Page 9 of Bound By Honor

"Your aim is improving." I try to keep my tone neutral despite my overwhelming pride. "But shooting is only one aspect of it. You must anticipate your attacker's moves, react quickly, and think like them."

"Like whom?" Sofia asks, with a hint of curiosity and fear.

"Like anyone who wants you dead," I answer, hoping she takes me seriously.

Sofia turns to face me, her eyes piercing into mine. The vulnerability in her gaze makes my heart ache for her. "Who wants me dead?" Her words catch in her throat.

I struggle to find the right words. In truth, I have my suspicions, but I can't risk sharing them—not until I have concrete proof. "I'm still working on that," I finally answer, forcing a calm tone.

Frustration bubbles beneath Sofia's surface, her eyes blazing with intensity. "Working on it isn't good enough," she snaps, her anger evident. “I'm tired of being a pawn in someone else's twisted game. I'm tired of feeling helpless and at their mercy."

"Trust me, Sofia."

She almost laughs. “Trust is a luxury I can't afford. Not here, not with you. But what other choice do I have?” She cradles her gun, seemingly admiring the way the cold metal looks in her hand.

“I understand. Your father trusted me, but I know it will take time before you feel the same.” I take the gun from her hands and hand it to one of my men.

"Fine. What's next then?" Sofia takes a deep breath and sighs.

"Hand-to-hand combat. You need to be able to defend yourself without a weapon." I step back and gesture for her to come at me.

"Are you sure? Because I don't play nice," Sofia warns, half challenge, half promise.

"Neither do I," I reply, and I see a slight smile touch her lips.

She has no idea how bad I can be.

8

ROCCO

Drops of sweat trickle down my forehead, matting my hair against my skin as Sofia and I circle each other on the floor. The gym's walls reverberate with the sounds of our grunts and sharp exhales, creating a chorus of gasps and huffs. I see a growing spark of excitement in Sofia's eyes, igniting a similar flame within me.

“Remember, keep your balance centered,” I instruct, trying to focus on the lesson rather than how her tank top clings to her every curve. “And wait for your opponent to make the first move sometimes.”

Sofia nods, biting her lip in concentration. Her muscles tense as she prepares to strike. Her movements are still slightly awkward and not yet fluid, but her eagerness makes her a quick learner.

“Like this?” she asks, lunging toward me with a tentative palm strike.

I deflect her hand easily and use her momentum to pull her closer. Our bodies collide, and an electric charge zaps through me.

“Good,” I murmur, “but don’t overextend. Stay balanced.” My hands rest lightly on her hips, adjusting her posture.

Her breath hitches slightly at my touch.

We pull apart, and for a moment, we stare at each other, our chests heaving. The air between us thickens with unspoken words and suppressed desires that make me think I’m playing with fire. Sofia breaks the silence first as she steps in again, and this time, her attack is more confident. I twist to the side, grabbing her arm and flipping her over my shoulder.

Sofia lands with a soft thud on the mat, laughter bubbling from her lips. “Not bad,” she gasps, and the sound is like music to my ears.

I offer her a hand up, perhaps pulling a little too eagerly. She crashes into me again, our bodies pressed together. Her laughter fades as our gazes lock. Time slows and I lower my head toward hers.

Sofia’s lips are soft against mine, yielding but eager. My heart hammers against my ribs as the kiss deepens naturally, as if we’ve been moving toward this moment for the past week. Her hands roam over my back, pulling me closer until there is no space left between us.

When we finally part for air, Sofia rests her forehead against my chest, breathless. "I think I'm beginning to understand judo a lot better now," she teases.

"We're just getting started," I reply with a grin.

As we resume our stance, there's an electrifying undercurrent to every touch and movement—an exploration not just of judo but of each other's limits and desires on this mat where only we exist.

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