I pull her against my chest, one hand cupping the back of her head, the other arm glued tight around her waist. She’s shaking. Fuck, maybe I am.
“You’re okay,” I whisper into her hair. “You’re okay.”
She nods against my chest, her fingers curling into my shirt.
A man’s voice cuts through the chaos. “SOPHIE!”
I spin, putting myself between Sophie and the threat, hand going to the gun at my back.
The man running toward us is in his 60s, gray hair, mediocre suit rumpled like he threw it on in a panic. His face is a mask of terror and relief as he skids to a stop in front of us.
“Bella ragazza,” he gasps, pulling Sophie from behind me and into his arms in a crushing hug. “Thank God. Thank God you’re safe.”
Sophie’s crying now, her face pressed to his shoulder. “Papa, I’m okay. I’m okay.”
Papa.
Fucking Salvatore Bellamorte. The man who tried to have me killed. The man I’ve been planning to destroy by degrading his daughter.
The man who’s currently shaking my hand with both of his.
“Are you the friend she saved her from the building? Thank you.” His grip is firm, desperate. “Thank you for protecting her. I don’t know who you are, but—”
“Papa, this is Vincenzo Demonio.” Sophie’s voice is nervous but strong.
I watch recognition slam into Salvatore like a freight train. His hand goes still in mine, and the color drains from his face. The corners of my mouth twitch as I watch it sink in that the man he tried to kill is with his daughter. And likely fucking her.
“Demonio,” he repeats slowly.
“Yes.” I don’t let go of his hand, and I hold his gaze steady.
A thousand calculations flash behind his eyes before his shoulders drop. He squeezes my hand once more before releasing it.
“I never thought I would be grateful to a Demonio for anything.” His voice is rough. “But I owe you my life.”
I have to work hard to keep the surprise off my face. Was not expecting that.
He looks at Sophie, then back to me, pulling in a breath. “I must confess something. My wife, she found out Sophie attended a party with… men from your world a couple months ago. I was afraid. I called a friend asking for guidance and she advised me to call the police to break it up.”
The party. The cops working for Aurelio. The setup. He’s really going to admit this right now?
“I found out later that the policemen who went to the scene were corrupt. They hurt people.” Shame stains his voice. “I put my daughter in worse danger than if I’d stayed out of it. I hope none of your friends were harmed, and I deeply apologize for any trouble I brought to you. Seeing your deep care for my Sophia, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you played a part in keeping her safe that night as well. I owe you doubly now.”
Sophie’s looking at me, eyes wide, scared, waiting to see what I’ll do.
This is it. This is my chance to tell him everything, every degrading thing I’ve done to his daughter, every way I’ve used her, humiliated her, destroyed her to get back at him. My chanceto watch his face crumble and realize a monster violated his precious little girl.
The old me from two months ago would do it in a heartbeat and find out later if he’s lying or not, just to watch him squirm.
But I didn’t know the full power of Sophie’s trust then or how she melts when I call herregina. I hadn’t said you’re minewhile she knelt in front of me.
“You owe me nothing,” I hear myself say. “Your daughter has been an incredibly gracious hostess and kept me safe in her home since that night. That’s information some men would pay dearly for. I hope you’ll take it as a sign of my gratitude that I share it with you.”
Salvatore nods slowly, studying me, then glances pointedly at the burning restaurant.
“I think your secret is out, son.” He pulls Sophie close again, kisses the top of her head. “I cannot tell a grown man and a grown woman how to live their lives, but I ask you, please, if you continue to spend time with my daughter, keep her safe.”
“I will.” The words come out like a vow. Because I will keep her safe no matter what it takes.
