The Mafia's Bargained Bride

I stood in the parking lot of the training center, clutching the silver necklace my teammates had just given me. My fingers traced the tiny gymnast charm, its familiar shape a painful reminder of everything I was about to leave behind.
"You'll always be part of the team, Jasmine," Coach had said, her usually stern voice wavering. But we both knew that wasn't true. After today, I wouldn't be part of anything anymore.
I heard quick footsteps behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was – I'd recognize those steps anywhere after fourteen years of training together.