Page 22 of Married to the Mafia Monster

“Nice work,” Karen calls out, watching as I successfully unbalance Alex. “Remember, keep your center of gravity low. Bella, you’re doing great. Alex, make sure she’s following through with her movements.”

“Remember to keep your guard up,” he says, demonstrating a block. “And always be ready to counter.”

I nod, focusing on his instructions. “Like this?” I ask, mimicking his movements.

“Exactly,” he replies, his eyes filled with pride.

When the session comes to an end, Karen gathers us for a brief debrief. “Great work today, everyone,” she says, her tone encouraging. “Keep working on those techniques, and don’t be afraid to push yourselves.”

As the class disperses, I linger for a bit, reluctant to leave his company. “Do you want to grab a coffee or something?” Alex asks, his eyes glancing outside.

I nod, a smile spreading across my face. “I’d like that.”

We find a nearby café, the soft glow of its lights inviting us in. We settle into a corner booth, the ambiance cozy and intimate.

When you gave me the command in the bar,” I ask, “where did you go?”

His eyes darken with intensity. “Something came up.”

“That seems to happen a lot.”

“Did you do what I told you?”

“I did,” I confess. “First time I’ve ever done that in a toilet stall.”

“Submission lets you try new things without guilt. Still got the vibrator?”

“Might have.”

“Use it tonight,” he instructs, his voice firm. “I’ll be watching.”

THIRTEEN

Bella

Something feels wrong the moment I step into my bedroom. The air is thick, like a storm is about to break. My skin prickles with unease.

Suddenly, a strong hand clamps over my mouth, yanking me backward off my feet. I struggle, my heart racing, but the grip is ironclad.

“Where is he, bitch?” a gruff voice snarls into my ear. “Tell me or I break your fucking neck.”

Fear floods me, paralyzing me for a split second as the attacker drags me backward. My heart pounds in my ears, drowning out the sound of my own scream. But before I can fully panic, the self-defense techniques from class flash through my mind.

He dumps me on the ground but before he can move in for the kill, I pivot on my heel, using my body weight to send a sharp elbow into his ribs. He grunts in pain, momentarily stunned.

I take advantage of his surprise, grabbing his wrist and twisting it. With a swift movement, I pull him off balance, sending him stumbling backward.

“You’ll pay for that,” he snarls, arms outstretched toward me, fists clenched. “Going to break your teeth for you.”

The bedroom door crashes open, splintering wood and sending a shockwave through the room. Alex bursts in, his face a mask of controlled fury, his eyes locked onto my assailant with deadly intent. “Break your fucking neck first,” he says.

In a heartbeat, Alex is upon the attacker. He delivers a swift punch to the man's gut, doubling him over, then follows up with a knee to the face.

The assailant staggers back, blood streaming from his nose, but Alex doesn't let up.

He spins, delivering a powerful kick that sends the man crashing into the wall. The attacker crumples to the ground, trying to regain his footing.

The assailant, realizing he’s outmatched, tries to scramble away, but Alex is relentless. He moves in with a fluid grace, his every motion precise and deadly.

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