#Chapter 45 - Meeting Marco

Aldo Breath flowed smoothly from my nose, and my heart beat steadily against my ribs. I kept my gaze fixed on the woman in front of me as we circled each other. The mats beneath our feet softened the sound of our movements, but nothing escaped my notice. Layla lunged. I feinted sideways, caught her wrist, and spun her effortlessly around to pin her arm behind her. “Too predictable,” I teased, my breath sending the little hairs that had escaped her braid dancing. Layla squirmed free, half a smile scrawled across her face. “I’m just getting warmed up.” The sight made my calm heart skip a beat. “Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Bennett.” “Bring it, Marcello.” But before either of us could make a move, my phone buzzed against the nearby bench where I’d tossed it. “Goddammit.” I sighed, rose from my fighting crouch to retrieve the phone. Carlo’s name flashed across the screen. I swiped sweat off my forehead with my hand as I lifted the phone to my ear. “Better be good, Car.