Chapter 13
The next morning, the bright, airy sunlight poured into the private gymnasium of the estate. Elena stood near a padded mat, wearing comfortable athletic clothes. Her right arm, still encased in the sleek cast, rested in a sling.
Standing across from her was Marcus, the estate's tactical combat instructor. He was a ruthless, heavily scarred veteran who trained Dominic's capos.
"Mr. Vale wants you capable of defending the child if the primary security perimeter falls," Marcus explained, his voice flat and professional. "Since your right hand is compromised, we will focus on evasion, situational awareness, and left-handed, close-quarters counter-strikes."
For the next two hours, Elena was pushed to her physical limits. She learned how to utilize her environment, how to break holds, and how to strike vulnerable points using only her non-dominant hand and her legs. She was exhausted, sweating, and her lungs burned, but she never complained. She thought of Lily cowering in the dark, and a fierce, maternal rage fueled her every movement.
Dominic walked into the gym just as Marcus was demonstrating a disarming technique. He leaned against the doorway, his tailored suit immaculate, watching Elena practice with intense, critical focus.
"Enough," Dominic commanded softly.
Marcus stepped back immediately, offering a respectful nod to the Boss before exiting the room.
Dominic walked slowly across the mats. The bright, cinematic lighting caught the loose, romantic strands of hair falling over his forehead. He stopped inches from Elena, his deeply masculine presence overwhelming in the quiet space.
"You are fast," Dominic noted, his deep voice a low hum. "But you are holding back. You are afraid of hurting him."
"He is on our side," Elena breathed heavily, wiping sweat from her rosy brow.
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"In the moment of a breach, there are no sides," Dominic whispered, leaning in closer. "There is only survival. If someone reaches for my daughter, you do not try to hurt them, Elena. You try to end them. Do you understand?"
Elena looked up into his cold, terrifying eyes, recognizing the absolute, ruthless truth in his words. "I understand, Dominic."
