His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 27: Sparring

Chapter 27: Sparring

Uh-oh. I’m in trouble.’

Athena made it clear to Vladimir that she hated it whenever he would get involved in violence.

But he couldn’t help it. This was his nature, being a Mafia Boss. Exposure to violence and bloodshed was part of his daily life.

Furthermore, Vladimir was notorious in the underground world as a hot-blooded Boss. He tends to act impulsively once triggered in a given situation.

"I’m sorry. Members of the opposing faction trespassed my territory, creating trouble. I have no choice but to give them some lessons," Vladimir explained, unable to meet her gaze.

"Sigh. Why do it yourself if you have men working for you? Don’t compromise your safety, V. I don’t want to see you bathing with your own blood again!"

Athena could still vividly recall the incident wherein Vladimir was severely injured and beaten up for recklessly attacking a notorious street gang.

Until now, she had no idea that Vladimir did it because of her. Athena was strolling through downtown without knowing that Vladimir was secretly following her behind.

When the street gang spotted Athena, Vladimir overheard their plan to harm her. Setting aside the fact he was outnumbered, Vladimir’s rage consumed him thus he suddenly charged in, attacking and beating every member in his path.

"You know I’m tough," Vladimir said, playfully flexing his right bicep. Deep inside, he felt touched because of Athena’s concern for him. He knew that she was upset because she didn’t want him to get hurt again.

"Sigh. You and Lanny are both stubborn and reckless." Athena shook her head helplessly.

"By the way, why are you still awake?" He finally changed the topic.

Athena smiled faintly when she heard his question. In fact, she couldn’t sleep. There were lots of things running in her mind right now, especially about her revenge. Furthermore, she was still adjusting to this new place.

"V, I’m not yet sleepy..." She admitted. After a short while, her eyes lit up. "Since you are here... do you want to have a sparring session with me? Let me test how tough you are," Athena challenged him, winking playfully. She wanted to clear her mind so she thought of doing some physical activities.

"Sure. I know the nearest gym here!" Vladimir promptly responded in his elated voice.

Lanny and Vladimir were the ones who taught Athena combat and self-defense skills. They thought learning martial arts was necessary for her protection since she had become part of the Ivankov Clan.

After wearing their training clothes– hand wraps, tight-fitting shirts, leggings, and pants, Athena and Vladimir headed to the gym. Soon, their sparring session started.

"V, I’m warning you, don’t be easy on me," Athena teased him as they encircled each other inside the ring, each one of them assessing the distance and timing as they both searched for an opening to attack.

"Of course, you know I hate to lose," Vladimir grinned in response.

The training room echoed with the rhythmic sounds of their footsteps. The air was charged with high energy, a mix of determination and camaraderie.

Athena initiated with a quick jab, aiming for Vladimir’s stomach. He responded swiftly, stepping to the side to avoid the blow and countering with a hook.

Meanwhile, Athena slipped Vladimir’s hook, moving her head to the side and simultaneously stepping back to create distance.

"You improved a lot, Athena. You dodged my attack so fast." Vladimir commended her which elicited a soft giggle from her.

"Why don’t we make a bet? The loser should grant the winner’s request." Athena suggested to motivate Vladimir to be serious. She knew he was holding back his strength.

Vladimir stopped moving for a moment, staring at Athena with amusement. "Are you sure about that? What if I defeat you and ask you to marry me? Will you grant my wish?"

Athena: "..."

Athena was taken aback by Vladimir’s last remarks. ’Is he serious?’

"I–I" Athena didn’t know what to say.

Sensing her uneasiness, Vladimir’s chuckle bubbled up in the gym. "Hey, don’t take my words seriously. I’m just trying to distract you." Vladimir charged in to capture her.

He immediately took his words back because he didn’t want Athena to feel uncomfortable and awkward in his presence. Besides, he wasn’t ready for rejection. What if she would suddenly say No?

Meanwhile, Athena’s focus returned because of Vladimir’s action. Taking advantage of Vladimir’s closeness, Athena launched a series of rapid strikes—jab, cross, hook—aimed at his body, testing his defense. Vladimir used his elbow to block her attacks.

Their exchanges of punches and kicks became more intense as time went by. Vladimir’s movements were smooth and precise, matching Athena’s determination blow for blow. But Vladimir remained on the defensive stance as he didn’t want to hurt her.

Athena was enjoying this sparring session with Vladimir. It somehow helped her divert her attention away from Dominique and her other concerns.

In the middle of their intense sparring, Vladimir seized an opportunity as Athena launched a series of swift strikes. With lightning speed, he pivoted, closing the distance between them in a single stride.

In one swift move, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close in a sudden embrace. This action took Athena by surprise.

Athena’s breath caught in her throat as she felt Vladimir’s strong arms enveloping her. For a fleeting moment, the intensity of their sparring faded into the background, replaced by the raw intimacy of the embrace.

’Eh? What is he doing?’ Athena asked herself inwardly.

She could feel the rhythm of their breathing synchronized while the heat of their bodies mingled in the charged atmosphere of the gym.

Feeling a warm and subtle pinkish glow spreading across her cheeks, Athena instinctively bit her lower lip. ’Damn. I can feel his hard muscles. Six abs? No.. eight? Gosh. What am I thinking?!’

Surprised yet strangely exhilarated by Vladimir’s bold move, Athena reflexively leaned back into his embrace, allowing herself to be enveloped by his presence.

"Athena..." Vladimir’s voice broke the silence. "Regarding your revenge..." he hesitated for a moment. "... you can always rely on me. You know I’m a powerful man in this city... more influential than my sister... why don’t you seek my help, instead of her?" There was a hint of jealousy in his tone.