Chapter 58

Laura's POV

Control.

That was what this was about.

I stood there, staring at Kelvin, my heart still racing from the bomb he had just dropped. Training? Seriously? Like I was some kind of soldier? Like I needed to be constantly on edge, waiting for an attack?

This was his revenge. It had to be.

He hadn’t liked that I walked out on him last night. Hadn’t liked that I had held my ground, pushed back, refused to let him have the last word.

And now, here he was, demanding control again.

I exhaled slowly, keeping my expression neutral even as irritation simmered beneath my skin. "Let me get this straight," I said, crossing my arms. "You want me to train again because of this... gathering?"

Kelvin didn't blink. "Yes."

"And what exactly is the gathering?"

A muscle in his jaw ticked, like he was debating how much to tell me. Which only irritated me more.

I raised an eyebrow. "Kelvin."

"It's a meeting," he finally said. "One that happens every few years between certain... powerful people. Business leaders, influential families. It’s an opportunity, but it’s also a game of power."

I frowned, my gut tightening. "And you want me there? Why?"

His gaze sharpened. "Because you’re mine."

The air between us grew thick, heavy with something I couldn’t quite name.

I let out a short, humorless laugh. "That’s not a reason, Kelvin. That’s a declaration which I do not agree to. Try again."

His lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer. But then, with a sigh, he stepped closer, crowding my space like he always did when he wanted me to listen.

“The Roccis are hosting this time,” he said, voice lower, heavier. “And they play dirty. If I don’t bring you, they’ll see it as weakness. If I do, you’ll be a target.”

I stared at him, barely processing his words. "So you’re bringing me into a dangerous situation, and your solution is more training?"

His expression was unreadable, but something flickered behind his eyes. "Yes."

I let out a slow, shaky breath. This was insane.

"You could just leave me out of it," I pointed out. "Wouldn't that be easier?"

His gaze darkened. "That’s not an option."

And there it was. The finality. The decision already made without me.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

I lifted my chin. "Fine."

Kelvin narrowed his eyes. "Fine?"

"Fine," I repeated, stepping past him toward the door. "Let’s play your little game, Kelvin. But don’t think for a second that I don’t see exactly what you’re doing."

His silence followed me as I walked away, my heart pounding with frustration.

If he wanted me to train? I’d train.

But I wasn’t going to let him win.

I shrugged off my silk blouse, tossing it onto the bed before unzipping my slacks and stepping out of them. The urge to scream into a pillow was strong, but I shoved it down, focusing instead on getting ready.

If Kelvin wanted me to play along, I’d do it, on my terms.

I grabbed a pair of black leggings and a fitted tank top, slipping into them with quick, determined movements. My hair, still in a sleek ponytail, stayed in place as I laced up my sneakers, adjusting the fit before heading down.

Dylan was already waiting by the car, leaning lazily against the sleek black SUV with a knowing smirk on his lips.

"Figured you wouldn’t fight it too hard," he said, opening the passenger door for me.

I rolled my eyes and slid inside. "I don’t have a choice, do I?"

He chuckled, shutting the door before rounding the car. "Nope. But you already knew that."

The ride to the gym was quiet, save for the music playing low-key in the background.

What exactly was I stepping into?

More importantly, how far was Kelvin willing to push me?

By the time we arrived, my stomach was a tangled mess of nerves.

The underground gym was nothing like the upscale fitness centers I was used to seeing in magazines. No bright lights, no mirrors reflecting polished bodies in designer gear.

This place reeked of sweat, blood, and raw, unforgiving discipline.

Men were grunting, hitting punching bags with vicious force. Some were sparring in a caged ring, their movements brutal and precise. The sound of fists meeting flesh echoed in the dimly lit space.

I swallowed hard, suddenly unsure of what I had agreed to.

Dylan led me toward an open mat, cracking his knuckles as he turned to face me.

"You ready?"

I met his gaze, forcing my chin up. "Let’s get this over with."

His smirk deepened. "Bad attitude. I like it. Let’s see how long it lasts."

I had scarcely registered his words when he moved.

One second, he was standing casually. The next, his leg swept toward mine, knocking me clean off my feet.

I hit the mat with a loud thud, the impact rattling through my spine.

Pain shot up my back, but before I could even groan, Dylan was standing over me, arms crossed.

"Rule number one," he said, tilting his head. "Never assume you’ll get a warning."

My breath came out in a sharp exhale as I pushed myself up, my pride stinging more than my body.

"Noted," I gritted out.

"Good. Now get up."

The next hour was pure hell.

Dylan wasn’t gentle. Not even a little.

Every move I made, he countered with ease, sending me sprawling onto the mat more times than I could count. When I hesitated, he punished me for it. When I got angry, he only smirked, taunting me further.

"You’re weak," he said at one point, blocking my pathetic attempt at a punch. "Relying too much on emotion. That won’t save you when someone actually wants you dead."

I hated him.

Hated how easily he tossed me around. Hated how smug he looked every time I struggled. I could see why someone like Kelvin had him as a friend.

By the time he finally let me stop, I was gasping for air, my body screaming in protest. My hoodie had been discarded long ago, and my tank top was damp with sweat.

Dylan crouched beside me, offering me a bottle of water.

"Not bad," he mused. "For a beginner."

I glared at him, snatching the bottle from his hand before gulping down the water.

"Are you trying to kill me?" I rasped.

He laughed. "Nah. If I wanted you dead, you’d already be in the ground."

I shot him another glare, but he only grinned, standing up and stretching.

"Tomorrow, same time," he said. "And don’t be late."

I wanted to tell him to shove it, but all I could do was nod weakly.

As I sat there, catching my breath, one thought echoed in my mind.

Kelvin was right about one thing.

If I was going to survive whatever this gathering was… I needed to be stronger.