Page 128 of Creed

Sophie had told me the reason for Antonio’s nickname for her. She has so much goodness and light, and I can understand why Antonio calls her that. She looks over her shoulder at me, and I gesture toward the sofas and chairs.

“Sit with your uncle, angel.” I lean down to kiss her forehead, ignoring the death glare Antonio levels at me. “Explain everything and anything you’re comfortable with.”

Chapter 38

Sophie

I see Antonio’s angerand distrust the moment he sets eyes on Creed. No matter that we told Len—thatItold Len—that Creed isn’t the enemy or isn’t keeping me away from my family, Antonio isn’t ready to hear it.

Miguel rests his hand on Antonio’s shoulder. “Let’s listen to what Sophie has to say.”

“Ella no puede hablar libremente con él aqui.” Antonio is rigid and ready to pounce.“Cabrón.”

“I most definitely can speak freely with him here,” I snap. “And speak English, and don’t speak as if I’m not here, Antonio.”

His jaw works, and he flicks his hand at Andro. “Him?”

“Andro is Creed’s cousin.”

“Why is he here?”

“Why are they?” I motion to Severyn and the other large man.

Miguel smiles softly at me. “We were worried, Soph. Severyn is our friend, and Tag and his security team have experience working on things like this.”

“And you’re theliaisonfor Len and her team.” Creed hikes a brow, clearly sizing Tag up and possibly not completely buying Len’s explanation of his role.

“I go where Severyn goes,” Tag growls, and Creed holds up his hand, implying he is no threat.

I rub my forehead, then motion to the sofa. “Let’s sit, Antonio, and I’ll explain.” He hesitates, and my heart clenches at his look of hurt and betrayal for my actions and suspicion of Creed. “Please,Tio.”

Creed runs his thumb along my jawline, soothing some of the ache in my chest. Antonio, of course, catches the gesture, but he must read something from the touch or the love that is apparent on Creed’s face because some of the loathing emanating from Antonio eases, and he sits on the sofa.

I sit beside him, placing my wineglass on the table. Creed stands beside the sofa, close to my side, and Miguel sits in a chair close to Antonio. Andro relaxes against the wall, and Severyn and Tag stand back, observing quietly but looking ready to intervene if needed.

“How is Ollie?” It’s a horrible pill to swallow, knowing that I can’t see her yet. I could drag the threat back to her if my father came for me there.

Antonio looks pained. “She’s stable.”

“Was she…” I can’t get the words out as my throat closes.

Severyn guesses what I tried to ask. “There were no signs of forced sexual activity.”

I’m grateful Ollie wasn’t violated that way. Being stabbed in the chest and left to die is horrible enough.

Guilt blooms like a mushroom cloud inside me, and I squeeze my eyes shut. My friend and roommate was attacked because of me—likely because of the fake sightings Crispin and Daniele had planted to make it look like I was in the city. We had underestimated my father’s resources because we thought we’d find them before they acted.

“She’s safe?” Creed asks about Ollie.

“There’s a team assigned to ensure she is,” Tag reassures.

At least that’s something.

I take a deep breath to push down my unhelpful guilt and meet Antonio’s eyes. They’re filled with anger and pain, along with worry. “Do you remember whenMamadied?”

He reaches for my hand. The gesture implies he hates the gap between us as much as I do, and I nearly break down. “I could never forget, firefly.”

“I was so foolish, but I wanted to believe my father wasn’t as bad as you all promised him to be. I should’ve listened to you.” I can hardly force the words out. “He was worse,Tio.”

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