Page 4 of Bound By Honor

Istand two rows behind the Ricci family, what little remains of it, as we watch Valentino’s last moments above ground. Over the past few years, members and capos have either disappeared under mysterious circumstances or met with violent deaths. Despite his constant search for evidence, Valentino never found proof that there was a calculated act to wipe out his bloodline.

Now, only Sofia remains, the sole heir to lead the family, along with her cousins Franco and Marco, who have taken on the role of her protectors following the death of their uncle. Their swift thinking has kept her safe until now, but they can’t do it alone.

My position in the crowd allows me to witness Bello's act with crystal clarity. It is an explicit declaration of war, but my focus remains razor sharp on Sofia standing defiantly by the graveside.

She makes no move to exact revenge here, probably unwilling to disrupt her father’s funeral further. Her patience and even temper will serve her well if she desires to lead her family. Sofia may be tiny, but she stands with her head held high.

I’ve always viewed her as Val’s spoiled daughter, never realizing how strong she’s become.

"Watch her," I shout into the comm device, unable to disguise the unbridled rage coursing through me. "At all costs."

"Understood, boss." The response is immediate—my loyal soldiers surround the mourners, ready to act on my every word.

"Keep Bello in sight, too. He's overplayed his hand."

Antonio's bold play for power has brought danger directly to Sofia's doorstep, and now it falls upon me and my men to protect her. Although she’s made her wishes known, believing she can handle Antonio Bello by herself, I can’t allow her to tread these waters alone. Whether she likes it or not, I am now her silent guardian, the unseen force that will keep the wolves at bay. I know she’ll put up a fight, but her safety is paramount, and her independence will need to take a backseat.

The crunch of gravel under my boots announces my presence as I approach Sofia. My hand is steady as I reach out and grip her arm with a firm resolve.

"Let go!" Sofia's voice slices through the melancholy air of the cemetery, a fierce whisper that only I can hear.

Franco and Marco immediately scramble to her side, but Luca intervenes, telling them to join us. Hesitant at first, they’re smart enough not to battle it out with my men.

"Come with me if you want to stay alive," I murmur back, my words calm and unyielding.

She struggles against my grip, her body radiating defiance. "I am not some damsel in distress for you to 'save,' Rocco Leone."

"Nonetheless, you are in distress," I retort, my grip tightening as I guide her toward the safety of the waiting SUV. "And whether you accept it or not, I am your savior today."

"You have no right," Sofia barks, trying to wrench away from my grasp. Her eyes blaze with anger and defiance, but I hold her firmly to prevent a scene from unfolding.

“Rights are a luxury. Your safety is more important.”

She’s not wrong to complain about my sudden intrusion. I may be her father's most powerful ally, but I am not her only one. There are at least three other powerful families bound by an oath.

"Protection? Or captivity?" The question hangs between us like a blade ready to strike.

"Semantics," I reply coolly before forcefully pushing Sofia into the vehicle. Despite her spirit and strength, she is an incredible inconvenience to me.

"Drive," I command, after sliding beside her in the confined space. I can feel the heat radiating off her as she seethes.

Sofia's eyes dart around, wide and panicked, taking in her surroundings. She’s like a wild animal searching for an escape that doesn’t exist. "Where are you taking me?" she finally asks.

"To safety," I reply calmly, trying to reassure her that I'm only here to help. “To my estate.”

Sofia rages as she challenges me. “Like a prisoner?” Her fiery spirit still burns strong despite her apparent fear.

“This is war, and I won’t take any chances with your life.”

“This isn’t my war. I didn’t ask for this,” Sofia corrects me, her words dripping with contempt. “You and men like my father dragged me into this, and now I have no choice but to answer a call I never wanted.”

"This isourwar. Whether you accept it or not, your father's blood ties you to this. And it's my duty to ensure you don't share his fate. Franco and Marco are in as much danger as you, and if you continue being a brat, you’ll get all three of you killed.”

Her silence is a temporary ceasefire, but I know our battle of wills is far from over.

“Revenge is mine to take, not yours. I may not have started this, but you better believe I’ll finish it.” Sofia seethes as she slides her behind across the leather seat, either trying to distanceherself or looking to jump onto the highway. I ignore her attempts to jimmy the door open. There is no way for her to access the lock.

"Consider this a necessary evil." I keep my eyes fixed on the rearview mirror, watching for any signs of cars in pursuit.

---