Page 113 of Mafie Trials

“I love you, Little Shadow.”

“I love you too, Sunshine.”

Chapter 45

I arrive on the island with the last of winter beginning to fade. It smells like spring is in the air, and I cannot wait to see Evie after all this time apart. I also can’t wait to see the girl I can’t seem to get out of my head. I’m convinced she really is some kind of magical creature with just how quickly she got me wrapped around her finger.

To my displeasure, I exit the plane to find Arrow waiting for me. My defenses are instantly raised. I called him after Damien told me about what happened between Arrow and Laney. She may have chosen him first, but I think she’s starting to choose me too, and I will be damned if I let him get away with hurting her. Physically or mentally.

I walk down the runway towards him, and the man actually stretches out his hand to me. I shake it in a state of shock over the one-eighty he has made since we talked. He gestures his chin for me to follow, and we finally step off the runway where I can hear him speak.

“I have an apology to make to you.” He stops us, turning on his heel and looking me in the eye. “I never gave you a fair shot and you didn’t deserve that. I’d like to start fresh today if that’s possible?”

Did not expect that.From the broken look on the poor guy's face, I’d say Damien has given him enough hell for what he did.

It was her who asked me not to tackle him to the ground the moment I saw him. So it must also be because of her that I agree to a fresh start.

“That sounds good to me.” I clap the guy on the shoulder, keeping us walking. I know there’s an extra bedroom at the place Alexi had renovated for the group. My new room is right next to who I hope one day becomes my girl. So I might as well make nice with the other man who seems to have a piece of her heart.

I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that I’m falling for a girl who is thirteen years younger than I am, but I’m too weak a man to ignore the temptation any longer. She’s made it clear what she wants, and I’m prepared to give her just that. I already lost someone I loved once because I alone couldn’t keep her safe. Maybe with Arrow in the mix, we stand a better chance this time.

???

After I get settled in and have breakfast with everyone, Evie and I meet for a workout together so we can catch up. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this girl so happy. At the compound, her defenses were always up. The only time she ever chose to let loose at all was if it was just the two of us on the mats together, and even then those moments were rare.

But here, it’s like she’s a totally different person. She laughs and jokes. She lets people touch her and returns their touches. The joy on her face makes me so fucking proud. She’s found her place in the world, and I’m beyond grateful to get to see it and be part of it.

I always knew she was a strong woman. Her anger issues aside, I had no doubt she would rule the organization someday. I truly wanted her to have everything even back then. I only wish I could have protected her better.

It wasn’t until she killed the man in her room that I realized what some of the men had been doing at night. I doubled down our workouts after that and hired my own men to guard her door at night while she was none the wiser. Seeing that man's blood all over her, where it was and the look in her eyes, validated so many suspicions. I failed her in so many ways, but I would not fail her this time.

It’s why Boris and I agreed to keep my other assignment on lockdown. These kids have enough to focus on right now, and if we happen to pull this off, we can let them in on it later.

I take the stairs to the roof of the training gym, knowing the ray of sunshine that lights up my darkened heart is going to be up there. When I open the door, she’s all I see. Her golden hair blowing in the breeze. The smile she gives me is nothing short of a favor from the gods.

She squeals as she runs into my arms, launching herself around my neck. I squeeze her and spin, making her giggle. Setting her down, I pull back just enough so that our lips can touch. The moment she leans in, a piece of my being seems to settle into place.

“I missed you,” she says as she pulls back. It’s only then I see a very irritated-looking Arrow staring at us.

“I missed you too.” I peck her cheek then get to business. I’ll make sure she’s spoiled later. For now, we need to figure out where their skill set is and help them learn to work as a team.

“Arrow,” I say, nodding my head towards him.

“Havoc.” He does the same, and Laney looks back and forth between us.

“Laney,” she says giggling and I look over to her with a smirk. “What? I thought we were stating our names for the class.”

I let out a bark of laughter and Arrow seems to relax a bit. We settle into a groove while I teach them about scouting. Arrow seems to have a good grasp on things but he leaves his back open when making bigger moves or transitions a lot. Laney catches on quickly, great at keeping low to avoid blows, but her drawback for the larger explosive arrows takes her longer to aim for, which leaves her open and vulnerable more often than I’d like.

I know I’ll be on the ground with Alexi, helping to trap Adrik between us and Evie and Damien. But I wish I could be up here, protecting her.Protecting them.

As much of an asshole the guy seems to be, I can tell Arrow loves Laney more than he cares about the air in his lungs. It’s the reason he’s always leaving his back open, to look at her, watch her, protect her.

I walk them through different ways to improve their weak spots. By the time we are done, the sun is starting to set and sweat is dripping down all of our faces.

“Well, I’m going to go shower,” Laney announces, and I could swear it sounded like an invitation.

She walks down the stairs in front of us, swaying her hips just a little bit. When we get to the main gym floor, she takes her time mingling with a few students before she grabs her bag and heads toward the house. It’s only when she turns back, and winks at us that I am positive it was indeed an invitation.

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