Page 30 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

“What’s wrong?” asks Kiril, concern evident in his voice.

I frown, trying to find the right words. “I don’t want to be helpless like that again. I want to learn how to defend myself.”

He nods. “Of course. We’ll start your training immediately.”

“Will you teach me how to shoot?” I ask. I’ve never been afraid of guns, but I’ve never had a reason to learn to shoot, until now.

He studies me for a moment before answering. “Yes, I’ll teach you, but it’s not just about shooting. You need to learn hand-to-hand combat, situational awareness, and everything else.”

I straighten up. “I’m ready. I want to learn it all.”

He smiles with approval. “We’ll start tomorrow. For now, let’s get you home and rested.”

As we continue our journey back to the penthouse, I adjust my worldview once more. I’m no longer just a pawn in this dangerous game. I’m going to become a player, and I’ll do whatever it takes to safeguard myself and those I care about.

12

Felicity

The next morning, I wake early, eager to begin my training. Kiril is already up, dressed in workout clothes and sipping coffee in the kitchen.

“Ready?” he asks as I join him.

I nod, grabbing a banana for quick energy. “Let’s do this.”

He leads me to a private gym in the penthouse. It’s fully equipped with weights, machines, and a large open area perfect for sparring.

“We’ll start with the basics,” says Kiril, tossing me a pair of boxing gloves. “Proper stance, how to throw a punch, and how to block.”

For the next hour, he drills me on the fundamentals. My arms ache, my knuckles throb, and I feel like I’m doing just a bit too much, but I push through the discomfort. With each punch, I feel stronger and more capable.

“Good,” he praises as I land a solid hit on the punching bag. “Let’s move on to some basic grappling techniques.”

We transition to the mat, where Kiril teaches me how to break holds and escape various grabs. His hands on my body remind me of our passionate encounter in the car yesterday, but I force myself to focus on the lesson.

“Always be aware of your surroundings,” he says as we take a water break. “Look for potential weapons, exits, and threats. Your mind is your greatest weapon.”

I absorb every word, determined to learn as much as possible. After another hour of intense training, Kiril calls it quits for the day.

“You did well,” he says, handing me a towel. “We’ll continue this every day, gradually increasing the intensity and complexity.”

“When do I get to learn how to shoot?” I ask, wiping sweat from my brow.

Kiril smirks. “Eager, are we? We’ll start firearms training next week. For now, focus on building your strength and hand-to-hand skills.”

I nod, understanding the importance of a solid foundation. As we head back to the main living area, confidence grows within me.

Over the next few days,our routine settles into a rhythm. Mornings are dedicated to physical training, while afternoons involve lessons on strategy, situational awareness, and theintricacies of the mafia world. Nights are spent in a different kind of exertion.

One evening, as we’re reviewing maps of various territories, I broach a subject that’s been on my mind. “I want to be more involved in the business side of things. I know it’s dangerous, but I can’t just sit on the sidelines anymore.”

He settles back in his chair, studying me intently. “Are you sure that’s what you want? Once you’re in, there’s no going back.”

I nod firmly. “I’m sure. This is my life now, and I want to understand every aspect of it.”

A slow smile spreads across Kiril’s face. “All right then. We’ll start incorporating business lessons into your training, but remember, this world is ruthless. You’ll need to be prepared for some harsh realities.”

“I understand,” I say. “I’m ready for whatever comes.” I do mean it, though I’m a little scared what that might encompass. I can’t live as an outsider on the fringes all my life though.

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