Chapter 17: Hand to hand combat

Ana
The sound of waves crashing against the rocks mingled with the echoes of gunshots. We were on a private island, a secluded and safe place where Paolo had decided to take me for training. The sun was high in the sky, and although the heat was stifling, the sea breeze made it bearable.
Paolo stood beside me, his posture relaxed but alert. He wore a tight-fitting shirt that accentuated his muscles and combat pants. There was an intensity in his gaze that always put me on edge, but also motivated me to keep going.
"Ana, a true mafiosa doesn't just know how to shoot," Paolo said, breaking the silence. "She must also know when to shoot."
I nodded, taking a deep breath before raising the gun. We had been practicing all morning, and my arms were starting to get tired, but I couldn't afford to show weakness.
"It's more than that, Paolo," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's knowing who to shoot and why."
Paolo smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes but showed approval.
"Exactly," he said, approaching me. "Today, you will not only learn to shoot better, but also to think like a leader."
He placed a hand on my shoulder, guiding me to adjust my posture. His touch was firm and confident, giving me the confidence I needed. I realized that his closeness always managed to disarm me, both literally and figuratively.
"Take a deep breath, aim, and fire," Paolo instructed, his voice deep and calm.
I obeyed, aligning the sights with the target and firing. The recoil of the weapon was something I was getting used to, and the sound of the shot echoed in my ears. Fortunately, the shot hit the center of the target.
"Well done. But remember, in a real situation, you won't have as much time to aim."
He stepped back a bit, watching me with those dark eyes that seemed to see everything. His presence was imposing, and although it sometimes made me feel small, it also gave me strength.
"What happens when there's no time?" I asked, lowering the gun and looking him in the eyes. "How do you decide quickly?"
Paolo crossed his arms, evaluating me.
"Trust your instincts," he finally said. "But above all, trust the information you have. Preparation is key. Knowing who your enemy is and what their weaknesses are will give you an advantage."
I nodded, pondering his words. There was so much to learn, and sometimes I felt like time was running out. But I knew Paolo was determined to prepare me, and I was equally determined not to fail.
"Let's change exercises," Paolo announced, pointing to a set of obstacles. "Now we'll practice evasion and counterattack."
I headed towards the obstacles, feeling the adrenaline start to flow. Paolo followed close behind, watching my every move.
"In a real situation, there will always be unforeseen circumstances," he said, as the exercise began. "You must be quick and adaptable."
I jumped over a fence, rolled under a bar, and ran towards the next point of cover. Paolo was by my side, moving with the agility and precision of a feline. Every time I approached an obstacle, I felt his evaluating gaze on me.
"Don't overthink it, Ana. Act. The time you spend hesitating could cost you your life."
His words were harsh, but necessary. I continued moving, striving to be faster and more efficient. By the end of the course, I was panting and covered in sweat, but I also felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
"You're doing well," Paolo said, approaching me and offering me a bottle of water. "But remember, there's always room for improvement."
I took the bottle and drank, feeling the refreshing water go down my throat. Despite the exhaustion, I couldn't help but smile.
“Thanks, Paolo.” I said, meeting his gaze. “I know I can do better, and I will.”
Paolo nodded, his expression softening slightly.
“I know you do, and I'll be here to help you every step of the way.”
We fell silent for a moment, the only sound the waves crashing against the shore. Then, Paolo broke the tension with an unexpected question.
“Ana, have you ever thought about what it really means to be a leader in the mafia?” he asked, his tone introspective.
I looked at him, surprised by the change of subject.
“Yes, I have.” I answered honestly. “It means making tough decisions, protecting your own, and being willing to do whatever it takes.”
Paolo nodded slowly, as if considering my words.
“And it also means that sometimes, you'll have to make decisions that no one else will understand.” He said, his dark eyes locked on mine. “Decisions that will make you question everything you thought you knew.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine, but also a strange sense of empowerment.
“I'm ready for that. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family and our organization.”
Paolo smiled, that smile that always seemed to hide something else.
“I know you are. And that's what will make you a great leader, Ana.”
The rest of the training session passed in a tense but productive silence. Paolo guided me through various techniques on how to master my weapon, showing a patience and knowledge that only someone with his experience could possess. Despite his toughness, there was always a touch of care in his teaching.
When we were finally finished, the sun was beginning to set on the horizon, casting everything in a golden glow.
Paolo led me to a more secluded part of the island, a small clearing surrounded by lush trees. The sea breeze was gentler here.
“We'll be more private here. This is the perfect place to practice hand-to-hand combat without interruptions.”
I felt a knot in my stomach, a mix of anticipation and nervousness. I knew that training with Paolo was always intense, but in this secluded spot, the tension between us seemed to multiply.
We got into position, and Paolo slowly approached, his eyes fixed on mine. I could feel his energy, his control, and I braced myself for what was to come.
“Remember, Ana.” He said in a low voice, his breath brushing against my skin. “It's not just about strength, it's about technique and precision.”
I nodded, and before I could react, Paolo lunged at me. I blocked his first attack, but he was fast, and in a second he had me on the ground, his weight on top of me. His gaze was intense, and his breathing was ragged.
“You're quick, but you need to be more strategic.” He said, his voice filled with that authority that always managed to disarm me.
With an effort, I broke free and stood up, ready to continue.
Our bodies moved in a calculated dance of attacks and defenses, each movement charged with a palpable tension. The closeness, the constant contact, made my pulse race faster than it should.
Finally, in a swift move, Paolo caught me again, this time pinning me against his chest, his arms wrapped firmly around my waist.
“You're strong, Ana.” He murmured, his voice husky in my ear. “But you can still improve.”
His closeness made it hard to concentrate. I could feel his breath on my neck, the heat of his body against mine. Something in his tone, in the way he was holding me, was awakening something deep within me.
“Paolo...” I began, my voice barely a whisper.
Before I could say more, Paolo leaned in and captured my lips in a deep, passionate kiss. There was no gentleness, only an intense need that seemed to consume us both. His hands moved, one tangling in my hair, the other pressing me closer to him.
My body reacted instinctively, returning the kiss with equal passion. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in that moment. Paolo deepened the kiss, his lips and tongue exploring, demanding. One of his hands slid down my back, finding the bare skin under my shirt.
“Ana...” he murmured against my lips, his voice a low growl.
I looked into his eyes, seeing the same need reflected in his gaze. I knew this wasn’t right, that there were so many complications, but in that moment, I didn’t care. All I wanted was him.
“Don’t stop.” My voice trembled with desire. His mouth moved to my neck, leaving a trail of burning kisses.
My hands clung to his shoulders, feeling every tense muscle under my fingers. Paolo continued exploring, his hand moving up my side, grazing my skin with a touch that made me burn.
“I can’t hold back anymore,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
“Don’t,” I replied, surrendering completely to the moment. Paolo lifted me in his arms, carrying me to a blanket spread on the floor. He laid me down gently, his body covering mine.
His lips found mine again, and the kiss became more urgent, more needed. His hands moved skillfully, stripping me of my clothes as he shed his own. Every touch, every caress, ignited a fire in me I didn’t know I could feel. Paolo made me forget everything, every worry, every responsibility. In that moment, it was just him and me, lost in a sea of desire and passion. Finally, when we were completely entwined, he looked into my eyes, his gaze soft but full of determination.
“Ana, there are no secrets between us. We’ll lead together, as equals.”
I looked at him, feeling the truth in his words. I nodded, and in that moment, I knew I was willing to follow him anywhere, to face anything.
“Because you care about me, right?”
“Because I love you.”
Paolo smiled, that smile that always disarmed me, and we lost ourselves once more in the intensity of our desire. The outside world disappeared, leaving just the two of us, tangled in a passion that couldn’t be contained.