ROME
“What’s gotten your mind in a twist?”
I turned to the side and saw Nikolai standing just outside the ring, a towel slung over one shoulder, and boxing pads already on his hands.
“You’re late,” I said, watching as he made his way up.
He smirked. “Take a chill pill. I’m here despite this raging hangover.”
I sighed, shaking my head. Nikolai—my sparring partner and cousin. He was from my mother’s side and despite having such a blunt mouth, he was someone I felt relaxed with.
“Ready?” I asked.
He slapped the pads together before facing me. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
With that, I began punching the pads on his hands again and again, the sound echoing in the spacious gym.
“Hey—ouch!” Nikolai barked as he stepped forward and caught one of my wild swings on his padded arm. “Chi
