Page 33 of Finn

“How’s your hand?” I ask, watching her flex it a few times before grabbing her gloves.

“A little sore.”

“We don’t have to do bag work today,” I tell her.

“Afraid of hurting yours more?” She points to my bruised knuckles.

“This is nothing,” I tell her.

“Then stop trying to make excuses for me to get out of training today and put on those mitts.” Her tone leaves no room for argument as she points to the pads on the bench.

“Yes, ma’am.”

An hour later, Alessia is covered in sweat, but she never once complained about her hand hurting. I’m learning more and more about my wife as we work out. The biggest revelation being that she's more competitive than I gave her credit for. Every punch and combo I throw, she’s right behind me, doing the same. She doesn’t tell us she needs a break or needs to fix her hair or whatever excuse a woman might use to stop. She’s also really fucking good. I see where she could improve and point it out a few times. Instead of saying it’s too difficult or complaining about how long we’ve been going at it, she nods and tries harder, never giving up until whatever correction I make becomes natural. Alessia’s quick wit and tough shell have always impressed me, but her tenacity and determination are making me respect her that much more. My wife is a triple threat.

I am so fucked.

“Alright, I have to tap out,” I say while she continues to work with Enzo.

“Already?” she asks. “Is your hand bothering you?” The mock concern in her voice doesn’t go unnoticed, but I ignore it.

“Be ready to leave here at five. I want to show you around the casino and talk about what you can expect before we get busy. There’s a high-roller poker game tonight that we host once a month. You’ll need to study up on the players.”

“I didn’t agree to work for you yet.”

“You and I both know sitting home all night isn’t your speed. I need the help and you need something to do. It’s a win-win.”

Her jaw works back and forth as she considers her decision. “Fine. I’ll be ready.”

“I’ll leave you to it then.” I gather my towel and the cups, trying like hell to keep the victorious grin off my face before heading out the door.

“How’s your hand really?” Enzo asks right before the door latches.

“Hurts like a bitch,” Alessia responds.

“We could have stopped or worked on legs today.”

“It’s as though you don’t even know me, Enzo. You really think I’m going to sit around icing my hand while Finn works out with the same injury? Not on your life.”

“You’re a very stubborn woman, Alessia.”

“Would you expect anything less?”

I hear Enzo chuckle and my mouth tilts in a smile as well.

“Good point. You about ready to call it a day?”

“Fifteen more minutes.”

I walk away from the door to get ready for my meeting with Cillian, wearing a smile the entire way to my bedroom.

That woman is something else.

It’s five minutes to five, and I’m waiting patiently at the bottom of the stairs for Alessia. I want to give her enough time to get a feel for the casino before being pulled into a million different directions. I plan to stay the entire night and work from my office there. It’s not that I don’t trust my decision. I know she’ll make a great host, but I don’t want her to feel like I’m throwing her to the wolves on her first night there.

Enzo will also be on the floor with Alessia as her personal guard. Though the clientele isn’t as rowdy as the ones that come to the fights, it still brings me peace of mind to know that his only responsibility is to be there looking after her safety.

Finally, Alessia appears at the top of the stairs, and I swear to God, it’s like one of those stupid teen movies I caught my brother watching with a girlfriend when he was in high school. She walks down the curved staircase, and I’m instantly enthralled by her red lips and the smooth skin of her long, tanned legs.

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