Axel

XI

XI

The Training [PT II]

A X E L

Mi angelita was a force to be reckoned with. I had managed to enter the training room without being noticed by the pair, and I was shocked yet impressed by the fight I was witnessing. Too bad I wasn't the one making her all hot and bothered. With the sweat glistening off her body right now, I would've had her pinned to the mats and screaming my name by now.

But I digress.

My eyes were locked in as I watched how she moved, how she fought, and grew more impressed with every punch she threw and every punch she dodged. Sharp had her focused in every way possible. The same way he trained me was how he was training her right now.

He was the one who taught me to act not react. He was always right of course. Don't let your enemies get the upper hand in a fight. Don't think, just do.

I noticed that she did a lot of thinking and calculating before actually making a move, which could help in the end but it could also be her downfall. It explains her fighting tactics a lot, even when she fought with me.

But now, as I observed her, these tactics were different. She was faster, smoother... focused. There wasn't any thinking or overthinking being done. She was in the moment.

I circled them, slithering in silence through the shadows and leaned on one of the columns separating the training room from the shooting range, watching them move. Watching her move.

We had come a far way, both of us. Just a couple of months ago, we were trying to kill each other. I mean, nothing has really changed, I thought as a soft chuckle escaped my lips.

We'd kill each other, that was almost always certain, but we'd make sure to kill them first. All those who dared to fight us, to challenge us, would all be on their knees begging for mercy. Mi padre included. His reign was over and I'd be sure to reiterate that fact when I put a bullet through his chest for all the things he's done to this family. My sister had to be fighting for her life because of him, not that he ever gave a damn about her.

I'd make him pay for everything I've lost due to him and his beloved cartel.

"She any good?" a voice questioned, pulling me from my devious thoughts and forcing me to look down. Standing next to me was Gwen, her eyes trained on the pair in front of us as they fought. She had added blonde to her hair since the last time I saw her. She wore a stern expression on her face lately, and I couldn't really blame her with all the shit that she's been through. That we've all been through.

"She's getting there," I answered, glancing back at the pair. Sharp wasn't taking it easy on her either, I thought to myself as I watched him pin her down on the mat with one of the knives pressed to her neck. She didn't hesitate to use the position to her advantage and knee him in the balls. I flinched for Sharp's sake.

"I see why she's got you by the balls," commented Gwen.

I raised a brow at her.

"What?"

She shrugged. "Well, it's obvious now. She's one of the fiery ones and we all know that's your type."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," was my response as I turned my attention back to the sparring.

"Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that, De Donté," she rolled her eyes unconvinced, "but seriously, what's the deal with you and her?"

"I'll tell you as soon as you tell me what's up between you and Sharp," I retorted.