Page 43 of Savage Hearts

“No,” I whimpered. “Sofia… you can’t do that. It’s too risky.”

“She is right, Princesa. Had I known you were going to volunteer, I would have argued.” Miguel moved into her space. “You cannot risk yourself like that.” At a speed I didn’t expect from Sofia Bianchi, she had Miguel on his back and was straddling him. “If you wanted me on my back, Princesa, all you had to do was ask.”

Sofia slipped a blade from beneath the hem of her dress and pressed it against his neck. “Do not underestimate me, maiale. I will cut your throat before you realize what is happening.”

“Filippo, you’re going to allow this?”

Shrugging his shoulders, “I wasn’t blessed with two boys… Lorenzo will take over as the head of the familia one day, and Sofia will be his second. She’s trained to be the hidden talent no one expects. I ensured she and her sisters were provided the same opportunities Lorenzo was given. I have no doubt Sofia will be able to protect herself.”

Staring at her as she stood from her perch atop Miguel, I snorted a laugh. It was hard picturing Sofia and her sisters as ruthless killers, but how she’d pinned Miguel to the floor proved it entirely possible.

“Sorry… I’m just surprised, is all.”

“Don’t worry, Celestina. I will make sure your sister is avenged when I get the chance.” Sofia spun the blade between her fingers, then slipped it back into the sheath beneath her dress. Even Vincenzo was staring at her in awe.

“Shut your mouth, Vin.” Antonio snickered. “I think Rachel might dick punch you if she saw how you are looking at Sofia right now.”

“Fuck off, Antonio. I love my wife, but Sofia… this is surprising. Perhaps I can show you a few things before you leave.”

“I would appreciate that, La Lama.” She winked before turning around and stalking out of the room.

Miguel’s eyes were transfixed on her backside as she did. The clearing of a throat had his head snapping up. “What?”

“Stop staring at my sister’s ass. She is off limits to you,” Lorenzo growled as he folded his arms across his chest.

“I think that is her decision, chico.”

Lorenzo made a motion to step forward, but I stood and glared at him.

“Stop it, Lorenzo. It’s pretty obvious Sofia is more than capable of taking care of herself. Right now, I’m worried about how you’re going to get Carmela home.”

“You are right, Celestina,” he agreed, Dipping his head. “I am sorry.”

“Massimo, where are Madison and the others?”

“Downstairs.”

Taking a deep breath, I turned to Beckett. “I’m going to go feed our daughter. Come find me once you’ve got the details worked out. Please don’t leave before saying goodbye.”

“I would never leave without seeing you first, baby. Are you going to be okay going down to the basement?”

“Yes.” I knew he was worried about how I would respond, but it was something I needed to face. “The girls are down there, and I’ll talk to one of them if I start to freak out. I love you, Beckett.”

“Take it easy, Cee. You’ve only been up a few hours.” Massimo warned me as I stepped out of the room. “Give my wife a hug for me.”

“Sure thing, big brother.”

Pulling the door open, I took several tentative steps inside the narrow corridor. Squeezing my daughter to my chest, I slowly climbed down the stairs and stepped into the room where I nearly lost my life. Catarina spotted me first and rushed over to my side, pulling me into a fierce hug.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, Cee.”

I pulled away from her hold. “I owe you an apology.”

“What on Earth for?”

“Forcing you into watching me nearly die, then having to save me.”

“Please, Cee. Do you know how many times I’ve had to patch up our brothers? It was inevitable that I’d have to take care of one of you sooner or later. Kinda goes with the family territory.”

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