Page 70 of Scarred Hearts

I finished securing the Velcro on the second glove. “I’m ready.” I stretched out my arm, leaning sideways, then the other way, before jabbing the air several times to ensure my arms were loose.

Tyler positioned himself in front of me. “If you need me to step in, let me know.”

“I’m good, plus you might get hurt.” I winked.

With a playful eye roll, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward him. Our lips met briefly before he took a step back. Ian and Luke observed us closely, their expressions unsure if they were happy or shocked. I tried not to think about last night and instead focused on controlling my anger toward Nadia.

Ian informed us both as I climbed into the ring, “During the fight, there will be a cage in place. But for now, this is just practice, so be careful not to get injured. We need you both in top shape.”

Nadia and I offered a simultaneous nod. “Do you think we can sell it?” she asked me quietly.

“I have no doubt in my mind, everyone will know I hate you.” I drew my fist back.

“Gia—”

BAM! Without hesitation, I delivered a powerful punch to her face. It was a dirty move, but she’d hurt my brother and deserved it. As she recoiled from the impact, I could hear her muttering under her breath.

“No!” Luke barked, and I twisted around. “Giaaa! No!”

I threw my arms out to the side, shrugging. “Oops.”

“No more oops!” Ian shouted.

I quickly glanced at Nadia, who was still clutching her face, before turning back to her. I let out a huff of frustration and declared, “Okay, now I’m ready.”

Making eye contact with one another, we circled left and right. She took a jab at me, and then I took one at her. Every move we made was with great precision and calculation. I hated to admit, she was fantastic at selling her rage, but I didn’t need help. I still loathed her.

I’d never forgive her for hurting Luca. I missed him. It was weird that I still hadn’t heard from him after so long. I dodged a kick to the side while deep in my thoughts. We’d always been close. I ducked out of the way of one of her punches. Once, Luca and I told one another everything. But after I started working for Ekaterina, things changed.

We only saw one another once in a while when he was in town for his concerts. Or when I traveled to New York to visit family or appear in court. Nadia jabbed me in the jaw and hopped out of the way of a sweep.

My thoughts drifted to last night, and I elbowed her in the head with a little more force than I should’ve used, however, we both stayed focused, moving around the ring like a perfect dance. Tyler didn’t freak out when I told him the secret I’d been harboring alone for so long. I cornered Nadia while my brain processed the physical and emotional damage Ekaterina, and her minions performed on me. They took away my choice, my rights, and my ability to be a mother!

Mindlessly, I took Nadia down to the floor, locking her limbs between mine, then flipped her over, delivering blow after blow to her. She cursed and shouted at me, but I was seeing red. I couldn’t stop. The anger flowing through my veins caused me to lose control.

“GIA!” Suddenly, arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me to my feet.

Blinking away the memories, I twisted around to see Tyler. He backed me into the corner, and I propped my elbows on the top ropes. His hands pressed on both sides of me while he peered into my distant and watery gaze. “Baby, I know she and Luca had issues, but what could she possibly do to piss you off that much?”

Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine. I just thought about what Kat did to me.”

“Princess,” he said, pressing his lips to my forehead, “we’ll get through this together. I’m here for you, but you have to be kind to her for the sake of the fight. Bigger picture, remember?”

I nodded. “Sorry.”

He chuckled. “Don’t apologize, just play nice, okay? For Ian’s sake?”

“Yes, sir.”

He cocked a brow. “Behave.”

Snickering, I glanced at Ian and Luke, but they were nowhere to be seen. “Where’d they go?” I asked, bringing my gaze back to Tyler.

“Ian got a call he took in the office.”

“Phew,” I sighed, “then they didn’t see that?”

“You’re good, don’t worry, but stay focused and remember why we’re here.”

---