Page 10 of Prince of Queens

She punctuates this statement with a roundhouse kick that catches me square in the chest, sending me stumbling backward.

"A delightful pain in my ass, maybe," I wheeze, trying to catch my breath.

Isabella just laughs, bouncing on her toes. "Come on, lover boy. Let's see if you can focus long enough to land a hit."

We continue sparring, the familiar rhythm of our movements a welcome distraction from my tumultuous thoughts. Isabella has always been my anchor, the one constant in a life filled with uncertainty and danger. Even now, as she lands blow after blow, her teasing smile never faltering, I feel a sense of peace wash over me.

We fall into a comfortable silence, broken only by the sound of our labored breathing and the impact of fists and feet against padding. It's in moments like these that I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have her in my life.

"So," Isabella says after a while, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "This girl. Is it serious?"

I hesitate, not sure how to answer. Is it serious? Can one night of mind-blowing sex and years of complicated family history be considered serious?

"I don't know," I admit finally. "It's... complicated."

Isabella rolls her eyes. "You keep saying that word. What's so complicated about it? You like her, right?"

I nod, unable to deny it even to myself anymore.

"And she likes you?"

I think back to the way Gia looked at me last night, the passion in her kiss, the way she said my name. "I think so. Maybe. But there's a lot standing in our way."

Isabella's eyes narrow. "Like what? Is she in a rival family or something?"

I freeze for a split second, and Isabella's eyes widen in realization. "Holy shit, she is, isn't she? Who is it? Not the Gambino girl, please tell me it's not her."

I shake my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "No, not the Gambino girl. It's... it's Gia Romano."

The silence that follows is deafening. Isabella stares at me, her mouth hanging open in shock. I take advantage of her distraction to land a solid hit, sending her stumbling back a few steps.

I brace myself for the lecture I'm sure is coming. But to my surprise, Isabella bursts out laughing.

"Oh, Dom," she says, wiping tears from her eyes. "You never do anything by halves, do you?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Apparently not. But I know it can't go any further. It was just one night, that's all."

Isabella looks at me skeptically. "But you want more."

It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yeah. Yeah, I do."

She sighs, shaking her head. "Then it’s simple. Go for it. I've got your back. Always."

I feel a lump form in my throat. This is why I love my sister. No judgment, no lectures, just unconditional support.

"Thanks, Bella," I say softly.

She grins, falling back into a fighting stance. "Don't thank me yet. I'm still going to kick your ass for keeping this from me."

I laugh, matching her stance. "Bring it on, little sister."

As we resume our sparring, I feel lighter than I have in years. The situation with Gia is still complicated, still dangerous. But knowing I have Isabella in my corner makes it all seem a little less daunting.

We train for another hour, trading blows and barbs in equal measure. By the end, we're both sweaty, bruised, and grinning like idiots.

"Same time next week?" Isabella asks as we're packing up our gear.

I nod, pulling her into a quick hug. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

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