Page 36 of Forced Arrangement

“Don’t ever scare me like that again,” he whispers, his voice raw with emotion.

I nod, too spent to argue, my heart still racing as I try to catch my breath. “I’m sorry,” I whisper back, the words slipping out before I can stop them. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

I don’t know what’s happening, but we are moving into uncharted territory. This is clearly a business arrangement made to benefit us, but the lines are beginning to blur uncomfortably.

He kisses me again, softer this time, his touch more tender as he pulls me close. “I just need you safe, Sophia. This isn't going to work if I’m worrying about your safety every minute of the day.”

That makes me roll my eyes, and I step away from him.

“Tell me what happened,” I say finally, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. “With Costa.”

Angelo’s expression darkens, the tension returning as he recounts the events of the day—the discovery of Luca, the condition they found him in, and the retaliation that followed. As he speaks, I see the cold, ruthless side of him that I have only glimpsed before. This is the part of him that will stop at nothing to protect what is his.

And as much as it scares me, I can’t deny that part of me that is drawn to it, to him. It’s never fun to discover that you might be deeply psychologically damaged. Being this strongly attracted to the darkness in another human must mean something negative about me. I briefly wonder if the problem is in my DNA. Maybe this was always inevitable.

When he finishes, I nod, processing everything he has said. “He won’t stop,” I say quietly, more to myself than to him. “Costa won’t stop until he gets what he wants.”

“Neither will I,” Angelo replies, his voice hard as steel. “But I promise you this—he’ll regret ever coming after us.”

It only makes sense at this point to give Costa what he wants and I said as much to Angelo. He narrows his eyes.

“We can’t,Tesoro mio.If we give in even once, everyone will suspect that we are weak. We will never stop fighting them off. Costa will just be the first of many people who want to topple you off your throne.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose with two fingers. “A throne I don’t even want,” I mutter. I pace around the room, thinking.

“He wants us to show up to fight him. We'll do that. He expects a dainty little princess who doesn't know anything about defending herself, but I haven't lived the last twenty years of my life like a fugitive without learning how not just to survive, but to thrive.” I stop and turn to face Angelo.

“If it’s a war he wants, let’s give him one. If my people are asking where their leader is, let’s show them. I'm done hiding, Angelo. I'm done letting other people call the shots for me.”

He watches me for a minute without saying anything, and then he steps forward, touching me in a way that feels like he isn't even aware that he is touching me.

“Good. They won't see the hell coming.”

I believe him. And for the first time since all of this started, I feel a flicker of hope. We are in this together, and whatever happens next, we will face it side by side.

Because in this world, he’s as much a weapon as any gun. And I have every intention of wielding him to the fullest.

Chapter Thirteen

Angelo

The room buzzes with tension, thick and palpable. I stand at the head of the table, Sophia next to me, her posture straight and composed. It’s the same table her father had ruled from—where decisions were made, lives were changed and power was consolidated. But today, it isn't Carlo Agostini holding the reins.

It’s his daughter.

I scan the faces of the men seated before us. These are the remnants of Carlo’s old guard, men who have served him loyally for years, and a few others who have risen in rank since his death.

Their expressions range from skeptical to outright hostile, especially Giuseppe Costa. Carlo’s former right-hand man has had his glare locked on Sophia the entire time, as though he can’t believe she has had the audacity to stand before him.

Costa has been working to turn the loyalty of the others into a weapon, spreading rumors and stoking their doubts. He thinks he can fracture the family, claim leadership by underminingSophia before she can even take her place. Sophia stands tall, despite the weight of their scrutiny.

Her composure is admirable, but I can feel the tension in her stance. This isn’t just about taking on her father’s legacy. It’s about surviving in a world where people like Costa would rather see her dead than in charge.

I clear my throat, pulling everyone's attention back to me. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. As many of you know, Carlo Agostini’s death left a gap in this family—a gap that needs to be filled.”

A murmur ripples through the room. I let it simmer for a moment before continuing. “That’s why I’ve called you here today. Sophia Agostini, his only heir, will be stepping into the role of don to lead this family.”

The murmuring stops. Silence falls heavily and all eyes turn to Sophia. Her chin lifts a little higher, her hazel-green eyes scanning the room as though daring anyone to challenge her. I can feel the tension rolling off her, but to her credit, she doesn’t flinch. She’s stronger than most would give her credit for.

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