The chuckle

ELENA'S POV:

Antonio and I cuddled that night again, and it made me so warm and secure. We'd been having sex more often than not, because at the moment, I was naked under the bed and he was too, sound asleep. I guess being a femme fatale was easier than I thought even though Antonio seemed to be having second thoughts about it. I chuckled. Well, he was the one who wanted me to get closer to Derek and speaking about Derek, I knew that I had to meet him quite soon because he sent a message to me, a message concerning my meeting with him. I reached out for my phone. Well, I didn't mention it but when Leo had taken me out, he got me an iPhone 14. I opened up my messages and saw his message, asking me to come to a bar tomorrow, and that he'll send the address. I didn't understand why he was so hell-bent on meeting me. Besides, I knew Antonio would never permit me to, so I didn't reply to the message. I was instead going to show him the message so we could know how we were going to plan things out.

I dropped my phone and burrowed my face closer to his chest. He hugged me tighter before I finally closed my eyes to sleep. I felt so comfortable with him and honestly, I had to say that he made me feel safe and secure, it was always something I'd been searching for in a relationship. I didn't even understand how this was happening. I went from being scared of him to being very comfortable in his arms. It's because I know that I can trust him. Even when he's terrifyingly furious, I can trust him not to harm me. I sniffed his cologne and loved it. Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep.

And what exactly was I expecting early in the morning? Antonio was already out of bed and in his office working. But then I heard the shower turn off and saw a man walk out with his glorious body on display. His muscular body and abs caught my attention and my eyes travelled down to his biceps...then his V-line. I blinked...I was becoming too obsessed with this man and loved every inch of him.

"Like what you see?" He asked and I finally snapped out of my daydream, before I blushed. He chuckled as he walked over to me, before leaning down towards me. I moved backwards while he moved closer, perceiving the masculine scent of his shampoo. He smirked at me. "You were more daring than this yesterday, what happened?" My grip tightened on the blanket. Then I quickly remembered what it was I wanted to do before taking my phone and showing him the message. Antonio's eyes skimmed through the message on my phone with a frown on his face.

"He's so consistent I see. Obviously doesn't want to give up on you. Why didn't you respond anyway?" He asked and I cocked a brow at him.

"Why should I text him back? I didn't think it was a good idea because it would feel like cheating. Besides, I know you enough to know you wouldn't approve."

"A small smile played on his lips as he stared at me. "You're right. I don't approve of it. You Going to Derek right now is very dangerous, you must be well-equipped before you battle with a man like Derek. You must understand the pons and cons of his life. I don't want you anywhere near him until you're ready." He said, causing me to sigh as I felt torn between my loyalty to Antonio and my curiosity about Derek.

"Meeting him can give us valuable information can't it?"

"Of course it can, that's why you will meet him, but not just yet. I don't want you putting yourself at risk." He stroked my hair as he said so, his gaze narrowing.

"But I can handle myself, Antonio," I argued. "I know the trick now. "I proved it yesterday." My words made him chuckle before he got serious. He shook his head and stated firmly.

"Just because you're learning how to be a femme fatale and you got better yesterday, doesn't mean you're ready for the task. Stop being in too much of a hurry. We've all talked about it. And it's too risky. You're too fragile to be put in harm's way." He stated and I looked at him with so much frustration in my eyes.

"I really want it to be now so we can get it over with." Antonio sighed and stroked my hair.

"I get your point. But I'd rather have you alive than dead. The thought of something happening to you isn't something I can bear. I need to protect you." I was sincerely touched by his words. It warmed me.

"I understand too, I just...I guess I shouldn't be in a hurry as you said. I really don't understand what came over me."

"I can't believe I would ever admit this, but I care about you. I care about keeping you safe. Even when you're fully okay and capable of taking care of yourself I'll still send ten of my men to follow you everywhere you go." He said and I chuckled at that. He really wasn't the romantic type, but he cared for me in the way that he could.

I reached and did something I'd never done before. I stroked his cheek and even he tensed at the touch. It was obvious nobody had ever done this to him before but before he could relax....

"I can hear you guys arguing, what's the commotion about lovebirds?"

"This idiot." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "For how long have you been there?" His voice was surprisingly calm for someone that was pissed at his best friend.

"Oh long enough to hear your heated discussion. From the very beginning." Leo stated. And I had to admit, I never knew Leo had this type of side. He always looked so serious and dangerous. Him suddenly being the comic relief was kind of new and well... reliving.

"Leo I swear to god, if you don't get the fuck away from my door I'll have a bullet in your knee."

"Hey, before you try that again, I just came to inform you guys about our deal. She should come to train with me today." Again? I glanced at Antonio.

"You've shot him before?"

"Yeah, he didn't mind his business, no big deal." He stated nonchalantly and I had to say he was the craziest person I've ever encountered.

"If you think I didn't hear that I did," Leo mentioned from the other side of the door.

"When have I ever given a fuck?"

"It's time for your training Elena...hope I can come in. I don't want to see what my eyes can't take."

Antonio rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for your games this morning Leonardo so get the fuck in here."

Leo entered with his eyes shut. I've really never seen Leo this way. Now I understood why they were best friends.

Antonio raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "And what exactly do you have in mind, Leo?"

"We've discussed this haven't we?" Leo's grin widened. "A sparring session. Let's see how she holds up against me, and if she proves herself, maybe we can reconsider the Derek situation." He said and Antonio cocked a brow at the challenge before he glanced at me.

"Perhaps I can consider that. If you can beat Leo in a combat, then maybe I'll let you off to Derek's place. But be very careful Leo. I won't have you hurting my wife. Understand?"

"Understood dear friend. Come on, let's not waste any more time." He motioned at me and I got out of bed to change. I walked to the wardrobe and took out an outfit. "I'll be waiting outside." He stated.

"Is this outfit okay?" I asked Antonio. It was a jumpsuit, elastic and suitable enough to combat in.

"You don't seem scared." He said and I shook my head.

"I'm not...yet," I said and he chuckled.

"He wouldn't hurt you, I'm sure of that. And if he does, he knows who to answer to."

After I was dressed, I followed Leo to the training place where he handed me a pair of gloves. "Put these on. We're going to work on your defence and agility today."

She slipped on the gloves, her focus intensifying. "Alright, let's do this."

"Remember to anticipate your opponent's moves. Make sure you stay light on your feet and react quickly." Leo walked in circles around me, his movements calculated.

I readied myself for the challenge. I didn't know what this was leading to but I knew fear shouldn't be an option. I just imagined. If a man like my uncle ever walked up to me again, if he ever tried to hurt me because he thought I was fragile, I'd be able to return that favour doublefold. Leo lunged forward without warning, and I managed to dodge his attack and in the process fell on my butt. I groaned.

"I told you to go easy on her." Antonio said.

"I fucking am, but she's still new to this, and scared too." He wasn't wrong. He moved to help me up. I took his hand and rose up again. "C'mon, you can do this. You learned the femme fatale method fast. You can learn this one too."

"You do know this one is scarier right? Especially with the fact that I deal with the fists?" I asked Leo and he shrugged. I rolled my eyes.

"You can still do it. You’ve got potential. C'mon, come at me. I won't do anything, just try to take me down." He stated and I did as he told me, running towards me but he lifted me like I weighed nothing and brought me to the ground. It wasn't harsh though. "Your enemy would have no mercy on you when it comes to this method."

I frowned before he pulled me up again and let me go. I dusted my clothes.

"Try again. Look for a weakness and stop leaving yourself open. You're way too open. Be firm with your stance and forget fear. You need to be fearless when it comes to this and replace it with calculations." He emphasized causing me to breathe in and out. Then I tried to calculate my moves. This time I didn't move, I just stood waiting for the perfect time to strike. He lunged towards me, his fist coming for my face. I dodged and hit his abdomen.

"Yes!" I heard Antonio yell. Leo chuckled.

"You're better but, your punch isn't at all painful, you need to work out more." He teased me and I rolled my eyes. But either way, we're making progress. Let's continue." He stated and I had to admit, I was already tired.

"Can we do this tomorrow?"

"No. Again. Come at me this time." I lunged towards him, calculating his moves and watching where he was about to hit. His hand came for my neck and I tarried it. Damn, he had a very strong weight cause I stumbled a little there before I could punch him in the chest. Then he began to laugh. Like he couldn't help it. I paused, confused.

"You are so fragile. We're making progress but I think you need to begin with a punching bag." He continued to laugh so loud that even I heard Antonio chuckle. "I see why you're so into her now Damon. She's so...petite." He said and continued to laugh.

"I think you're offending her Leo," Antonio stated and Leo stopped laughing momentarily before glancing at me. I put my hands on my waist, really offended. He burst out laughing again.

"I'm sorry I can't help it. Let's get to the punching bag now shall we?" He chuckled and I rolled my eyes before following.