mom told you about that, huh... After darting off the way I did it was to be expected. She taps her foot losing patience but I can see a hint of worry lingering in her eyes.

'I already told you, I wanted to talk.'

'You made yourself squeamish only so you could speak with me?'

Her face twists a little as she looks down with a hint of guilt lingering in her eyes. I take a step toward her and brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear, don't make that face.

'If I drink that bitter stuff, will you feel better?'

I ask as I take the bottle out of her hands. She lifts her head a little, her eyes gliding over my body slowly before making sure I drink some. I twist off the cap and gulp some of it down as quickly as possible. Damn, why can't they make medicine that tastes better? I shudder. After she sees I empty half of it she speaks up again.

'Don't do something stupid like that again, alright?'

'Sweetheart, if it means I get to know you better I'd do it again in a heartbeat.'

I whisper and see her cheeks flush slightly. Seeing these rare moments from her makes me look at her in awe, she's bloody gorgeous.

'Don't. I'm not worth getting sick over, Luca.'

She whispers sadly. I peer down into her eyes wondering what's still bothering her. Her eyes find mine and they stare at me a little uncertain. I use my fingers to turn her chin up so she's looking at me properly, my fingers still lingering on her skin ushering her to speak up. Tell me. Eventually, she opens her mouth and whispers softly.

'Who's ...Aria?'

Shit, I almost forgot about that! My fingers stop for a split second before wandering down her arm. I smile a little and grab her hand as I say.

'I don't know what my mother told you about Aria, but I think you're way off the mark.'

I grab her hand tightly not giving her a chance to reply or drawback and drag her along with me. We leave the bathroom and walk up the stairs to my room, she follows me quietly but the palm of her hand I'm still holding feels a little clammy. She probably has no idea what is coming. I tighten my grip having no intention of letting her go, she flinches a little in surprise but doesn't pull back. Good girl. Her hand feels slightly rough to the touch, probably from all the fighting she does but it doesn't bother me at all. On contrary, it fits perfectly in mine. I like that.
I open the door and stroll inside, her eyes scan the place as I take her to the back when I hear her mumble.

'You have an entire floor to yourself?'

I shrug my shoulders as I take her to a small living room and stop in front of the couch turning back to her.

'Close your eyes for a little bit, promise not to look.'

She looks at me a bit skeptical for a second before she does as I tell her. You're surprisingly obedient today. I smile as she covers her eyes with her hands and says.

'Alright, so what now?'

'Gimme a sec, don't peek!

'I won't. So hurry up for fuck's sake.'

I tiptoe to the door on my left and open the door as quietly as possible, I put a finger against my mouth telling Aria to behave and be quiet. Together with her I sneak back to the old couch and lay down with her on top of me. Karma stands in front of me impatiently waiting with her eyes still closed, for a second I just watch her twist and turn in front of me before I speak up smiling.

'Alright, you can look.'

She lets her hands fall to her sides and as her eyes flutter open they need a second to adjust before she looks down to where I'm laying with Aria. That's right. No need to be jealous, sweetheart. I think as I look back up at her with a big smile on my face and her eyes light up in surprise.

'T-That's ...Aria?'

I nod to her as I rub between Aria's ears. Pleased by my attention she gives a small bark while Karma watches us flabbergasted.

'She... Your mother did this on purpose, didn't she?'

I sit up straight with Aria on my lap and chuckle softly.

'She sure did, she probably heard your exclamation in the garden earlier when you said you wanted to know me. She most likely did it to test you.'

'You make it sound like I'm on trial for becoming your fucking wife!'

She snaps irritated, though her cheeks quickly turn lightly pink when her brain registers what she just said. Still standing in front of me she hides her nervous hands behind her back and adverts eye contact by looking down at Aria.

'Do you like dogs?'

'Is that ball of fur even considered a dog?'

She asks giggling clearly making fun of me for having a tiny pooch as a pet. I tap the spot next to me and mutter.

'Quit making fun and sit down already.'

Quickly she shakes her head as she stammers in a defensive tone.

'H-Hell no, I'm going back downstairs. The last thing I want is your family getting the wrong idea and since we're up here together, alone, I'm already setting myself up for bloody failure!'

'Alright let's go then.'

I tell her with a smirk as I set Aria down on the floor and stand up straight, closing the distance between us. Instantly she swallows while averting her gaze from me. At times like these, you look like a deer caught in the headlights of a speeding car. Something that's very contradicting with her usual strong personality. It only makes me want to tease you more, so don't. Again I tug a strand of hair that's loosened from her messy bun behind her ear. A part of me also wonders why you look like that whenever I'm near like this. Her eyes glisten with doubt not sure what she should do. Without saying more I gently grab her hand as we leave the room together, Aria following behind us.

Enjoying the feel of her hand in mine as we walk I can't help but think this was my mother's intention all along. I'll never understand what goes through my mother's head. She rarely intervenes in our daily lives, but whenever she does crazy things will most likely happen. Though it always seems to end well, even though sometimes I question her methods. I smile to myself as we head down the stairs and I tell Karma in a quiet tone.

'I think she likes you. You might not expect it but my mother is a very clear and strict person. Either she likes someone or she doesn't. There is no in-between. Usually, she ends up throwing girls out swearing at them in Spanish.'

'Maybe that's because I'm not some drunk slut who comes stumbling out of your bedroom?'

She says with a bad taste in her mouth. I'm not going to lie and say there haven't been many girls in my bed, because there were plenty.

'Interesting point.'

I answer curtly. She quirks an eyebrow when I don't deny it and redraws her hand from mine. I let her do so without objection and mutter while looking over my shoulder at her.

'I can, but choose, not to hide my past from you. You are the one who has to decide how to deal with it.
I am serious about getting to know you and I know that if I want to earn your trust I need to be honest as well, so I'm doing just that.'

She slows her step and eventually comes to a halt, standing opposite of me, biting her lip and going over the words in her head once more before looking up at me as she asks talking slowly.

'Aren't you worried ...about exposing yourself to me?
Only tonight I found out a few of your weakest points, your mother and Aria. Aren't you afraid ...that if I turn against you, your honesty will come back to bite you?'

I can tell she isn't only talking about me, she herself afraid to open up. You worry too much. One corner of my mouth curls slightly thinking that and I step closer, looking her straight in the eyes as I say.

'No, I'm not.
Because I think you wouldn't, you are different Karma. I will tell you as many times as it takes. I always follow my gut feeling and yes, sometimes doing that bites you in the ass. Everything comes with a price, I strongly believe in that. But I also believe it's better to live and make mistakes than not being alive at all.'

She nods slowly, processing everything I've just said. The word trust isn't in your vocabulary at all, is it? My heart is yearning to know what happened to her to make her lose confidence in people so much. I know rushing you for answers won't solve anything. But at the same time, my heart is crying for her.

'Oh and if you ever want to cross me, it's better to go after Aria. She'll probably bite but I'm not sure even you'd survive my mother.'

I laugh thinking about the few times I've seen my mother mad, truly mad. Karma on the other end seems to find my comment on Aria more entertaining and mumbles reminiscing.

'Ever since the streets, I've learned that the little ones were demon spouses. On the contrary to most people, I find larger dogs better in their behavior.'

She looks down at the little bundle of fur and points her finger accusingly as she says.

'Better remember this little demon. If you ever bite me, I'll shave off all your cuteness.'

Aria barks as if she's defending herself while I laugh at her empty threat.

'That's all? The big boxing champion "Karma Smokin' Stone" will shave my dog if she gets bitten?'

'Only because you like to cuddle with her at night. For now, you're still in my good books. I wouldn't want "Lashing Luca Whitfield" to get cold at night.'

'How do you know that name?'

She lifts an eyebrow slightly amused while she mutters.

'I have my resources.'

She wiggles her eyebrows playfully, clearly mocking me. I roll my eyes in response, knowing it was probably someone at dinner who told her while I was away.

'Oh, and if I were to go after you, I can always drown her in her own water bowl. She isn't much of a challenge in that department.'

'Don't even think about it.'

I chuckle at her bright imagination. Aria looks at us with her head cocked sideways and barks once more for attention.

'I chose a small dog because I'm away a lot and this way my mother doesn't have to pay much attention to her needs. Our garden has enough space for Aria to walk around in. But don't underestimate her, she's well trained. See for yourself.'

I turn to Aria and lift a finger, she immediately sits down watching me intently before I tell her.

'Aria, go bite Micah in his leg.'

She barks once and immediately darts off to the kitchen. Karma stares at me her mouth agape as if she wants to ask me, why I'd order her something like that. I shrug my shoulders and say.

'He shouldn't have laughed about the pool incident. He was supposed to watch my dad, but he fell asleep so he's partly the reason I ended up nearly drowning.'

She shakes her head with a smile and snorts we're just a bunch of kids. Again, I shrug my shoulders not denying her words. Micah and I grew up together, were like brothers.

'Come on, hurry. This will be fun.'

I grin at her and sprint off to the kitchen. Karma instantly follows, running after me.

'AARGH!!! GODDAMMIT ...ARIA!'

The both of us burst out laughing running through the door to see Micah shaking his leg trying to get Aria off him. Karma and I collapse into each other laughing loudly as the others are just trying to understand what's happening. When I catch my breath a little I chuckle at Aria.

'Hehe, good girl. You can let go now.'

Immediately she lets go of Micah and he throws his arms in the air out of despair making Karma and me laugh even harder. We hold onto each other laughing loudly as Aria strolls back to us.

'Luca! Why me, goddammit?! I didn't say anything about your bloody dog to Karma!'

Micah sputters annoyed while Karma and I try to calm down. Once we both catch our breath Karma seems to remember what position she's in with me, as she's still clinging to my arms for support. She jumps back like a frightened cat but I only smile at her sudden reaction as I turn to Micah and snort.

'Well, I'm not in the mood to mess with my old man at the moment. As for mamá... You know I'd never go there. So you were the only one left.'

'But I didn't even say anything!'

He whines as he grabs his calf rubbing it a couple of times. You baby. I snort as I see some little tares in his jeans but no blood.

'Stop whining already. I didn't order her to bite hard, she didn't even draw blood.'

'Luca, keep that demon on a leach!'

'Heheh... See, I told you the little ones were demon spouses!'

Karma chuckles toward me and Micah lifts an eyebrow in surprise while he mutters.

'At least you can see Aria for what she truly is, maybe there's hope for you after all...'

'Now you're on the same page, seriously?!'

'We're not!'

They both yell at the same time. The instant they notice they said that in unison they both look aside annoyed, while Micah grumbles.

'If she bites me one more time I'll shove my gun down her throat, no matter how mad you'll be!'

'Yeah, that's only the twentieth time you said that? It's punishment for making fun of me.'

I chuckle as I walk toward him and push his shoulder. He smiles defeated and gives me a short hug. You're my bloody annoying best friend, remember? Karma looks at us quizzically as she walks back to her chair. Micah and I also sit back down while Aria lays down underneath my chair making herself comfortable as my mother speaks up in a mischievous tone addressing Karma.

'So... I see you've met Aria.'

Karma laughs with an ironic tone lingering in her voice as she turns to my mother and says.

'No matter what way I go about it, I imagined her to be ...bigger.'

My mother and father chuckle softly at her remark and before Micah can join them I've already kicked him underneath the table.

'Ow! Luca?!'

'Again, you're the only one I can go up against for the moment.'

'In that case, I'm done. I've finished eating anyway, I have to get back to work...'

He mutters annoyed as he stands up, most of the other men stand up as well leaving instantly. Before Micah can walk out I pull him close giving him a few orders making sure Karma doesn't overhear while she continues talking with my mother. He shoves his hand in his pocket and receives a tiny piece of paper, carefully folded, and gives it to me. I open it cautiously and see a tiny microchip inside. Careful not to break it I fold it back and nod at Micah in thanks before he walks off. Leaving only Karma, my mom, dad, Sonny, Marty, and me at the table. I grab one of the bottles of wine, pouring myself some under the scrutinizing gaze of my mother.

'Are you sure that's a good idea right now, Luca?'

I snort at her waving my hand as I take a sip before answering.

'I've thrown up the complete content of my stomach already. As long as it doesn't include a shit load of sugar, I'll be fine.'

She shakes her head with a smile as she stands up and starts to gather all of the empty plates. Karma follows her lead, gathering all the eating utensils. But my mother tries to stop her quickly telling her she should sit down because she's a guest. Karma ignores her protesting and keeps going as she says.

'It's a habit, I don't mind. I've often worked in bars in between cities while I was fighting and I believe that you have to show gratitude to the people who've fed your mouth.'

My mother drops the subject, seeing there is no room for objection in Karma's words while my father watches her with utmost interest as they both walk over to the sink. I watch her figure as she bends down to put the plates in the dishwasher, her butt perfectly positioned in my view. You have no idea how mad you're driving me. I smirk and rub my cross trying to relieve the pressure that's slowly building down there. Without even looking behind her my mother mumbles.

'Can you two bring what's left of the dishes, instead of drooling at our behinds?'

Sonny and Marty chuckle softly to themselves as Karma's eyes dart over her shoulder, while I avert my eyes looking at my dad. He shrugs his shoulders smirking at me, not feeling the slightest bit guilty for checking out my mother in front of me before he stands up to gather some of the glasses. I collect some dishes as well and walk over to the dishwasher feeling Karma's glare on me as I walk closer to her. Without saying anything I bend over putting some wine glasses into the top rack and a large bowl on the bottom one. I can feel her gaze glued to my bare back and I can't help but grin. You're so full of it, scowling at me for checking you out while you're doing the exact same thing. I snap my head in her direction grinning widely making her almost jump back against my mother, but she stops herself midway trying not to show how rattled she actually is. Instead, her feet are glued to the floor as she bites her lip in frustration knowing I just caught her gawking at me too. It's not like I mind it. I wink playfully at her as I get back up and stroll past her back to my seat. Karma stays at the counter helping my mother while my dad drags a cloth over the dining table before sitting back down as well. He picks up a newspaper and flips through it mindlessly while I take a sip of my wine listening to Karma and my mother making small talk.

'Did you enjoy the food, Cher?'

'Oh yes, it's one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Even though it's not good for my diet I really enjoyed it, thanks.'

'Oh mío, I didn't even think about that. Empanadas are probably not something that goes hand in hand with a fighter's diet, is it?'

Marty and Sonny are working on their laptops, and going through some paperwork. At times I see Marty look up, slightly studying Karma from the corner of his eye while she continues to speak with my mother.

'My roommate always jokes that I'm living like a rabbit on nothing more than vegetables, but I can eat quite a lot actually. Or maybe it's just that I'm used to living like this, I don't know.'

My mother chuckles and asks her what kind of stuff she can eat while she's training, I'm quite interested in that myself so I quirk my ears in order to hear them better. She turns to my mother and starts casually naming some stuff, lifting her fingers one by one so she can count.

'I do mostly eat vegetables and fruits, that much is true. Poultry, red meats, eggs, oily fish, whole grains, unsweetened dairy, nuts, and seeds. Such are good for my system because they include many proteins and vitamins. I eat pasta or rice at least twice a week, but I'll go for the whole-grain version if I can, which I do find less appetizing but it's better than not eating them at all. Potatoes and bread, on the other hand, are the things I try to avoid as much as possible...'

My mother's face flushes a bit once she notices next to nothing Karma names was in today's meal even though there is quite a lot she can actually eat.

'It's alright, really. I treat myself every once in a while and it was good, so I don't mind that I have to hold back for a few days now.'

'You have a pretty strict schedule...'

My mother mumbles and Karma's lip curls a little in irony but she doesn't comment. Since she has lived on the streets, she probably has had it way worse. When they're finished with the dishes Karma walks back to the table and sits back down on her chair. My eyes follow her figure, while she looks around a little, avoiding my gaze. When she takes a sip of her coffee my father puts down the paper a little looking in her direction as he speaks up in a monotone voice.

'Just to please my curiosity. How many hours do you train, exactly?'

Karma puts her empty mug down and looks at my father a little skeptical as she answers.

'Normally? About six hours a day, minimum.'

My father's eyes grow large, clearly not expecting that amount of commitment from her just so she could box. I, on the other hand, am not surprised at all. After spending some time with her I know she's the kind of person that strives to be on top, no matter what it takes to get there. She would work herself to the bone if she had to... I both love and hate this perseverance in her. It makes her more interesting but it's also worrisome. My face twists a little as certain memories float to the surface, in order to not show it I empty my glass of wine at once. It's worrying me because I know what road it can lead to. I get up and walk to the counter, not following the conversation between them any longer. 

Trying to shake my negative thoughts I grab a bottle of Jack from one of the racks and a glass. I put in some ice while my mother eyes me a little worried when I fill it to the rim and take a big gulp of the golden liquid. She knows there's only one thing that makes me stiffen up like this. I shake my head slightly in a plea for her not to bring it up aloud right now. A little reluctant she shakes her head and walks back to her seat and I turn around leaning against the counter, gazing in their direction as I take another sip. She used to be ...me. I used to be a person who would work himself to the bone. Hell, I'd used to kill someone without blinking if I deemed it necessary. Reckless or not, I did what needed to be done and I didn't care about the consequences, or at least I thought so... The problem with having a lifestyle like that is that death always seems to follow you around, and eventually ...it'll catch up. Even though we don't live the exact same lifestyle I see a lot of my former self in Karma, which is what worries me.

'Maybe I should hire you as a personal trainer for my men.'

I hear my dad mumble and I let out a snort of laughter as I answer.

'Papá, will you quit bothering her already? Besides, most of our men would probably take a hike if you'd try to force them into such a tight training schedule.'

Marty, Sonny, and even my mother stifle a laugh while my dad turns to me looking more serious.

'The men need more discipline, especially since...'

'Since what?!
And since when do we discuss business when there are outsiders here?'

I grumble irritated while Karma's eyes study me intently. My dad clamps his mouth shut, his eyes blazing at me for cutting him short. Too bad old man. You know we don't talk about this subject, ever! I keep my eyes trained on my father as I tell him through gritted teeth.

'I've got my men under control just fine. Your idea would never work anyway, for the exact same reason Karma hates our guts. We don't depend on fighting with physical strength, we use firearms. So there's no reason to work them to exhaustion with physical training.'

'Then why did you bring her to our house if it's not to discuss business?'

My father blusters at me. I know he wouldn't be too fond of having her here, but I don't give a damn and growl back at him.

'I told you I'd take care of it, didn't I?! The way I go about it is none of your concern!'

Before my father can continue, Karma kicks her chair back as she stands up slamming her hands on the table as she snaps toward the both of us.

'I'm still in the fucking room, you know! How dare both of you to talk about me like I'm some kind of dangerous tool instead of a bloody human being!'

My mother's eyes grow wide in astonishment, as does my father's. I, however, feel like shit. Knowing I just took ten steps backward with her I eye her warily. She sniffs at my apologetic look and turns to look at my father instead while she huffs.

'The reason I came here was that Luca wanted to talk to me about something that happened the other week. If you want to know what we discussed so badly, why don't you ask him to write you a report on it later?! I'm sure he'll be delighted to.'

She spits the last part glaring in my direction. With just a few words between me and my dad, we managed to light the fire of her hatred against us once again. Dammit.

'Karma, it's not like that~'

I try to interrupt, but she cuts me off immediately and snarls.

'Oh, shut it! I already know you guys consider me as just another job!'

Scratch that, it's more like fifty steps backward. She spits the words like venom at me before returning her attention back to my father.

'Rocco you are the one who keeps talking about "business". Well, guess what? You can only do business when both parties are interested, so don't you dare try to force me into something. If you want to be in my good graces so badly, which won't likely happen anyway, since you're going about it the wrong fucking way ...stop pressuring me!'

Marty and Sonny have both laid down their work and are studying the situation intently, ready to step in at any moment. How did things turn sour so quickly anyway? I ask myself while my eyes stay glued on Karma. She has the guts to go up against my father in his own house, I'll give her that. The corner of my mouth curls up, only a little, but luckily only my mother seems to be the one to notice it. I shrug my shoulders at her, but my attention gets drawn away from her when I see my father rise from his chair. Bad news.

'Little lady, you should worry about being in my good graces, not the other way around. Don't forget that you are in my house!'

My father's voice echoes throughout the house, but Karma doesn't even blink. Which strangely enough I find very arousing. They're both about to burst from frustration or anger and I'm not the only one to see it, everyone else does too. From the corner of my eye, I can see several of my father's men already gathered at the entry of the kitchen waiting anxiously for orders to step in. Damn! My father already has his hand on his gun behind his back, even though I don't think he'll actually use it on her it makes me more anxious than I'm willing to admit. Without my brain even registering it my body acts on its own and I fly across the table, standing before Karma blocking her body from my father while my hand rests on my own holster. Ready to draw at any second as I swear in a cold voice.

'Enough old man. She came here voluntarily to talk to me and have dinner!
We made a deal. I would keep an eye on her behavior, but that doesn't mean she's a damn prisoner! In exchange, you would leave her be and stop trying to recruit her.'

My dad grabs his gun and points it in my direction while he spits in anger.

'You are willing to turn against your own father, for this?!'

Before he finishes his sentence I've already pointed my own gun in his direction as well. Fuck! I can't see Karma's reaction since I'm blocking her behind me, but I can feel the distress of everyone else. Marty, Sonny, and the other men are also standing with their hands on their holsters unsure what to do. It's been a long time since my dad and I couldn't see eye to eye.

'If you don't keep up your word, then yes!
Because the Rocco Whitfield I know, my father, always keeps his word!'

Both at gunpoint with a loaded gun and a finger on the trigger a deathly silence falls over the kitchen. My dad's eyes waver slightly underneath my stern look. My words seem to have struck a cord. But before he can open his mouth, a loud crashing sound of glass breaking along with my mother's raging voice echoing throughout the entire house distracting us both.

'GILIPOLLAS!!!'

Okay, now I'm in real deep shit! Instantly I cringe, as does everyone else in the room while we all slowly turn our heads in her direction. My mother is standing looking over my father and me, fuming. She's holding the top half of a broken wine bottle in one of her hands. Next to her lay the other pieces scattered around the floor, red drops of wine dripping down from the wall next to her from where she smashed it to pieces. Shit.

'Dear...'

My father speaks up trying to calm her down as he lowers his gun.

'Don't give me that, los cojones! What do you think you're doing?! Tonto del culo!
How dare you, mi querido esposo, el jefe, pointing a gun at my son?! Mi niño?!'

My mother fumes at him. Whenever she's truly mad her mishmash of English and Spanish is a dead giveaway. Before my father can even utter a response a loud hollow smack echoes across the kitchen as my mother's hand makes contact with my father's cheek. Right after she has slapped him she turns her attention to me. At this point, I've long lowered my gun. Too scared to look my mother right in the eyes I glance down waiting for my her rampage, but this time directed at me.

'Mierda, Luca! What am I going to do with you? La hostia!
Pendejo, you can't go and point a gun a tu padre! '

A sharp pain instantly hits my cheek as soon as the words leave her mouth. Damn! My father and I both rub our red-stained cheeks standing next to each other as we apologize to my mother in unison. She turns her attention to everyone standing around us as she snaps addressing all of us except for Karma.

'You don't pull weapons against your familia! If anyone of you ever pulls something like this again, you'll have to answer to me, entiendes?!'

Everyone including me and my father bows their heads for my mother, pure shame written over all of our faces. She takes a deep breath and smiles, straightening up. The other men leave the kitchen continuing their duties as my mother turns to my father and me once more and mutters pointing at the glass that's scattered everywhere.

'Now the both of you, make up and clean up this mess together. Comprender?'

Respect for my mother goes above all. Even my father doesn't dare to talk back against her when she's mad, so the both of us utter a quick 'Si' and we both walk away to get some cleaning supplies from the closet. While we're doing that my mother turns her attention to Karma who's been awfully silent the entire time. I take a quick glance at her and see she's still looking around in utter astonishment. My mother looks at her apologetically as she speaks up.

'I'm sorry for my behavior just now, as well as for that of my husband and son.'

With those words, Karma seems to be pulled out of her daze and her eyes slowly land on my mother as she shakes her head slightly.

'No... Erm, I suppose this was my fault as well. Sorry for making such a ruckus in your kitchen.'

'Don't apologize, you had every right to stand up for yourself darling. It's those idiotas, they should've never behaved like that in front of you.'

She says in a stern voice pointing to where my father and I are gathering all of the broken pieces of glass that are scattered around the kitchen. My father grumbles to himself ever so softly so my mother can't hear him, probably annoyed by the fact that Karma sees him on his hands and knees cleaning up the mess my mom made. Even though he'll never admit it aloud, we all know that the only way to get to my father is to get to my mother, or his family for that matter. It's his only weak point.

'It's fine ...really.'

Karma mutters as I wipe the wall clean with an old cloth. My mother clasps her hands around Karma's in thanks while my dad takes away a bucket filled with broken glass pieces and I rinse the cloth with some water before throwing it aside. When we're finally done we walk back to Karma and my mother, who looks over us satisfied and gives us a short nod after we've apologized to her once again. Karma clears her throat a little in order to get our attention before speaking up.

'I think I've overstayed my welcome, it's time I should leave.'

My mother nods sadly, understanding that under the circumstances it would only make Karma more uncomfortable if she were to stay any longer.

'Do you want me to drive you home?'

I ask her a little warily, knowing she hasn't forgiven me for talking about her like she's some kind of object, once again. She shakes her head saying she'll jog home so she'll at least get some more training done for the day even though I know it's just an excuse to get away from me. My mother asks me to see Karma off at the door before apologizing to her once more for what happened tonight. Karma smiles back at her before turning around and heading for the door with me close behind until my father speaks up.

'Karma.'

We both stop in our tracks and turn back to them to see my father walk up to Karma and stick out his hand to shake as he says.

'I'm sorry for putting you on the spot, my son is right. I made a deal and I will keep my word. As long as Luca watches over you I won't bother you any longer, you're free to come and go here whenever you see fit.'

A little apprehensive Karma shakes my father's hand while she murmurs taken aback.

'Are you sure? You won't bother me any longer about working for you?'

My father smiles softly as he lets go of Karma's hand and tells her.

'Yes, I'm sure. My son had the balls to point a gun at me to prove his point, and he was right. If he's willing to do that, there's no doubt in my mind he'll do anything in his power to keep this situation under control. The same goes for you, little lady. You probably didn't notice it at the moment but you've earned the respect of all of the people in this house by standing up to me the way you did.'

'It's not like I did it for that particular reason...'

Karma huffs a little uncomfortable making my mother giggle softly.

'That may be true, but nevertheless, that's what happened. Most of my men don't even dare to go against me, so for a woman to stand up to me like that... You've earned your respect. I'm sure my wife thinks the same since my son and I were the ones who got yelled at.'

'Yeah, I suppose that was a change of pace for you all...'

Once the words slip from her mouth she quickly clasps a hand over her lips to shut herself up. My father and mother cock their heads slightly, wondering what she meant by that. "You just can't shut your mouth, can you?" I whisper to her chuckling. A small smile forms on her lips as she turns to my parents and tries to explain herself.

'Luca, erm... He told me earlier that he had a feeling that you like me, as a girl in general I mean, since erm...'

'Bloody hell, don't drag it out as if I've committed some major crime. Mamá, I told her that you usually end up throwing girls out of here swearing in Spanish.'

'Mierda, Luca. Now, what will she think of me pendejo!'

My mother utters appalled, to which my father can't seem to contain his laughter any longer, and chuckles loudly.

'Hahaha! So that's what you meant. Well, I guess your right. Maybe it's a sign that things are changing around here.'

My father winks at the both of us as they see us off. Quietly Karma and I walk to the front of the house together. Some of the men are eyeing her up carefully after what happened just now, not sure how to behave around her anymore. You managed to rattle the whole damn place in a few hours, the sly little fox that you are. I think to myself as my eyes follow her figure walking in front of me.

After what my father just said I'm pretty sure he was just trying to test the both of us, though he probably didn't indicate my mother going on a rampage. I made you mad as well, didn't I? I bite my lip unsure what to say to Karma to fix this. Again I made it sound like you were just some kind of job to me... I sigh unconsciously which seems to draw her attention. She slows her step a little and starts to walk next to me looking over for a second before speaking up.

'What is it? Mama's boy feeling bad?'

'Heh, don't you make fun of me little firecracker.'

I say mockingly ruffling her hair, she grumbles annoyed with my gesture as she pushes my hand away. It's not my mother I'm worried about, it's you. We both come to a halt at the front door, I open it up for her and lean a little against the post looking in her direction as I mumble.

'I'm sorry.'

'What did you say? I didn't quite catch that?'

She says, but the twinkle in her eyes tells me she heard me loud and clear. I lift an eyebrow and sigh. You won't let me off the hook this easily, will you? Karma keeps staring at me intently while my brain is working in overdrive to find a way she'll forgive me, but there's only one thing I can come up with. Well, if this is what it takes... It's one of the stupidest things I'll probably ever do, and I'm sure she won't make me forget it either... Aargh, to hell with it! If it works, then fine. I heave a sigh and pray that none of the men around the house see what I'm about to do next.

Karma quirks an eyebrow wondering what I'm up to until I suddenly grab her hand and drop to one knee. Her eyes nearly fly out of their sockets and she quickly looks around if there are people watching us. I sure hope they're not! Her mouth agape, she's unable to utter a word and the corner of my mouth curls up slightly as I start speaking.

'Karma Stone, I'm truly sorry for what I said earlier. Can you please forgive this dickhead for acting as if you were anything other than a human being?'

'F-Fine, I f-forgive you!'

'Are you sure? 'Cause otherwise I'll stay like this apologizing until you are able to~'

'Yes, I'm sure! J-Just get the fuck up already!'

She stammers pulling my arm in a panic so I'll get up on my feet. I snicker softly in reply and give in to her pleas as I hoist myself upright. Once we're at eye level she can't help but sigh and smile at me. That's the face I wanted to see.

'What would you have done if someone had seen us like that?!'

She yelps dragging a hand through her hair.

'In that case, it would've been me who'd have to deal with the mockery so what are you worried about?'

'What am I worried about?! You idiot, I told you I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea about us, and your first thought after that is dropping to one bloody knee?!'

She whisper-yells at me. The way she loses control over the smallest things is rather cute and I can't help but look at her fondly. You've got me completely under your spell.

'Sweetheart, I couldn't care less what others think about what's going on between us.'

'Well, I do! And I am not your sweetheart, Luca!'

She snorts while she redoes her bun.

'Anyway, I'm off. Thanks for the ...uhh, entertaining evening. I never thought your family dinners would be this ...odd, but interesting.'

'That's one way to put it.'

'I also never expected your mother to have such a colorful use of her Spanish.'

She snickers thinking back to my mother's swearing.

'Oh right... You probably didn't understand a word of it, did you?'

'I understood the basics, but not everything. Though from the look in her eyes I didn't need to know the language to get the gist of what she was saying.'

'Haha, it's probably for the better you didn't understand everything she was saying.'

'See you around, Luca.'

'You sure will, sweetheart.'

I wink at her. She rolls her eyes at me without giving a response to my teasing as she turns around and jogs off into the death of the night. I watch her back until it disappears in the darkness as she runs out of the front gates. Eventually, I turn around and head back inside closing the door behind me. Goodnight Karma.