Page 3

S tretching on the mat, I run through my to-do list. I want to make sure to check in with Ely, look at some other targets, and find out where we are with pinpointing what the fuck is going on. Though there’s one thing on that list that suddenly has become the most important: Roman.

“Hey, asshole. Why didn’t anyone let Keegan and I know there wasn’t a family breakfast?” Marcus’s voice booms throughout the training room. I’m jerked out of my thoughts immediately before turning to face him.

“Not my fault. I didn’t realize the Boss didn’t come back last night. When I did, I ate something quickly and started my day. I figured you were already updated.”

Marcus shakes his finger at me, looking ridiculous. “Oh no, we have so much to discuss. Because a little birdie told me an interesting fact about you and a certain twink from last night. And it was confirmed again by someone else. I want details.”

I throw my head back, laughing. For the first time in a long while, I smile. I can’t resist it when I think about him. “I’m assuming you’ve heard about Roman, then. Your best friend couldn’t wait to dish, could he?”

“Fucker, that type of news should not be held back. You actually got together with the Boss of the Amatos . I’m not sure whether to be impressed, or worried for your sanity.”

Snorting, I shake my head in amusement. “Neither. He’s more than just the Boss.

He’s…special. The way he shines. Roman doesn’t hold back his emotions—fuck, I don’t think he can.

There’s an honesty to him, a fearlessness.

Not many in this life can be themselves, and he refuses to be anyone else.

Fuck. I’m sure the hell not worthy of him, but I still want him. ”

“So, this isn’t because of Benjamin? A revenge thing? Since, uh, Tennant… Well, honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t kill you over this.” Marcus eyes me warily, the words are seemingly dragged out of him.

“Let me guess— that question came from our Boss?” I shrug it off, not insulted.

Lio is looking out for Roman, and I would never fault anyone for that.

“I thought about it last night. I wanted to figure out for sure whether that was influencing what was going on. I can honestly say it’s not.

You can’t look at Roman and see anything other than him. ”

Marcus steps closer to me, and I eye him suspiciously. The hesitation doesn’t last long before he envelops me in a tight hug. He whispers in my ear, “Thank fuck. One, I don’t have to see you get killed. And two, nobody deserves to find happiness more than you.”

He pushes me away and I stare at him. “Since when do we do the whole hugging thing?”

Cocking his head, he thinks about it. “Hmm. Since Cole? We do hugs with him to reassure him. It’s crossed over. And what’s the problem? We fuck, so what’s wrong with hugging, too?”

I have to give him that. It's still fucking weird, though. “Fair enough. Now, are you here to spar or just cause trouble?”

“Oh, I’m not done with that yet.” Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose as he continues. “I’m happy to see you’ve removed your ring, but I want to reiterate, there’s going to be problems with Tennant. You okay with that?”

“Roman is worth it. And we already have an issue with each other. I’m happy to let it go, since I know Roman loves him. If he doesn’t extend the same courtesy, I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

“Mmhmm. Meaning you’ll either fight or fuck it out?” Marcus gives me a knowing look.

We all know the Martelli way. Hopefully, it transfers to the Amatos too. Although I'd prefer to get a few swipes in, I’m open to either.

“Well, if it’s a fight, let me know so I can place my bet. And preferably watch. That is going to be fucking amusing. Both Family trainers going at it? Priceless.”

“Fucker.” Just for that, I’m going to remind him exactly why I’m the one who trains everyone… I was going to be slightly nice. “Now, anything else before I kick your ass?”

“Yep. Keegan wants to know if we’ll still be doing family meals if Benjamin and Antonio are at the Amatos’ now, and you possibly will be too. Cole misses everyone.”

Rolling my shoulders back, I slip into my fighting stance. “Ask the Boss. And then let me know. Fuck knows, maybe we’ll all end up at the Amatos’. I wonder if they have enough room…”

Marcus mirrors my pose, and before he can attack, I’m on him, slipping inside his guard with a punch before taking him down with a simple leg hook.

I can’t contain my smile. Damn, Roman really did bring me back .

Marcus may not appreciate that anymore as he forces himself up. One of these days, he’ll learn to stay down. Until then, well, I’ll have fun bloodying him up. It’s the small things in life after all.