Page 110 of Dangerous Rhythm

Dressed in a stylish gray suit, her wool overcoat draped over her shoulders, and her hair sleekly held back in a low bun, Sofia looked like a woman who could own New York City. But right at that moment, she was crumbling right before his eyes.

“Sofia, if I had known, I would do everything in my power to put a stop to it.” Connor went to her, holding her by the arm.

She snatched her arm away from him. “Don’t touch me.”

“I’d do anything to change what happened. You know that,” Connor pleaded.

“God. When is this ever gonna end?” Tony massaged his forehead. “I am so tired of this fucking feud. All these losses.”

Connor and Sofia looked at the older Stiletto.

“All these deaths could’ve been avoided. Rocco’s and Sean’s.” Tony shook both of his hands in an agitated way, his Italian heritage showing. “Who’s next? Me? Liliana and Luca?”

From Sofia’s dramatic gasp and making the sign of the cross, Curtis guessed Liliana and Luca were Tony’s children.

“No, Tony. Don’t say that.” Sofia went to her brother.

“There’s always someone next, Sofia,” Tony said. “If our mother learned of this, she would raise hell against you, Connor.”

Sofia shook her head. Tears started down her cheeks. “No, you’re right, Tony. This has to stop.”

“You have the power to prevent more bloodbaths from happening,” Lina suggested.

Curtis could tell from her micro-expression that Lina was losing patience with the dramatics. He was engrossed. It was better than watching a Korean drama.

“If the three of you confront Serafina in a united front, you’ll have more power than she does. Your generation can end this stupid feud once and for all,” Lina said.

“United?” Tony echoed the word as if he didn’t understand its meaning.

“Yes, unite the families,” Lina suggested with a smile. “We have a couple in love right here.”

Lina looked at Sofia with kind eyes. “I know you’re hurt. It will take time to forgive each other for what happened. But it is obvious you love each other.”

Sofia looked at Connor warily.

“You’re suggesting they get married?” Tony asked.

“It is up to them, of course,” Lina said. “I’m just pointing out the obvious solution. All this started because they couldn’t stop loving each other. So they did it in secret. Nothing good comes from secrets, as we have witnessed.

“Let their love be the bond that will heal your families,” Lina urged.

Tony studied his sister. “I will never force you to do anything you don’t want. I’m notMamma.” He glanced at Lina. “But she makes a lot of sense.”

“I…” Sofia gazed at Connor.

“I’ll marry you in a heartbeat,” Connor said.

Sofia drew a deep breath, looking unsure. Curtis held his, waiting for her answer.

“Shit! Incoming,” Kate’s voice broke in his ear at the same time the elevator dinged again.

Both Curtis and Lina sharply turned toward the elevator.

“Who the hell is coming now?” Tony questioned, but his face darkened as he saw his mother.

“Well, well, well. Are you having a party and forgot to invite me, Junior?” Serafina Stiletto catwalked in on four-inch black patent stilettos like she owned the building, followed by a guard bigger than Sal.

Lina subtly moved to stand in front of Curtis. Damn the woman’s protective instinct.

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