Inéz watched his every move. He pulled out his phone and texted someone, then his eyes clashed with hers. "Go to sleep, cara. You’ll need the energy. Cristian will be here in two minutes and he’ll keep you safe until I arrive. I have a couple of things to take care of."
The girl didn’t want to sleep. She hadn’t felt safe before and that would only amplify with Noah’s soldier around her when she was at her most vulnerable, sleeping off the night. But she shouldn’t argue with him. With that in mind, she went up the stairs to her bedroom.
Before, she hadn’t bothered looking around the room. It was modern and bright with creme walls. A king-sized bed was situated up against the wall and overlooked the windows. The sheets were neatly done and the girl didn’t realize she’d made her bed before she’d left at night. It was bright but thankfully she found a switch right beside her bed that pulled down dark curtains. She plugged her phone to charge, took off her clothes and rested them on the black leg rest that was by the windows. Yawning, she laid down, covering her body as she was in her underwear only and sleep took her in as soon as she closed her eyes.
§ § §
A loud thud on the floor sounded for the fortieth time and Inéz got pinned down. Getting her ass handed to her, she began counting the times her body had been thrown to the ground. She growled trying to get herself out of Nicodemo’s clutch, but he didn’t budge at all. Their physical abilities were on completely different levels. His grey eyes watched her with amusement, as she felt his hand travel down her leg. It made her shiver.
"You exposed yourself to the attacker as if it was your solemn purpose," he said staying in the same position. "Figure out your strengths and use them."
She rolled her eyes. It was easy for the man to say because he had his body’s strength working to his advantage, so there was nothing he couldn’t handle. While Inéz was fragile when it came to fighting off anyone. There were no strengths she could think of. Only weaknesses.
The bruises forming on her body were almost palpable.
Nicodemo pushed himself to his feet and extended his hand for the girl. She hesitated but accepted it and got up with his help.
They had already been training for two hours locked in the cage for MMA fights popular among the Famiglia, and not only. It had made Inéz shiver upon seeing it for the first time. Even more when she realized that she would be locked inside with a man that she didn’t even know. With no one else around.
But it was the last thing on her mind by now, since the Enforcer was practically wiping the floor with her. She couldn’t hold her own for more than a minute. Nicodemo was too strong and experienced when it came to it. She still didn’t know why Noah chose him to teach her anything. As if the boss himself wouldn’t be enough. And Drew as well as Isaac could train with her so that she would have a slight chance at defending herself. They might be stronger; especially Ryder, but the rules of the fight Famiglia had, were completely different from the ones the outside world has. Here, no holds barred.
The man took the towel from the cage’s wall and threw it to the girl to dry up. She was sweaty and tired, while Nico didn’t even have one drop of sweat on him. It was probably the easiest fight he’d ever partaken in.
"Why did Noah choose you to show me how to defend myself?" she asked taking a sip of her water. She hadn’t fully recovered after the night and would gladly return to sleep.
Nicodemo regarded her. He wasn’t used to telling any woman details of his job, and probably wondered whether Noah wanted him to answer such question or would prefer to keep it to himself. Had Inéz even asked him? Or just assumed that he was an easier and more approachable target? But theCapo wasn’t there and he could hardly ignore the girl until they were done.
"Because I know about his plan to take down Conte, and he trusts me enough to help you," he answered, withholding the remaining part of the answer.
Inéz knew that it wasn’t all there was but didn’t push farther. She wasn’t entirely sure that the Enforcer didn’t terrify her. His job spoke for it itself; he was a man to be scared of. Most people probably were, since he liked paying them visits and reminding as to why he was the Famiglia’s hitman. The bloody, dirty job was his to get done.
She nodded. "How long are we supposed to be here? I’m really tired."
"You haven’t stopped one of my attacks. Until you do, we are stuck here."
"As if it were that easy. I would have problems stopping a normal man’s attack and you’re in the bloody mafia, so sue me for not being able to defend myself," she was too tired to care about the things she said. Normally, there would be more self-restraint in her.
"I will take it from here, Nico." Noah’s voice rang from across the room.
The Enforcer nodded slightly getting out of the cage and disappeared behind closed doors soon after, taking his gym bag with him.
Noah took a few steps towards her and shook his head when he saw Inéz was about to get out of the cage. He took a pair of shorts from the chair nearby and changed in front of the girl, not bothering to warn her beforehand. Then he got into the
