We were Born to Die

Chapter 11

We step into the ring, the dim light filtering into the room casts shadows across the array of weights, gym equipment, and other tools scattered around us. My heart quickens its pace, a mix of anticipation and nerves swirling within me like a tempest. I glance over at Enrico, his form defined and powerful in his black tank top with blue stripes, and a matching black shorter. Despite the intensity of the moment, he still manages to take my breath away.

I tug at the hem of my black crop top, and adjusting the matching black leggings that cling to my legs like a second skin. With a quick motion, I gather my long brown hair into a pony tail securing it in place. "Are you ready?" Ryder's voice cuts through the charged atmosphere, drawing my attention back to the present moment. I met Enrico's gaze, the fire in his eyes mirroring my own.

"Yes." I replied, my voice steady despite the butterflies dancing in my stomach. Enrico's response echoes mine.

Ryder's hand slid toward the holster strapped at his hip, a sudden tension knotting in my stomach, pulling my focus away from the impending danger. Enrico's gaze, sharp, and resolute, met mine, igniting a flicker of determination within me. The air crackled with anticipation as Ryder's arm rose, the glint of metal catching the dim light of the room where we stood. But even as his gun emerged, my attention remained fixed on Enrico, his presence a magnetic force drawing me in.

Then, with a deafening bang, Ryder fired into the air, the sound echoing off the cold, concrete walls. I couldn't help but flinch at the sharp noise, my heart hammering in my chest, a rush of adrenaline flooding my veins. But in that split second of distraction, Enrico seized the opportunity.

The first strike came fast and furious, a blur motion as Enrico lunged forward with a swift jab. I dogged just in time, feeling the rush of air as his fist narrowly missed my cheek. But I didn't falter. I countered with a quick jab of my own, testing his defense. Our bodies moved in perfect sync, a dance of aggression and passion. There was no room for fear and hesitation, no time for doubt. Every move was calculated, every strike aimed with deadly precision.

In the heat of the moment, adrenaline coursing through my veins, I squared up against Enrico. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I prepared for the next move. As he lunged towards me, his fist aimed straight for my face, I instinctively tucked and weaved, narrowly avoiding the blow. With a quick, calculated motion, I retaliated, delivering a powerful punch to his gut. He staggered back, a brief moment of surprise crossing his features before determination hardened his expression once more.

Before I could catch my breath, he was coming at me again, this time a vicious kick aimed at my shoulder. I managed to dodge the brunt of it, but the force still sent me staggering backward, a sharp groan escaping my lips as pain flared through my body. Despite the ache, I refused to show any weakness. A smirk danced across Enrico's lips as he circled me, poised for another attack. But I was ready. As his fist flew towards me, I seized his wrist, twisting it with all the strength I could muster. He grunted in pain, momentarily distracted, and I seized the opportunity to strike, landing a solid blow to his ribs.

He stumbled back, momentarily off balance, but recovered quickly, locking his arm around my legs and pressing me down. I struggled against his hold, but his weight bore down on me, threatening to crush me beneath him. Desperation fueled my actions as I rolled over, delivering a swift kick to his stomach. Enrico groaned in pain, but before I could rise to my feet, his fist collided with my thigh, sending shockwaves of agony through my leg. I gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain, refusing to let it slow me down. Summoning every ounce of strength, I had left, I retaliated, landing a solid punch to his face, blood beginning to trickle from his split lip.

But he was relentless.

As I moved to lock him down on the ground, he fought back with everything he had, throwing a punch after punch, each blow sending a fire in my stomach. The pain threatened to overwhelm me, but I refused to give in. Finally, with one last, brutal punch, everything went dark. I could feel myself falling, Enrico towering over me, victory in his grip. But as he raised his fist to deliver the final blow, he hesitated. "I win," he declared, tossing me aside with a mix of triumph and uncertainty in his eyes.

Enrico extended his hand for me to take, but I pushed it aside and got up, my face a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "So what is your favor?" I managed to say calmly, though my heart was racing with frustration.

Enrico gave me one of his nasty smiles, his eyes glowing with some unknown intent, and replied, "When the time will come, you'll know."

Min-Woo, sensing the tension, looked at me with concern in his eyes. I forced a smile at him, trying to assure him that I was okay despite the ache in my body from Enrico's blows. "I guess I am going to need some self-defense lessons from you," I said to Min-Woo, attempting to lighten the mood.

He turned to Enrico, signing his thoughts. "I think the girl literally kicked your ass and she deserve combat lessons not self-defense." Ryder and Zane burst into laughter at Min-Woo's words, and I couldn't help but suppress a grin.

"She's your student," Enrico remarked, looking at me with a hint of amusement. "Do whatever you want with her but I need her ready until the next mission." With that, he left with Zane, leaving me standing there, and try hard not show any marks of pain whirlwind through me.

Turning back to Min-Woo, I said, "I'll be ready for those lessons," I said to him, determination flickering in my eyes. "I won't let Enrico-or anyone else-push me around like that again."

Min-Woo nodded, "We'll make sure you're prepare for anything." He promised, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder gently.

My heart pounded against my rib as Min-Woo's grip tightened around my waist. The familiar rush of adrenaline surged through me as he effortlessly flung me out of the ring once more. The impact sent a shockwave of pain rippling through my body, and I could feel the world spinning around me. "I think I'm about to pass out," I managed to gasp, my voice barely a whisper as I struggled to regain my composure. It had been a grueling week of training, each day pushing myself beyond my limits, but still feeling like I was barely making any progress.

"You're doing fine, from day one." Min-Woo signed, his expression calm and reassuring despite the intensity of our training sessions. His words offered a small comfort, but the ache in my muscles and the exhaustion weighing me down told a different story. "What about a little break?" he suggested, his eyes filled with concern as he watched me sink down onto the mattress. I nodded weakly, grateful for the chance to catch my breath.

As I lay there, trying to steady my ragged breath, a question nagged at the back of my mind. "Was Enrico always like this?" I asked, unable to suppress the curiosity that burned within me. "Like a jerk?"

Min-Woo chuckled softly, his laughter echoing through the empty gym. "He had a weird childhood," he signed, his eyes clouded with the memories of the past. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, his gaze distant wrestled with his own demons. "And that's not my story to tell." He signed finally, his expression solemn as he met my gaze once more. I nodded in understanding, a pang of sympathy tugging at my heartstrings. Despite the unease churning in my chest, I knew better than to pry any further.

"Okay," I murmured, pushing myself upright as determination sparked within me once more. "Let's get this move done." With a smile, Min-Woo rose to his feet, his movements fluid and graceful as he demonstrated the technique once more. And to my surprise as I followed his lead, something clicked into place, and I executed the move effortlessly, as I had been doing it all my life.