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sorellina = little sister

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Logan — – –

Logan had trouble keeping Lucas calm. The prospect of spending extra time with his favorite teacher and eating pizza, had the boy bouncing off the walls. And when there are no customers, it's fine, but most of the people in the cafe think kids don't belong here. And the later in the day it gets, the stranger the folk and he'd rather keep Lucas away from them.

He eventually managed to get him to sit down at the kitchen table, where he is drawing a picture at the moment and Logan hopes that the women will be here soon. He hears the bell at the entrance ring, followed by his sister's laughter. He looks at Lucas, who is focused on his drawing and walks out of the kitchen.

"Lex, Lucas is seated at the kitchen table. He was bouncing through the cafe, but he's drawing now."

Lexy says: "I'll set the table with Lucas. The pizzas were a gift from Pia's uncle", and carries the pizza's into the kitchen.

Logan raises his eyebrow at Pia and says: "It's not a thank you this way."

Pia laughs and says: "Next time you can try and convince Mister Gentile that you want to pay for them, okay?"

Something shines in his eyes when he asks: "Next time?"

Pia blushes and says: "Erm... Yes?"

They jump up when they hear a little voice yell: "Miss Pia! Uncle Logan! Dinnerrrrr!" They burst out in laughter and Logan guides her into the kitchen.

They sit down and Lucas looks at his teacher with wide eyes. "Ohhh, it's very short again. Pretty!"

Pia smiles at him and says: "Thank you, Lucas."

Logan whispers: "Yes, very pretty. And easy with the helmet."

Pia blushes and checks to see if Lucas and Lexy heard him, but they are talking to each other. Pia looks into Logans' eyes and winks at him.

The corner of Logan's mouth moves upwards a little and he asks: "Hmm, what do we have here? A Lucas pizza, pepperoni, and what is this one, Pia?"

She smiles and says: "Diavola."

Logan says: "That sounds hot."

She chuckles and says: "It is. Salami, mozzerella and a lot of peppers." Logan confidently grabs a slice and takes a big bite out of it. Pia looks at him amused and grabs a slice of the spicy pizza too. She takes a bite and keeps her eyes focused on Logan, to see if he can handle the heat.

She became immune to spicy food as a kid because Italians prepare everything with garlic and pepper. But Logan eats it happily and grabs a second slice. The bell above the cafe door rings and Logan excuses himself.

Pia grabs another slice and looks at Lucas, his little face is covered in cheese. Lexy winks at her and says: "Yes, I'm sure you can tell that pizza is his favorite food."

Lucas attempts to clean his face with a towel and tries to whisper at his mom. "Mommy? Is it bad? Do I look ugly?"

Lexy looks shocked and Pia says: "You look like pizza is your favorite food. And that's not ugly, that's beautiful." She winks at him and he grins at her. He takes another bite of his pizza and Lexy shoots Pia a grateful look.

When their bellies are full, Lucas yawns and Lexy picks him up. "Come on cheese monster. We're going home, to wash our faces, and go to bed."

Lucas mumbles: "Bye miss. See you tomorrow."

Pia smiles at him and says: "Bye Lucas. See you tomorrow." Lexy says goodbye to Pia too and walks into the cafe. Pia gets up and takes the last pieces of pizza from the boxes and puts them on Logan's plate. She sets the boxes down near the backdoor, grabs the plate, and walks into the cafe.

Logan is drafting a beer for a customer and Pia puts the plate down on his side of the bar. She is on her way out when Logan asks: "Pia? Stay for a drink. Please?" 

She thinks about it, looks into his grey eyes and her mouth says yes, before she realizes it. She sits down at the bar and Logan leans over to her and whispers: "I don't think Pia drinks vodka."

She gives him a challenging look and asks: "What do you think Pia drinks?"

Logan takes a minute to think about it before he says: "Chianti... or Amarone."

Pia is impressed and asks: "You have Amarone in here?" He nods and pours a glass for her. She takes a sip and looks at him with shiny eyes.

Her phone vibrates and she looks at the screen to see who it is. It's a message from Bruno, to let her know that her training will start a little later because he has to drive someone to the hospital in the owner's car. She relaxes on the barstool and takes another sip of the Amarone.

Logan studies her and has so many questions, but he's afraid to scare her off. She looks into his eyes and asks: "Do you ever have a night off?"

"Erm, not really. I don't need it, because Lexy and Lucas are asleep at night."

She sees the unconditional love for his sister and his nephew in his eyes. She says: "Lucas asked me something this afternoon. He wanted me to confirm that if you had an uncle Logan, you didn't need a dad."

Logan looks at her, his eyes swimming with emotion, and asks: "What did you say?"

"That he was right. If you have a fun uncle like that, you don't need a dad."

Logan grins and says: "Thank you!"

Pia takes another sip of wine and says: "I better slow down because this wine is already making me lightheaded. And I still need to train."

"You're boxing tonight?"

She nods and says: "Bruno just sent me a message that he's running a bit late because he had to take someone to the hospital."

Logan looks around the cafe and sees a regular at a table, but besides him, it's a quiet night. He walks over to the customer and discusses something with him. The man gets up and walks out. 

Logan locks the door behind the guy and comes over to the bar. He grabs a piece of cooled off pizza and says: "Do you feel like trying out a new sparring partner?"

She smiles wide and nods. 

"Okay. I'll go grab some clothes, I'll be right back. He takes a bite out of the slice of pizza and walks through a door at the other side of the cafe. 

Pia sends Bruno a message to let him know she's on her way with Logan. 

Logan comes out and says: "I think I'm ready."

Pia laughs and says: "We'll go to Mister Gentile first, because that's where I leave Pia behind. Have you ever been on the back of a Harley?" 

Logan shakes his head and looks at her with excitement in his eyes.

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Scorpia — – –

Logan is waiting for Scorpia at mister Gentile's kitchen table, while the older man stares at him. It feels like the man can look straight into his soul and he is starting to feel very uncomfortable. He hears someone come down the stairs and the door opens.

She walks into the kitchen, wearing leather pants, a black T-shirt and black, leather stiletto boots. And not only her outfit is different, her entire aura is strong and tough. He stares in awe at her transformation and hears her say: "Mister Gentile? I know he's really good looking, but if you keep staring at him like that, you will burn holes in that beautiful Scottish man." 

She laughs and the older man laughs along with her.

Logan blushes like a little schoolboy and doesn't know what to do with himself. Scorpia sees it, but pretends she doesn't and says: "Come with me! I'll introduce you to Ombra."

Logan asks: "Ombra? Who's that?"

Scorpia walks away from him and he follows her swiftly. She opens a door and he notices a matte-black Harley Davidson. She says: "This is Ombra. It means shadow in Italian."

Logan admires the bike and whispers: "Wow."

Scorpia grabs a leather backpack and an extra helmet from a closet. She hands him the helmet and puts a leather jacket on. She also puts her gloves on and is about to put the backpack on her back. But she changes her mind and hands it to Logan. He understands immediately and puts it on.

She hugs Mister Gentile, who walks over to the garage door. The older man nods at Logan and opens the door. Scorpia asks Logan if he needs help with the helmet, but he shakes his head and secures the strap under his chin. She winks at him and hops on the bike. She pushes the helmet over her short hair and invites him to sit down behind her. He sits down and she starts the engine. She speeds out of the garage as soon as his arms are wrapped around her waist and rides over to the gym.

They arrive at the gym and she parks her Harley next to a silver version of the same make and model. She turns the engine off and takes her helmet off. Logan gets up and undoes the strap of his helmet. Once he has taken it off, she nods at the silver bike and says: "That's Argento. Bruno's bike. Come."

Logan still feels the adrenaline rush through his veins. That was some ride. Being pushed up against this beautiful woman, while she drove confidently and at a high speed through the streets. He follows her inside and sees her nod at the man behind the reception desk.

She walks towards the ladies locker room and points at the door next to it and says: "See you in a bit! I'm not very social during my warming-up, just saying." Logan nods and walks into the other locker room.

Nothing could have prepared him for what his eyes see when he walks out into the gym, wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt. She is jumping rope in tight, black leggings and a sports bra. He walks over there and grabs a rope for himself.

Is he really going to do this? Let's see if it's like riding a bike. He starts jumping and a smile slowly starts to form on his lips. Scorpia is warmed up and opens her eyes. She sees Logan jump with a happy expression on his face. Her heart skips a beat and she grabs two pairs of boxing gloves and mouth guards. She places them in the ring and grabs two towels and two bottles of water next.

She climbs into the ring and dances on her feet to stay warm. Logan climbs in as well and looks at her. She smiles at him and hands him his gloves and mouthguard. He gallantly helps her with her gloves first, before putting his own on. He studies her stance and knows this is going to be tough. She exudes confidence and if he really had to fight her, he would be shitting himself. 

She challenges him with her eyes and he winks at her, before taking a step forward.

About an hour later he is leaning against the ropes with a glued eyebrow and a bag of ice against his eye. Scorpia is sitting next to him, breathing heavily and drinking water. She looks at him cautiously and hasn't spoken a word since she almost knocked him out.

He chuckles softly and her eyes are full of questions when he makes eye contact with her. "Damn, that was fun!" She raises her eyebrows and he nods.

She says softly: "I think this might be the only time I'll manage to hit you like that. You are really fast and thankfully a bit rusty. If you seriously start training, you'll surpass me in no time.

He starts laughing and says: "Liar! You even held back. And I should know. Because I am very experienced at losing." She blushes and avoids his gaze.

Bruno walks in and stares at Logan. He comes closer and sees Logan's eyes shimmer. He chuckles and asks: "And Logan? Is there still some talent left?"

Logan says: "Well, look at me. Not that much apparently!" The guys laugh and Scorpia wearily makes eye contact with her brother.

"Did you have to do that, sorellina? We were trying to get him to start boxing again and you punch his lights out. But I guess it's good for my confidence, because I never looked like that by your hands." 

He sees something flicker in her eyes. "What? You're not going to tell me I could have, right?"

Logan says: "I'm sure of it Bruno. You're just lucky she's your sister. She held back against me just now and look at me."

Scorpia feels Pia rise to the surface and climbs out of the ring. She walks into the locker room, without saying a single word to the men. Logan stares at the door and sighs.

Bruno says: "You bring something out in her."

Logan mumbles: "Yeah, anger probably."

"No, man. I've never seen her like this. The lines between Pia and Scorpia are blurring. But that's something she really doesn't need right now." Logan looks at him confused and Bruno says: "Be patient. But I don't think you will see her as Scorpia any time soon. She needs to finish something and she needs to stay angry and strong for that."

The door to the locker room flies open and Scorpia walks out in her leather attire. She looks at Bruno and asks: "Can you take Logan home?"

Bruno nods and says: "Yes. Go."

Logan says: "Bye Scorpia. Thanks." She smiles slightly and runs out of the gym.

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Bruno takes Logan home on the back of his bike and Logan wants to give him his helmet. But Bruno says: "Keep it. You never know when the opportunity arises to ride with her again."

Logan smiles carefully. "Bruno? Do you want me to ask around about tournaments over here, led by Salvatore?"

Bruno nods and says: "Yes, please. But promise me you'll be careful, we don't want Salvatore to find out where you live. Or he'll make sure you'll never spar with my sister again."

Logan nods and feels a cold shiver run down his spine. He knows all too well how ruthless Salvatore is. He's seen it with his own eyes way too often. He goes upstairs quickly and dives into bed.

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Logan—– –

Logan showers quickly and gets dressed, keeping one eye on the clock at all times. He sent Lexy a message that he would like to take Lucas to school, but she thought he was joking. He is determined to show her he's serious. He grabs his keys and takes big strides towards his sister's apartment.

When he gets there, he rings the doorbell, and Lucas opens the door. "Uncle Logan? What happened?" The boy looks at him in shock and Lexy comes closer.

"Fuck Logan! Did you fight again?"

Logan looks from his shocked nephew to his fuming sister and suddenly realizes what he must look like. He rubs his neck and says: "I went boxing last night, after a very long time. In a gym."

Lexy lets out a sigh of relief and Lucas says: "Cool!" 

They let Logan in and Lexy asks him to help Lucas with his hair. He chuckles as he looks at his nephew, who's hair is a right mess. Lexy makes sandwiches for lunch and Logan helps Lucas with brushing his teeth and fixes his hair.

"So you meant it, brother? You really want to walk Lucas to school?"

Logan looks her straight in the eye and says: "Yes. To and from school. Every day."

Lexy frowns and searches his eyes for an explanation for his offer. A smile appears on her lips and she says: "Ahh. Okay. Great. That gives me more time to myself. I'm sure Lucas would like it better if I took him to school, but I guess he will have to get used to it."

"No way mom! Uncle Logan is a lot more fun!" 

Lexy turns around and pretends to cry.

Logan says: "You can't say stuff like that to your mother Lucas! What if Miss Pia hears about it?"

Lucas runs to his mom and wraps his arms around her. "I'm sorry mommy. I really love you!"

Lexy cuddles him and says: "Okay, you're forgiven. But you have to listen to uncle Logan. And no running off!"

Logan says: "I have a solution for that." He helps Lucas with his little backpack and kisses his sister. "Come on little monster, we're off." 

Lexy stands in the doorway and waves at them. 

Logan lifts Lucas onto his shoulders and winks at Lexy.

Lucas squeals and yells: "I'm a giant!" Logan chuckles and starts to walk towards the school. His eyes land on a woman with short, dark hair and a red coat, walking a little further ahead of them. He takes bigger steps and Lucas softly says: "Ohh, miss Pia." 

They both smile when they close the distance between them and the teacher.

Pia turns around and looks into Logan's grey eyes, before looking up at Lucas.

"Hi Miss Pia! I'm a giant!"

She laughs and says: "Wow, you grew a lot since yesterday! Must be the amount of pizza you ate."

Lucas laughs loudly and Logan says: "The perfect way to make sure he doesn't run off."

Pia nods and Lucas says: "Uncle Logan went boxing."

Mischief shines in Pia's eyes as she asks: "Oh really? Is that why he looks this way?"

Lucas thinks for a second and states: "He's probably not very good."

Logan tickles him and says: "What!? I'm very good."

Lucas giggles and Pia softly says: "His opponent was just a tiny bit better."

Logan says: "More than a bit, but it was wonderful to box again."

They arrive at the school and Logan lifts his nephew from his shoulders. Lucas immediately runs to Pia and hugs her legs.

Pia strokes his hair and says: "Go and play buddy, it's still early." Lucas runs off and she looks at Logan, while taking a step forward. She softly touches his eyebrow and cheekbone and he holds his breath. His heart is beating so fast, that he is positive she can hear it. She looks deep into his eyes and whispers: "Sorry."

Logan lays his hand over hers and says: "Don't. Don't be sorry. I'm not. I really loved it. I felt a bit like myself again. I love boxing, win or lose. The adrenaline is addicting. And I was already excited from the ride over there."

She can see in his eyes that he means every word and relaxes. Her eyes drift to his lips and her thoughts wander until she hears a voice say: "Good morning Pia! Good morning Logan!"

She quickly retracts her hand from Logan's cheek and takes a step back. "Good morning Thomas."

Logan grumbles: "Morning mister Thomas." 

The spell is broken and it feels like Pia is miles away from him.

Thomas looks at him and asks: "What happened to you?"

Logan answers dryly: "Fought a woman. She won." 

Thomas stares at him, unsure what to believe. Pia tries not to laugh while looking at Thomas' stunned expression. 

Thomas says: "That must have been a very strong woman."

Logan nods and adds: "And a very beautiful one too."

Pia blushes and says: "I'm going to go inside, to prepare myself for the day." She turns around and walks away.

Thomas is still staring at Logan and has no clue what to think of all of this. On top of that, he's curious what they were doing before he interrupted them.

Logan says: "Have a good day teacher! See you next time." He whistles with his fingers and Lucas comes running towards the fence.

"Bye uncle Logan! See you this afternoon!"

"See you later monster! Be good to miss Pia, okay?"

Lucas nods and runs back over to his classmates.

Logan turns around and walks back to the cafe, whistling all the way.

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Here you go, Chapter 9. Or Capitolo Nove.

Anything to add / ask / share / speculate?

See you for the next update!

XO Hankie ❥