Chapter 66. Pieces of Herself

The thud of footsteps echoed softly against the concrete floor.

Margherita moved with focus, her breath steady, arms stretching upward before she flowed into a controlled twist.

Dante stood nearby, timing her sets, counting under his breath.

She wore black leggings and a fitted tank top, her braid swaying as she moved. The faint sheen of sweat made her skin glow under the harsh ceiling lights.

Dante gave an approving nod. “You’ve got good form. Didn’t expect that.”

Margherita laughed lightly, catching her breath. “Ballet. I was a terrible ballerina, but it trained me well.”

He grinned. “Then we’ll build on that. A few more sessions, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

She smirked. “That’s the goal.”

They were just wrapping up when the door opened.

Ezio stepped in, hands in his pockets, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and amusement.

“Well,” he drawled, “didn’t expect you here this early. Or this soon.”

Margher