hapter 15 Chapter 15
That afternoon, Amelia returned to the gym on her own. Katya was gone for the day but the training equipment. Amel wrapped her hands carefully with the protective tape Katya had taught her to use, then approached the heavy bag hanging in the comer
The first punch was tentative, her form correct but lacking commitment. The second landed with more force. By the filth, she was putting her whole body into each strike, pistas Katya had shown her
Right oss Left hook, Knee slike Ebow
With each impact, Ama channeled a specific memory: The way Richard had dismissed her in euming to law school. The times held interupted her at dinner parties toy something she’d said. The conversations held
The moment he’d introduced Charlotte as the love of my lie while Amela sat across from then, her anniversary gift for him in her punte
The bag swung wildly an Amelia’s attacks gmore Sweat poured down her face her breathing ragged, but she didnt stop Could stop. Something locked inside her was breaking free with each blow, each kick
“Maintain control” Katya’s voice echoed in her mind. “Anger makes you strong but stupid Channeled it ever let it direct you
Amelia forced her to slow down to locus on her technique rather than just pounding away blindly. She settled into a rhythm, b, cress hook repeat. Her muscles burned, but the pain fea clarifying most purifying
She didn’t hear the gym door open. Didn’t realize she was no longer
with their children about important matters without including her.
Armela spun around, fists straised, body automatically assuming the defense posturaly had diedith Lucas to just tide the doorway, hands rad in mock surrender
“he said. 7 den’t mean to startle you
Amelia lowered her hands, embarrassed to be caught in such a raw moment. “No, I’m sorry. I was…. Totused”
“Lucas crossed to the
1to the bench along the wall and sat down Katya says you’re her best student in years. High one from some who trained special forces
Pride wamed Amela’s chest, but she shrugged in off. Im stillearning the basics”
Maybe But you’re leaming them faster than most “Lucas watched her with those perceptive eyes that seemed to see too much. Can ask why this particular aspect of your transformation important to you?
Amela turned back to the bag landing a sold night cross before answering. Because never want to feel helpless again”
Unlocked
Chapter 15
The simplicity of the answer hung in the ar between them. Lucas nodded slowly understanding
“When Diana ded” he said after a moment, let that way. Helpless. All my money, all my connections, all my power and I couldn’t save her
Amel hadn’t expected this confidence Lucas rarely spoke of his late wife
“What did you do?” she asked solly
but mor
I more. Earned mare. Extended my influence further.” Ashadow crossed his face if enough power could sometiam protect me from eversing that enable again.”
His smile was sad. Not really just gave me different problems to focus on
Amel unwrapped the lape from her hands, considering his words. T’m not trying to become invincible. Just capable Independent
“And you are “Lucas stood, moving closer to the heavy bag. “But there’s something more going on here, isn’t there Something beyond self–defense
Amelia met his gaze directly. “When I go back, when I face Richard andmy children, I won’t be the same woman they decorded. Inside or outside”
“Preparation for battle, then, Lucas cbserved
To a way.”
Lucas nodded, as confirming something to him. “Katys mentioned you might beready for more advanced training. If you lo imerested”
“What kind of advanced training?”
“The kind that goes beyond self–defence into mon. proactive Dentory”
Amela understood immediately what he wasnt saying Notjust defending hersell, but potentially taking the fight to an opponent. The thought should have disturbed her. Instead, it sent a thrill of possibility through her tired body.
To inlerded” che sad my
Lucas studied her for a long moment, then nodded 11 make the arrangements. But Amela Heheated, choosing his words carefully. “Dont lose yourself in the process Revengecante consuming.”
Tm not looking for inget” Amalia replied, though the words tasted fale even as the opoke them. “Just jökpre”
Chapter 15
Lucas did challenge the distinction, but something his expression suggested the knew better. That he recognized the firebuing inside her because the same name had once consumed him,
“Diver’s at seven,” he said empres
After heeft, Amela turned back to the heavy bag Right Left hook Knee nike Ebow Each impact echoed through the empty gym, each blow bringing her closer to the woman she needed to become
hot just to survive in this new world she found here but to thrive. To eventually return to the old one and maker Parker regnt the night he shattered everything.
Ket for revenge, shtohere again.
For justice
But as connected with the bag refinaltime, Amelia wandered if there was any residence betw the two
