Page 31 of Forced Arrangement

Franco doesn’t smile, but there’s a slight softening around his eyes. “Good to hear. But we need to discuss something important.”

I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest. “Go on.”

“Giuseppe Costa,” he says, his tone turning cold at the mention of the name. “He’s been making moves. His men are in the city, and it’s clear they’re looking for you.”

The name sends a chill down my spine. Costa. He was my father’s right-hand man for years, a ruthless, calculating bastard who always made my skin crawl as a child. When my father died, Costa had clearly seen it as his opportunity to seize power. With me back in the picture, I was now the biggest threat to his ambitions.

“Why come after me?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. “Why not just take over the Agostini family and be done with it?”

“Because he needs legitimacy,” Franco replies, his voice hard. “Without you, there’s no one to officially pass the mantle to. He can’t take control without making sure he has a rightful claim to put forth. And the easiest way to do that is by getting rid of you.”

I swallow hard, the gravity of the situation sinking in. I knew coming back to New York would be dangerous, but hearing the truth laid out so plainly makes it all the more real. Costa isn’t just a threat—he’s a predator, and I’m his prey.

“Great,” I say, my voice sharp with sarcasm. “So I’m just supposed to hide out here while you and Angelo play bodyguard?”

Franco’s eyes narrow slightly, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of something in them—respect, maybe? “You’re here because it’s the safest place for you to be. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. We need to figure out our next move, and we need to do it fast.”

I nod, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. “Right. Well, I’ll do whatever it takes. But I’m not going to be a pawn in this, Franco. If Costa wants to come after me, I’m not just going to sit here and wait for him to make his move.”

He studies me for a moment, his gaze piercing. “I respect that. But you need to trust us. Angelo’s put everything in place to protect you. We’re not taking any chances.”

I hold his gaze, matching his intensity with my own. “I appreciate that, but I’m not just some damsel in distress. I need to know what’s happening, and I need to be part of the plan.”

There’s a long pause, and then, to my surprise, Franco gives a curt nod. “Fair enough. We’ll keep you in the loop. But understand this—if it comes down to it, your safety is the priority. No heroics, no risks.”

“Deal,” I say, feeling a strange sense of relief. It isn’t much, but it was a start. At least now, I know where I stand with Franco.

“Good,” he says, and just like that, the conversation is over. “Angelo will be back soon. I’ll let you know when he arrives.”

I watch as he turns to leave, his movements precise, almost mechanical. But just before he reaches the door, he hesitates, turning back to face me.

“You’ve been through a lot,” he says quietly. “But you’re stronger than most people would be in your situation. Your father would be proud of you. Just remember that.”

I blink, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. “Thanks, Franco. That…means a lot.”

He nods once, then leaves without another word, the door clicking shut behind him. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my mind spinning with everything he’s just told me.

Costa is here, in the city, and he is hunting me. But I’m not going to let him win. I can’t, there is too much at stake.

I’m about to head back to the windows when my phone chimes, snapping me out of my thoughts. It’s a text from Justine, and a wave of relief washed over me. I need a distraction, something to keep me from spiraling any further.

Just landed. Can’t wait to see you, babe! Also, do I get a hot mafia bodyguard? ;)

I can’t help but smile at the message. Justine has a way of making everything feel a little less dire, even when the world is crumbling around me.

I quickly reply.

Can’t wait to see you too. The car is on its way to pick you up. And as for the bodyguard… we’ll see. ;)

With that, I grab my coat and go to find Franco. I want to get Justine from the airport, to fill her in on everything, and to remind myself that I’m not in this alone. And knowing Justine, she’ll probably have some choice words for the whole situation—along with a few jokes to lighten the mood.

Chapter Twelve

Sophia

The black SUV pulls up to the curb outside the airport, the hum of the engine filling the silence as I wait for Justine to appear.

I drum my fingers against the armrest, my nerves still frayed from the conversation with Franco and the weight of everything that has happened since I arrived in New York. But the thought of seeing Justine, of having a piece of my old life back, delivers a flicker of warmth to the cold knot in my chest.

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