Fatally Yours

Epilogue

•DOMINIK•

I adjusted my stance, arms raised, watching Sofia's every movement like a hawk.

"Stay light on your feet," I instructed, circling her in the ring. "Anticipate the attack before it happens. Move faster than your opponent."

Sofia nodded, her bright green eyes shining with determination. She shifted her weight, keeping her hands up as I moved in for a feint jab. In a flash, she dodged to the side, her reflexes sharp.

"Good," I praised, moving in again, this time aiming low.

She blocked it effortlessly and countered with a quick strike that almost caught me off guard. I couldn't help but smile.

"Come on, dad," she teased, her grin mirroring mine. "Is that all you've got?"

I smirked. "You want me to go easy on you or—"

Before I could finish, she feigned a lunge, throwing me off balance. In one swift motion, she locked her leg around my neck, and we both ended up on the ground.

I stared up at her in surprise, her knee pressing lightly against my chest as she grinned triumphantly.

"Tap out, old man," she said, her voice full of mischief.

I laughed, tapping her leg in surrender.

"Alright, alright! I yield."

Sofia let me go and jumped to her feet, offering me a hand. I took it, letting her pull me up. Pride swelled in my chest as I looked at her, the sheer joy of watching her grow stronger with every training session filling me.

"Good job, kiddo," I said, ruffling her hair before planting a quick kiss on her head.

"Thanks, dad," she replied, beaming.

As we stepped out of the ring, I flinched when a familiar voice called out sharply from the doorway.

"Dominik Vitale!"

I turned to see Indiana standing there, arms crossed and glaring daggers in my direction.

Behind me, Sofia whispered teasingly, "Uh oh, you're in trouble."

I glanced down at her, smirking.

"You and me both, prințesa," I muttered.

Indiana stormed towards us, her narrowed eyes darting between the two of us.

"Are you two serious right now?" she scolded. "We have less than thirty minutes before our dinner guests arrive, and you're down here... fooling around in the gym?"

I held up my hands in mock surrender, fighting the urge to laugh at how much Sofia and I mirrored each other in moments like this.

"It was just a quick session honey, relax," I said, smiling.

Sofia smiled sheepishly at her mother.

"Sorry, mom," she mumbled before running off toward the house.

Indiana turned her full glare back on me, and I knew I was in for it. But instead of lecturing me further, she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Tonight's important, Dominik," she reminded me softly.

"I know," I replied, stepping closer and slipping an arm around her waist.

I couldn't help but smirk as I pulled her into my arms, ignoring her attempts to push me away. She glared at me, her hands pressing against my chest.

"You're all sweaty!" she complained, wrinkling her nose.