Chapter 22: In Which She learns

Alexander jabbed a punch to the right of the rookie recruit on the security team making the boy who was no older than 19 wince at the sudden pain and impact of the punch thrown at him.

"You never ever leave either of your sides unprotected like that boy, a skilled opponent would see that and strike, very well catching you off guard and knocking the earth out from below your feet. You need to remember that defense comes before the offense, you have to be able to defend your skin and stay alive in order to make your attack, come on, arms up again" Alexander ordered and the boy had his arms up again with determination on his black and blue face from the wind like unsuspecting blows that he had received from Alexander during the training.

Alexander had been training the young rookie recruits that arrived at the wood Gambino compound just a few days before and the men who were watching them train in the rink, most definitely felt bad for those boys at the receiving end of Alexander's training exercises considering they all knew he trained himself as well as the other, like a soldier which was tough and unrelenting.

He could be a mean army mother fucker al times. Even Alexander had to admit that he could be a show off at times when he just beats them up for sport or to blow off some steam but he couldn't care less, they could think what they will of him.

However, Alexander wasn't expecting the only person who he cared about what she thought of him to come down to the training compounds considering That basically never happened never then he masked his surprise.

She was being escorted by Richard, Rolfe and a personal guard of Richard's, she looked so small and intimidated in a room full of men as she nervously looked around playing with the long sleeves of her sweater until her eyes finally found him standing there in the rink with a poker face even though his insides were frolicking.

"It's nice to see you all training hard and I see that even my new recruits are hard al work, that's, good and I won't keep you, people, long just a little announcement to make. You all know my daughter Isla, she is a high priority and I want her to learn a bit of self defense, enough for her to be able to get by in a prickly situation if it comes to that. So anyone here who would want to volunteer to teach Miss. Gambino?" Mr. Gambino asked knowing very well that each one of his men would respond to his announcement and as expected many hands were raised, even from the rookies who were still learning, waiting to please their boss plus, they were struck by the heiress of the Gambino family's beauty each time they saw her.

Alexander only folded his arms to his chest watching the scene unfold in front of him. His jaw clenched at the idea of her training with one of these measly bastards. Like hell he would allow that to happen on his watch, not when This was something he could help with.

"I see so many willing, Isla darling who would you feel the most comfortable with?" Richard asked making Ista fidget on the spot as all anticipating eyes turned to her.

"Umm ... Alex ... Alexander" she finally answered and Alexander couldn't help the slight smirk that crept on to his face.

That's right, His girl.

"That's understandable considering he is your personal bodyguard and he is a strong fighter too, then it's set, he'll teach you, won't you Alexander??' Richard said rhetorically bul Alexander responded none the less.

"Gladly sir" he said looking Isla straight in the eyes making her cheeks burn up under his gaze.

"Be careful not to hurt her in any way while I leave her down here or it won't end well for any of you" It was a warning and a threat before Richard turned around to leave the compound leaving a very nervous Isla down there with a dozen men.

As if Alexander could ever find it in himself to hurt her or let anyone else do so under his watch, he'd chop of their limbs.

Alexander got down from the ring walking towards her while taking off his boxing gloves.

He stood in front of her, close, but not suspiciously close, just enough so no one else could hear them.

"No need to worry doll, no one would dave do anything to you here, can relax, I'll be with you the whole time" he said, his voice low as she looked up at him with her big blue orbs, wary to her surroundings.

She nodded her head at what he said, resisting the urge to cling to his side with his strong arms around her.

"I think this is a good thing, you should know a thing or two about self defense with all the threats lurking around you never know what might happen. We'll only train for an hour every day, then we can get out of this compound as my shift at training will end " he explained it to her as gently as he could, he understood she was feeling uncomfortable in the compound.

"Okay, so will you like teach me how to flip a guy your size?" she asked, she was kind of excited now that she didn't feel as nervous as before.

"Yea sure, I'll teach you that too if you'd like but first something easier to gel you started" Alexander said chuckling at her demand lightly.

He then guided her to a much less crowded place to train where a punching bag hung.

"Let's start with the most basic self-defense technique which is to make noise don't be the silent victim, as silence can in fact be deadly. Yell, scream, do what you have to do to get attention in case you are alone. There is a good chance the perpetrator will be alarmed and flee another important part is to trust your instincts because more often than not, your instincts are correct" He explained and Isla listened to him carefully, nodding her head at any and all advice that came from him.

"Alright, now in case If someone caught you from behind with both hands locked around your chest" and before Isla could comprehend what was happening she was being harshly pulled towards him with his arms locked around her chest in a wise grip as her breath hitched at the sudden movement.

"Like this, you resort to pressing his forearm against your collarbone instead of trying to pull it directly off, which may be difficult if you are fighting with someone who is stronger than you, come on doll show me you can do this" his last words were a whisper as his warm breath hit her neck making a light shiver pass down her spine.

Nonetheless, she did as he instructed and pressed her arm against his collarbone as best as she could.

"That's right, good, now put one hand above his elbow and one hand below it so your hands are on both sides of the elbow" he instructed and she did as told.

"That's good now this is the tricky part. With one strong movement step and swing your entire body around like the arm is the hinge to your body's screen door. This will help you get rid of the attacker and his head, ribs, and legs wide open to your counter attack" It was hard for him to resist turning her around and kissing the daylights out of her especially while he could feel her soft plush breasts against him even with her digging her elbows to his sides in an attempt to free his hold and she was doing a damn good job at it as she jabbed his side causing him to release hold on her enough for her to slip out of his grasp.

"I did it ! I did it !" she jumped around enthusiastically fist bumping the air in glee and Alexander couldn't help but chuckle, however, he instantly composed himself.

"Great job, now let's practice this a few more times before heading out, with a few new techniques" he said and she nodded her head with enthusiasm.

After a complete hour of perfecting the technique while having a little discreet fun with her training, Alexander had deemed it enough for the day seeing she looked exhausted.

She was already frail, last thing he wanted was for her to disappear into nothing from all the training.

"I'll be right back, I have my phone and wallet in the other section of the compound, wait for me right here and we'll head out" Alexander said and she nodded in response before he walked away.

While Alexander was getting his things a trio of boys approached him with smirks plastered on their faces making Alexander turn around with brows raised and a questioning look.

"You are one lucky man to be training her, having her so close cause damn she is such a sexy vixen I..." before he had a chance to complete his sentence, Alexander's fist connected with his nose smack dab on point as a sickening crunch was heard indicating a broken nose.

"Next time think twice before saying disrespectful things about her like that cause I won't spare any of you with only a broken nose, take this as a warning" Alexander snarled before walking away without sparing another glance.

Once he saw Isla standing there obliviously practicing the techniques on her own looking silly but adorable good mood lightened a little as he refrained himself from taking a hold of her hand and walking out and instead followed after her.

He had to be patient. Things would work out if they go as planned.