Chapter 5
Dominic
I wake up with a groan, my head pounding and my body aching in ways that have nothing to do with alcohol. Images from last night flood my mind - Gia's flushed face, her soft skin under my hands, the way she moaned my name. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to banish the thoughts. She made it clear it was just a one-time thing, no strings attached. So why can't I stop thinking about her?
My phone dings, interrupting my internal struggle. It's a text from Isabella: "Don't forget, gym in 30. Don't be late again, big bro."
"Shit," I mutter, dragging myself out of bed. I'd completely forgotten about our weekly training session. Growing up, we took all the lessons together. Taekwondo. Karate. Kickboxing. Firearms. You name it. It was slightly unorthodox, especially since she's so much younger than I am, but my parents always wanted Isabella to be able to defend herself. As I rush to get ready, I can't help but smirk at the thought of sparring with my little sister. She's become a force to be reckoned with, though I'd never admit it to her face.
Isabella. The only person in this world who gets to see the real me. Not Dominic Esposito, the feared mafia boss with the icy exterior, but just Dom - her annoying big brother. With her, I can let my guard down, be vulnerable in a way I can't afford to be with anyone else.
As I drive to our private gym, my mind wanders back to Gia. The way her eyes flashed when she challenged me, the softness of her lips, the fire in her touch. I shake my head, trying to focus on the road. It was just sex, I remind myself. Nothing more.
I make it to the gym with barely a minute to spare, but Isabella still gives me the stink eye as I walk in.
"Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," she says, hands on her hips. "What's the excuse this time? Hot date?"
I freeze for a split second, Gia's face flashing in my mind. "Something like that," I mutter, moving to the mat.
Isabella's eyes widen. "Wait, seriously? You're actually interested in someone?"
Her surprise gives me an opening, and I take it, sweeping her legs out from under her with a well-placed kick. She hits the mat with a thud, but she doesn't even seem to notice.
"Spill, Dom," she demands, propping herself up on her elbows. "Who is she? Do I know her?"
I offer her a hand up, which she ignores as she jumps to her feet. "It's... complicated," I say, falling into a defensive stance.
Isabella mirrors my pose, her eyes narrowed. "Complicated how? Is she married? A nun? Oh god, please tell me you're not dating a nun."
I can't help but laugh. "No, she's not a nun. She's just... off-limits."
"Off-limits?" Isabella's eyebrows shoot up. "Since when has that ever stopped you?"
She launches into a series of rapid-fire punches, which I barely manage to block. "This is different," I grunt, trying to find an opening in her defense.
"Different how?" She feints left, then sweeps my legs out from under me. I hit the mat hard, the air rushing out of my lungs.
As I lie there, staring up at the ceiling, I realize I'm in deeper than I thought. "I can't stop thinking about her," I admit quietly.
Isabella's face appears above me, a mix of surprise and genuine concern on her features. "Wow," she says softly. "You've got it bad, don't you?"
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Isabella offers me a hand up, which I take this time.
"So, what are you going to do about it?" she asks as we square off again.
I shrug, throwing a half-hearted punch that she easily dodges. "Nothing. She made it clear it was a one-time thing."
Isabella's eyes widen. "You slept with her already? Damn, Dom, you move fast."
"It wasn't like that," I protest, but my sister's knowing smirk tells me she's not buying it.
"Sure it wasn't," she teases, dancing out of reach of my kick. "So, when do I get to meet this mystery woman who's got my big brother all twisted up?"
I roll my eyes. "Never, if I have anything to say about it. You'd probably scare her off."
Isabella gasps in mock offense. "Me? Scare someone off? I'm a delight!"
She punctuates this statement with a roundhouse kick that catches me square in the chest, sending me stumbling backward.
"A delightful pain in my ass, maybe," I wheeze, trying to catch my breath.
Isabella just laughs, bouncing on her toes. "Come on, lover boy. Let's see if you can focus long enough to land a hit."
We continue sparring, the familiar rhythm of our movements a welcome distraction from my tumultuous thoughts. Isabella has always been my anchor, the one constant in a life filled with uncertainty and danger. Even now, as she lands blow after blow, her teasing smile never faltering, I feel a sense of peace wash over me.
We fall into a comfortable silence, broken only by the sound of our labored breathing and the impact of fists and feet against padding. It's in moments like these that I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have her in my life.
"So," Isabella says after a while, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "This girl. Is it serious?"
I hesitate, not sure how to answer. Is it serious? Can one night of mind-blowing sex and years of complicated family history be considered serious?
"I don't know," I admit finally. "It's... complicated."
Isabella rolls her eyes. "You keep saying that word. What's so complicated about it? You like her, right?"
I nod, unable to deny it even to myself anymore.
"And she likes you?"
I think back to the way Gia looked at me last night, the passion in her kiss, the way she said my name. "I think so. Maybe. But there's a lot standing in our way."
Isabella's eyes narrow. "Like what? Is she in a rival family or something?"
I freeze for a split second, and Isabella's eyes widen in realization. "Holy shit, she is, isn't she? Who is it? Not the Gambino girl, please tell me it's not her."
I shake my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "No, not the Gambino girl. It's... it's Gia Romano."
The silence that follows is deafening. Isabella stares at me, her mouth hanging open in shock. I take advantage of her distraction to land a solid hit, sending her stumbling back a few steps.
I brace myself for the lecture I'm sure is coming. But to my surprise, Isabella bursts out laughing.
"Oh, Dom," she says, wiping tears from her eyes. "You never do anything by halves, do you?"
I can't help but chuckle. "Apparently not. But I know it can't go any further. It was just one night, that's all."
Isabella looks at me skeptically. "But you want more."
It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yeah. Yeah, I do."
She sighs, shaking her head. "Then it’s simple. Go for it. I've got your back. Always."
I feel a lump form in my throat. This is why I love my sister. No judgment, no lectures, just unconditional support.
"Thanks, Bella," I say softly.
She grins, falling back into a fighting stance. "Don't thank me yet. I'm still going to kick your ass for keeping this from me."
I laugh, matching her stance. "Bring it on, little sister."
As we resume our sparring, I feel lighter than I have in years. The situation with Gia is still complicated, still dangerous. But knowing I have Isabella in my corner makes it all seem a little less daunting.
We train for another hour, trading blows and barbs in equal measure. By the end, we're both sweaty, bruised, and grinning like idiots.
"Same time next week?" Isabella asks as we're packing up our gear.
I nod, pulling her into a quick hug. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
As I drive home, my body aching but my spirit refreshed, I can't help but think about Gia again. I know I should let it go, respect her wishes and move on. But a part of me knows it's already too late. One taste wasn't enough. It just made me want her more.
And I always get what I want.