I cleared my throat. “Now for my official first order of business.” I darted my eyes between all the men. “I want eyes on Alphonse Barone at all times and I want his home watched.”

“That's not possible right now.” One man I had never seen in the house before spoke up nervously.

I snapped my gaze toward him. “I’m sorry? Who are you?”

“I was just promoted to captain, boss.” He shifted his weight to the other leg. “My name is Bellagio Magni.” He was slightly shorter than me and well-built. His shoulder-length brown hair was pulled tightly into a short ponytail that rested on the back of his neck.

“Bellagio?” I glared. “Like the hotel in Vegas?”

He nodded subtly.

“Okay, well why isn't it possible, Hotel?” I lifted a hand, rolling my bottom lip between my fingers.

“They’re watching your house through the media.” He plodded to the window, pulling back the curtain and peered out at the crowd. “You know they have spies out there.”

I stepped over to the window, scanning the distant crowd.

“Men, women, teenagers, you name it.” He continued. “They’re watching the house. They employ the ones who will blend in.”

My eyes widened as I thought back to the familiar face in the crowd. Holy shit. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying not to internally panic about Sofia. I had been told there could be anyone in a crowd, but never thought about females. I was too distracted that day and assumed women were never involved in this life. I paraded back to the desk trying to remain self-assured and in control of the room.

The truth was, Sofia was in danger now and so was I; more so than before. I flashed Joey a glimpse of restrained dread. He cocked his head trying to read my mind. He rolled his eyes, deeply exhaling when he realized my anguish had to do with Sofia. I spun to the men in the room.

“I need to speak to Joey and Federico alone.”

“What do you want from us right now, boss?” One of my father’s long-time captains, Donte, queried.

“Do nothing yet, but I will be in touch very soon.”

The men nodded and exited instantly. I took a deep breath as I stepped closer to Federico and Joey. “Your loyalty is with me and no one else, correct?” I addressed Federico directly.

He bowed his head in agreement.

“I want no verbal or visual reaction when I tell you this.”

“Sofia Barone, yes sir.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m well aware.”

I brought my hands to my head, pressing my temples with my fingertips. “I don't even want to know how you know.”

“Boss,” he sighed calmly, “I don't see this going well but there is nothing we can do about that right now so please continue.”

“The other day I saw someone outside the gate, and she looked familiar, but she wasn't acting like the other girls.” I nestled my hands in my pockets. “At the time I didn't know where I saw her but knew she looked familiar. I just realized I saw her the night at the club where I—” My voice trailed off and I mumbled, “left with Sofia.”

“Oh Jesus,” Joey buried his head in hands, “that night.”

Federico placed his hands on his hips, glancing at the ceiling, then narrowed his eyes to mine. “Did she see you leave together?”

“I don't know.” I stroked the neatly trimmed stubble on my chiseled jaw. “I don't think so.”

Joey groaned.

“We didn't leave together until we were outside, and also, we weren't all over each other in the club.” I defended my actions.

“If she or anyone else conveyed anything back to Alphonse, you’ll never see his treasured princess again.” Federico cleared his throat.

As I crouched on the beach, I pretended to search for shells. Digging with a small piece of driftwood, I hummed a fake tune as my father's friends approached me. The waves breaking on the shore gave them the ability to sneak up on me, yet they were not aware I saw them.

“Sofia, what are you doing?”