He gives me a minute to rub my wrists before he holds out another one. “Again. Make sure the lock is between your wrists and that you swing your hands down as hard as you can. And pull the elbows away from your body or you’ll hit too low and the angle will be wrong.”
“Got it.” I’m in the zone now, going through all the steps several times in my head and with my hands and arms too. Then, it’s time to try it, but, as before, I can’t get through it right away. But the third time’s a charm, which is the fastest I’ve been able to do it yet.
I bounce on my toes, beaming up at Zeno and lifting my hand. “I did it. High five.”
To my utter surprise, he actually lifts his hand and lets me hit it.
Matteo had to deal with some business stuff, but he walks in at that exact time to catch my triumphant moment and stops dead in his tracks, his eyes wide.
“Ugh.” Zeno turns away from both of us and grabs his bag in the corner. “See you tomorrow.”
Matteo glances after his friend before turning to me. “Did he just high-five you?”
I grin widely. “Not completely voluntarily, but yes.”
Matteo throws his head back and laughs. “You have no idea how much I wish I could have been there for that. What was it for?”
Instead of answering, I lift my arms and show him my wrists.
His gaze flicks up to mine. “How many tries?”
“Three.”
He takes both hands and presses soft kisses to the red marks on my wrists. “Look at my little bird setting herself free so she can fly.”
His words hit me like a truck, making it temporarily hard to breathe. He might only be talking about my training sessions and learning some important skills, but those words . . . they crawl under my skin and feed my soul. I want to be that bird who frees itself so it can fly, and I’m going to be. I am.
My hand goes to my collarbone, only to find it bare. No bird cage. I hate that I can’t wear it during my practice sessions, but I’d hate it more to see it break. No one wants a broken bird.
Matteo takes my hand and tugs me out the door. “Come on, I got us some lunch ready. Afterward, I want to show you a new skill.”
“Another one?”
He hums. “You were the one who wanted to learn how to fight.”
“Well, I did. I just didn’t expect it to be like this. It’s like I’m doing survival boot camp or something.”
He stops mid-step and spins around. “I don’t do things halfway. Either I’m all in or all out.”
“Okay.” The word comes out softly.
Matteo studies me. “Is it too much?”
I shake my head. “No, no, no. I’ve just been surprised by it all, that’s it.”
“You sure?”
“Yup. I love it, and it keeps me busy. Which is a good thing since I have no idea what I’d do otherwise.”
We get to the kitchen, and he pulls me to the island, where a bunch of food containers are laid out.
I crane my neck, trying to figure out what it is, but there’s no logo or anything on the boxes. “What is it?”
“The steak and spinach mashed potatoes you liked so much. I had some more delivered for us.”
“You did?” I smile because Matteo has been spoiling me with the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten. The fact that my dad didn’t allow me to eat most of it makes it all the more delicious.
“I did.” He leans in and gives me a kiss. It’s quick but still drives the butterflies in my stomach wild. “I made sure to get some of your favorite ice cream too.”