23 | I'll start using your face as my target
The steady rhythm of my fists connecting with the heavy bag is oddly therapeutic. Each punch lands with a satisfying thud, sending the bag swinging back and forth, almost like it's retaliating. The raw energy coursing through me finds its outlet here, in this room, on this hanging sack of sand.
"You're getting good at this," Franco comments, his voice carrying over the sound of my gloves hitting the bag. He's a few feet away, doing push-ups in perfect form, the sheen of sweat on his brow catching the light. "I might even start being scared of you."
I snort, throwing a particularly hard punch for good measure. "You should be," I say, smirking as I pull back to reset my stance. "Keep pushing your luck, and I'll start using your face as my target."
He laughs, shaking his head as he switches to sit-ups. "Noted. Remind me never to get on your bad side."
The bond between us is strange, unexpected even, but I don't hate it. Franco and I have this... understanding. After everything I've been through, he's one of the few people I can stand to be around for more than five minutes.
It's not like I set out to make him my "buddy" or anything, but here we are, sparring together and sharing moments that almost feel normal.
I throw another series of punches, focusing on my breathing and the way my muscles burn with each movement. It's addicting, this feeling of control, of power.
"Aurelia." Franco's voice breaks my concentration, and I slow my punches, turning to face him. He's sitting up now, his arms draped over his knees as he watches me with a curious expression. "Congratulations."
I blink, confused. "For what?"
He grins, leaning back slightly as if he's enjoying dragging this out.
"I heard that Luciano's throwing you a grand ball in New York.
Big event. A gathering of all the big names, underbosses, crime bosses.
.. the whole fucking underworld." He pauses for a second, watching me carefully.
"This is the official gathering to welcome Aurelia Costa.
You're really stepping into your role now, huh? "
I lower my gloves, the words sinking in even though I already knew this was happening. Still, hearing it from Franco makes it feel more real. A ball. My ball. An official gathering for Aurelia Costa.
"Well, it was about time," I say, pulling the gloves off and tossing them onto the bench nearby. My hands are sore, my knuckles red, but I don't care. This moment feels... good.
"You happy about it?" Franco asks, tilting his head as he studies me.
I grab my water bottle and take a long sip before answering.
"Yeah," I admit, my voice softer than usual. "I am. It's not often I get something that's... mine, you know?"
Franco nods, his expression thoughtful. "You deserve it. And hey, it's going to be one hell of a party. You think I'll get an invite?"
I roll my eyes, laughing despite myself. "You wouldn't miss it for the world, would you?"
"Damn right I wouldn't," he says, standing up and wiping his hands on a towel. "Wouldn't want to miss seeing you all dressed up and terrifying half the room, Mrs. Costa."
His comment makes me chuckle, and I set my water bottle down, leaning against the wall.
"Good," I say, crossing my arms over my chest. "Because I'm going to need someone to depend on."
Franco raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What do you mean?"
I straighten up, the idea forming fully in my mind now. It's bold, maybe even a little reckless, but it feels right. "How would you feel about becoming my personal bodyguard?"
For a moment, Franco just stares at me, like he can't believe what he just heard. Then, he breaks into a grin, his eyes lighting up with a mixture of surprise and excitement. "Wait, seriously? Me? Your personal bodyguard?"
I nod, keeping my expression calm even though I know how big this is. "Yeah. It's a high position, I know. You'd be more than just a soldier. You'd be my soldier. Someone I can trust to have my back, no matter what."
Franco looks like he might jump out of his skin. "Aurelia, that's... shit, that's huge. Why me?"
I shrug, though the answer is clear in my mind. "Because I trust you. You've proven yourself many times. You're not just another grunt looking to climb the ranks. You've been there for me when no one else was. But let me be clear, if you break that trust, I won't hesitate to kill you."
The grin fades from his face for a moment, replaced by a seriousness I rarely see from him. He nods, his voice firm when he speaks. "You won't have to worry about that. I promise, Aurelia. My loyalty is yours."
"Good," I say, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction settle over me. "Then it's settled. You'll be by my side at the ball. And every day after that."
Franco's grin returns, and he salutes me in a mock display of respect. "Yes, Mrs. Costa. You won't regret this."
I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm. For the first time, it feels like things are falling into place. The ball, the new chapter with Luciano, and now Franco as my bodyguard.
It's all coming together, and for once, I feel like I'm not just surviving. I'm living.
And I'll be damned if I let anyone take that away from me.