Page 13 of Bound to the Enforcer

The tension is a thick sludge in the air. Domenico stands tall and strong, like the king he believes himself to be. His men stand at his side, guns still at their sides, not at all shaken by our own aimed at their boss.

What the hell is going on here? Why is he acting so calm and collected for a man who seems to have been caught red-handed?

"Why don't you put your toys away, and let's talk like men, shall we?"

I look at Matteo, who looks just as puzzled as I am.

"What is your endgame here, Domenico?"

His lips pull into a crocodile smile. "Isn't it obvious? I want the throne."

"Over my dead body." I hold my stance.

"That can be arranged." He claps his hands together. "Come now, Alessio. Did you really think that you could catch me out? Me? You are far more naive than I believed you to be. To think Alejandro trusted you to be his sword. Tragedy. And look how that turned out for him."

I snap my gun into place. "And what makes you think that I can't kill you right here where you stand?"

"Because of my dear sweet niece. Do you really think I would open myself like this without ensuring that she would fall if something should happen to me? You left her all alone in that big house. Don't you know any human can be turned for a price?"

My blood runs cold.

"Yes," he cackles. "I will hand it to you. Your men are not easily swayed. Believe me, I have tried many a time. But just because the guards around her can't be compromised doesn't mean other people cannot."

There will be hell to pay if anyone harms a single hair on her head.

"So you kill your brother and plan to usurp your niece. How cowardly of you, Domenico."

"It is unfortunate what happened to my brother, but alas, I had no hand in that. I am simply an opportunist who seeks to exploit an open gap," he says. "And while we are being honest here, I didn't kill Trevor, either. Tacky plays like that are not really my play. I have a more refined and classy touch."

"Watch yourself, Romano." My blood bubbles in my body. "There is no gap to exploit. The Romano family has an heir."

He huffs with evil lurking in his eyes. "For now. But you see, the world we live in is a dangerous one, Alessio. It's why it's important to know which side to choose. I know which side I have chosen. Do you? Sophia will never be safe. Not with you. Go ahead, shoot me if you dare. But the moment that bullet pierces my skin, she is dead, too, and you will have failed Alejandro yet again."

The words hit harder than any bullet. I hesitate, just for a second, and it's enough for Domenico to step away and make hisway out of the warehouse, leaving me stumped and at a loss for the first time in years.

Fuck.

When I return to the estate hours later, the weight of the night hangs heavy on me. I head straight to her room first, Domenico's words playing over and over again in my head like a broken record. I need to see that she is okay. I need to see that she is still breathing.

I walk up the stairs and head to her room, making my way through the dark halls of the mansion. Two guards flank her door, and I ease a fraction. But knowing the woman I am keeping, she could have easily snuck out at any given point. I am not only protecting her from Domenico, but I am also protecting her from her own destructiveness.

When I arrive at the door, the two men give me their acknowledgement and allow me to pass. I don't bother knocking. I open the door and make my way inside.

All the lights are off except for the side lamp by the small table beside her. I see the silhouette of her sleeping form under the sheets and her wild brown hair sprawled out all over the pillowcase. I watch the slow rise and fall of her chest for a moment, and when I see it, I let go of the breath I had no idea I had been holding.

She's alive. He didn't get to her. She is safe.

I walk over to her bed and sit at the edge of the bed. I watch her sleep. Her face seems at ease. I am so used to seeing it riddled with distrust that to see her at peace—somewhat—makes me feel better.

She will never know peace in this world ever again. Not after what Domenico just declared.

I turn my head to the side table and find an empty teacup filled with the remaining leaves of the tea I requested to be made for her every night.

"Look who's finally listening." My voice is barely audible to my own ears. An involuntary smile makes its way to my lips against my better judgement. I reach out and brush a stray strand of hair from her face out of sheer temptation.

She stirs a little, and I fear she is about to wake up, but then she settles back to sleep. I take a moment to drink her in for what feels like the first time.

Sophia Romano.

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