Page 14 of Bound By Honor

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SOFIA

Islam the car door a little too hard, my nerves frayed from the confrontation with Alfonso. Rocco is already settled in his seat, his jaw set in that firm way that signals his mood is as dark as mine. The air between us crackles with tension, thick and heavy like the clouds before a storm.

"Why the hell did you ask Gino Bonnano to be there? You know how risky that is," Rocco snaps, unable to hide his frustration.

This is why I never consulted him on my decision. Gino has always been a risky ally but is loyal and effective. I can’t ask for much more.

Stunned by Rocco’s tone, I turn to face him, eyes narrowed with anger. "Gino being there was necessary. He’s a statement—an insurance that Alfonso wouldn't try anything funny. Why are you questioning my judgment?”

Rocco scoffs, shaking his head. "A statement? More like a walking declaration of war," he retorts. His expression darkens with a mix of anger and frustration from dealing with Alfonso. "We're supposed to be keeping a low profile, not parading around with Gino Bonnano.”

“Who’s parading? Gino always sticks to the shadows. No one even knows he’s back from Sicily,” I correct him, struggling to keep my rage in check. “You’re the one who keeps saying that my safety comes first. If having Gino here means everyone thinks twice before crossing me, then I’ll make that choice every single time.”

Rocco’s hand slams down on the armrest, making me jump slightly. “Are you questioning my ability to protect you? Do you think I can’t keep you safe? I don’t need that hothead drawing more attention to you and making my job harder.” His fierce protectiveness slices through the haze of anger that surrounds him.

I'm frozen in place, my breath catching in my throat as I see the raw concern etched into his features like a deep scar. A heavy silence engulfs us, amplified by the hum of the engine.

Then suddenly, Rocco's expression softens, and he reaches over, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. The touch sends a jolt through me, igniting a different kind of tension. His face inches closer to mine—his breath warm and rapid.

"Sofia," Rocco confesses. "I can’t risk losing you."

That’s all it takes for the last of my resistance to crumble. My body moves toward Rocco instinctively, closing the small gap left between us. Our lips meet in a desperate kiss, fueled by fear and passion entwined so tightly together it’s impossible to separate them.

Clothes rustle as hands roam freely, every movement urgent and necessary. His kiss deepens, stealing my breath away as efficiently as any threat from our enemies could.

As we break apart for air, our foreheads rest against each other's. Rocco murmurs, almost reverently, “No matter what happens, I’ve got you. I’ll die protecting you if that’s what it takes.”

“That’s precisely what I’m trying to avoid. I don’t want to do any of this without you,” I whisper as I climb onto Rocco and spread my thighs over his lap.

“You don’t really think you’re getting rid of me so easily—do you?” Rocco purrs as he seals his lips to mine, his warm tongue invading my mouth in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless.

The heat from his body radiates against me, and the rough fabric of his jacket brushes against my skin as I press closer, desperate to erase the space between us. My hands roam over his wide shoulders, tugging at the soft hair at the nape of his neck.

Rocco's hands are firm on my back, pulling me impossibly closer as if he, too, wishes to meld us into one being. The small space of the car confines us, but it also makes every touch more intense, every whisper more poignant.

"We're being crazy," I speak softly against his lips, even as my body contradicts my words, pressing closer to his warmth.

"Crazy feels right with you," Rocco breathes back, his voice husky with desire. His hands slide up my thighs, sending a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the cool evening coming through the moonroof.

The leather seats creak under us as we shift, lost in our own world that pauses neither for time nor reason. Our kiss deepens, and Rocco’s fingers find the hem of my blouse, sliding underneath to trace the line of my spine with a touch that sparks fire along every nerve.

"Here?" I manage to gasp out between kisses.

"Anywhere," he responds fiercely. "Everywhere. As long as it's with you."

It’s a madness, this ferocity between us, born from whispers of death and vows of protection. Yet none of that exists in this cocoon of leather and steel—there is only Rocco and me and the undeniable force drawing us together.

As our passion builds, the world outside—the dangers awaiting us—fades into oblivion. In its place is only the sound of our breathing, quickened and ragged with need. Only the feel of him beneath me exists.

A surge of pleasure pulls a moan from deep within me as Rocco shifts below, finding new ways to bring us closer together. Lights pass by outside unnoticed by either of us. They're just fleeting moments compared to what we have in the darkness of our surrender.

In another life, we might have been simple lovers without layers of secrets and danger enveloping us. "Tell me you believe that we'll make it through this," I breathe against his lips, a vulnerable confession that hangs between us heavier than smoke.

His eyes, dark and intense, don’t waver as they capture mine.

"We'll make it," Rocco assures fervently. “We're stronger together than apart. Always remember that, Sofia.My Sofia.”

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