I frowned and reread the last sentence, unable to focus. No matter how many times I read, I couldn't grasp the words of Suzanne Young, before finally slapping the book shut and putting it on my nightstand. I yawned, glancing at the time. 6:47 pm.

"Alina?" Angelo called behind my bedroom door.

"Come in."

He opened the door and I took in the sight of him. He wore a black dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his intricate tattoos, and black dress pants. His hair looked disheveled and I noticed the dark circles around his eyes.

"Rough day?"

"Something like that," he said, but smiled, gesturing to the end of the bed. "Mind if I sit?"

"Go ahead."

Angelo plopped himself down, studying me. "I heard about what happened at the cafe. Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, not really. Killian and Abel were there. They took care of him."

"That's the thing ... someday, they might not be there. I want you to begin self-defence classes," he spoke softly but there was also a shortness that made me realize there'd be no room for argument.

"Okay. When do I start?"

He smiled. "Tomorrow after your appointment with Finch. Christian will train you. And I heard that you're going to swim again, that's great, Alina."

"Yeah ..."

"Do you not want to? ... if so, you do not have to, Alina. Did the headmaster and coach pressure you into it? I swear, I'll set them straight."

I chuckled a little. "No, no, they didn't pressure me. I do want to, swimming is ... is something I love." I remembered the high I got from swimming, the feeling of freedom. "How was your day, Angie?"

He playfully narrowed his eyes at the nickname but didn't comment on it like he usually would. "It was long. Lots of business meetings. I will be glad to take some time off this summer with you and our brothers."

I smiled. "You're taking time off work to spend time with us?"

"Of course. Are you okay with going to Italy for a few weeks once school ends? You'll have lots of time to read and relax."

"Will I get to meet the rest of the family?"

"Yes, you'll meet Enzo and Granny."

"I can't wait, honestly."

"They can't wait to see you, bambina. It's been a long thirteen years. They're going to spoil you so much."
He stood, reached down and nipped my chin with a smile. "Go to sleep. You have a long day tomorrow."

"Okay, Angie."

He huffed. "Don't call me that."

"Stop calling me baby."

"Never."

+++

In the brightly lit gym, the scent of worn leather hung heavy in the air. Christian stood across from me, wearing a tight fitting black t-shirt and black nylon pants that swished when he moved. I glanced down at my own outfit, black shorts and a loose fitting purple tee. Shadows flickered on the walls as Christian prepared to unravel the secrets of throwing a punch.

"Alright, it's not just about strength. It's about technique," Christian's soft voice carried wisdom. "Stand firm, shoulders, and keep your weight centered."

I nodded, trying to mimic Christian stance, my gaze fixed on him.

"Now, imagine your fist is an extension of your whole body. It's not just your arm doing the work," Christian explained, demonstrating a controlled motion. "The power comes from your legs and hips. Like this."

He threw a punch, and the air seemed to respond with a hushed acknowledgment. I observed, trying to absorb the fluidity of his movement.

"Feel the tension build up, but don't lock your joints. Keep it loose until the last moment," he continued, guiding me through the motions. "And when you release, it's not just about hitting; it's about transferring your energy into the target."

I tentatively threw a punch, feeling the strain in unfamiliar places. Christian watched, offering corrections with a soft encouragement.

"Good, but don't overthink it. Let it flow. Speed and precision matter. Now, try again."

The rhythmic sound of fists meeting the air filled the gym. With each attempt, I improved, gaining confidence under Christian's watchful eye.

"Remember, a punch is more than just a strike. It's a dance between power and finesse," Christian said, holding his fist out to bump. "You're getting there. We'll keep practicing, and one day, it'll become second nature."

"When did you learn to fight?"

"I learned to box when I was fourteen. Angelo and Abel trained me." he smiled, gesturing for me to give him my wrapped hands. He unwrapped the cushioned cloth, rolling it up as I flexed my hands. He smiled. "Today you learned basics, tomorrow you'll learn some combinations. Go change and I'll take you home. Tomorrow you begin firearms training with Rafe."

"Who's Rafe?" I asked, cocking my head to the side.

"Your second bodyguard."

"Oh. I've never seen him."

Christian smirked. "He likes to stay in the shadows." I whipped my head around to search the gym for him, but didn't see anyone. Christian laughed loudly. "He's not here, Alina. He's off today. Go change. I need to have you home by 7 or your brothers will blow up my phone."

I mock-saluted him, grabbed my water bottle and trekked to the ladies' changing room. We had been at the gym for over two hours, in our own private corner with a punching bag, and it was 6:35. Dinner was 7.

I ignored the other women and opened up the locker I was assigned, taking out my purple cardigan and jeans. I waited until the last of the women left to change, conscious about the scars on my legs.

When I finished getting dressed, I returned to Christian. He had already changed too, back in his black dress pants and black button up shirt. "Let me take that," he said and took my bag, slinging it over his shoulder.

I don't know if I liked having a bodyguard, but I liked Christian.

+++

"Angelo?" I glanced up from my spaghetti. My eldest brother smiled, nodding for me to continue. "Can I go to a party on Friday?"

Killian shook his heads. "No."

Angelo reached up and smacked him on the back of their heads. They glared and I couldn't help but smirk. "You two have no say, do not speak for me again." He looked to me again. "Who are you going with and where is the party?"

"Tabitha. We're going to her house first to hang out and then Alexis Hollands birthday."

"Tabitha who?" Killian pressed. "Where does she live?"

I sighed. "Tabitha Murphy. She lives ... well, I don't know where she lives. Why's it matter?"

"For a background check."

"You can't do that, she's my friend. Isn't that enough?" I sassed Killian and his eyes darkened, opening his mouth to speak when Angelo smacked him on the back of the head again.

"I will answer," he snapped, and turned to me with a small, sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry, Alina. We do need to do a background check. It's a precaution we take with everyone new we meet. With the businesses I run, we have enemies around every corner, in every nook and cranny of the world. I know it sounds invasive and while we value privacy ourselves, we cannot afford to make an exception for you."

I nodded. "Okay. I understand."

Soren sipped at his water. "Don't worry, Lina. Abel vetted every one of my professors. He does the same for Killian's coworkers and all of my friends too."

"It's a precaution, bambina," Angelo said. "You can go to the party, but I have a few conditions. Christian drives you to and from Tabitha's and Alexis'. Absolutely no drugs. You can have two drinks-"

"Angelo." Killian whipped his head around and glared at our older brother. I didn't like how annoying he was being and if he continued on, I'd express this.

Angelo ignored him. "You can have two drinks. I'm trusting you here, Alina."

"I won't have any. I think you all know how I feel about alcohol. I just ... just wanna hang out and have some friends."

"You will. You will."

Dinner ended shortly after our conversation and I was happy I asked, texting Tabitha as I helped Killian gather and wash the dishes. "Thanks for dinner, Killian."

He nodded and handed me a plate to dry. "Tomorrow I'm going to Italy for a few days. Try and stay out of trouble, okay?"

"I always do."

"When I get back, we'll go book shopping again. How's that sound?"

I smiled. "Sounds great, thank you."

We finished the dishes and I went upstairs to my room for the evenings while Killian and Angelo disappeared into their office. I did some homework, starting on the paper that Mr. Aeros assigned. I choose to focus on the World War II, specifically the events Pearl Harbour.

I wrote quickly, sorting my sources and annotating the textbook. I didn't like history much, but I liked knowing things and learning so it was a win for me.

+++

"So, did you ask your parents about the party?" Tabitha asked, her pretty doe eyes hopeful.

I chuckled, nodding. "My brother said yes."

She drinks her Frappuccino and raised an eyebrow. "Your brother?"

"My brother Angelo."

"Wait ... your brother is Angelo Morena?" She gasped from beside me, her mouth full, eyes wide in shock.

"Yeah?"

"No way."

Zoe groaned. "Tabby, stop fan girling."

"I don't understand."

"What do you mean, you don't understand ... wait, OMG. You're their long lost sister," Zoe whispered, glancing from Tabitha to me and back to Tabitha as I realized what they were talking about.

I stared at them in confusion. "Wait ... you know my story?"

"Yeah. You were kidnapped by your mom when you were like, three. Your father and brothers have been on the news and television shows and podcasts. OMG. I can't believe I didn't put this together sooner. This is amazing, how are you?"

"I ... I'm good. There are interviews with my brothers and father?"

Tabitha's face paled. "Oh Alina, I didn't even think. You don't even remember your dad."

I involuntarily flinched at her words, you don't even remember your dad.

"No. No, I don't remember him."

Tabitha covered her mouth, tears glistening in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Al." Al. She gave me a nickname - off topic - I don't remember my dad - my biological father- and it kinda hurt my heart.

"Can you show me some of the interviews? I - I've never seen them."

"Are you sure? Class is about to begin. I don't mind skipping, but are you sure you're okay to watch them?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"We know the perfect place to skip," Zoe whispered as a teacher walked by. "C'mon, follow me."

+++

Thank you for reading!
- Charlie 🧡