“Complicated how?”
I bite my lip, trying to find the right words. “I think I’m falling for him, Soph. My arranged husband. How insane is that?”
Sophia’s eyes widen, then a slow smile spreads across her face. “Not insane at all. Tell me everything.”
“Wait—first, how long are you here for? Just a visit, or...?” I ask, suddenly realizing we haven’t even discussed the logistics.
Sophia takes a deep breath, her smile turning more serious. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I’m not going back to LA, Carm. I’m staying here. In Philly.”
My mouth falls open. “What? But your job, your apartment, your whole life is there!”
“Was there,” she corrects. “I gave notice two weeks ago, sublet my apartment, and packed up everything that matters. It’s all in a storage unit until I figure out where I’m living here.”
“Sophia...” Tears spring to my eyes. “You did all that for me?”
“Of course I did.” She squeezes my hands. “You’re my best friend. You were forced to leave everything behind and start over in a strange city. I wasn’t about to let you do that alone.”
I pull her into a fierce hug, overwhelmed by her loyalty. “I don’t deserve you, Soph.”
“Nonsense,” she scoffs, pulling back to look at me. “You deserve the world. And I’m going to make damn sure you get it, even if I have to take on the entire De Luca family myself.”
I laugh through my tears. “You’re insane, you know that?” I take Sophia’s hand, excitement bubbling up. “Speaking of the De Luca family, let me introduce you to them. Brace yourself—they’re quite a bunch.”
Sophia grins, squeezing my hand in reassurance. “Lead the way, darling. I’m ready for anything.”
I guide her into the kitchen, where Silvo, Federico, and Isabella are gathered around the table. Federico and Isabella,caught in the middle of a lively debate, pause to take in the new arrival.
And then there’s Silvo. His piercing blue eyes lock onto mine, a mixture of curiosity and possessiveness swirling in their depths. I feel a shiver run down my spine, but this time it’s not from fear—it’s anticipation.
“Everyone, this is Sophia, my best friend from back home,” I announce, my voice steady and confident.
Isabella is the first to approach, enveloping Sophia in a warm hug. “I’m Isabella. Welcome to the madhouse. Any friend of Carmela’s is a friend of ours.”
Sophia returns the hug, her smile genuine. “Thank you, Isabella. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Fed nods, his eyes dropping down her body appraisingly. “I trust you’ll be staying with us for a while, Sophia?”
“If it’s not too much trouble,” Sophia replies. “I couldn’t bear the thought of Carmela navigating all this without her best friend.”
I feel a surge of affection for my friend, grateful for her unwavering support.
It’s Silvo’s reaction that I’m most interested in. He rises from his seat, his movements fluid and deliberate. He extends a hand to Sophia, though his gaze keeps returning to mine.
“Sophia, it’s a pleasure,” he says. “I’m sure Carmela is thrilled to have you here.”
I can’t quite decipher the undercurrent of emotion in his tone, but I refuse to let it unsettle me. Meeting his gaze head-on, I detect the question there—is this going to be a problem?
“I am,” I confirm, my voice unwavering. “Sophia’s presence here means the world to me.”
Silvo’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, but he quickly masks it with a charming smile. “Well, we’re happy to have you, Sophia. Please, make yourself at home.”
Fed stands, a charming grin spreading across his face, and pulls out a chair for her at the table. “Please, have a seat,” he offers, his voice smooth as honey.
Sophia flashes him a dazzling smile. “Why, thank you, Federico. Such a gentleman.”
I watch the exchange, amusement, and wariness swirling in my gut. The spark of interest in Sophia’s eyes worries me, especially since Federico has a reputation as a notorious flirt.
As Sophia shifts in her seat, Federico leans in close. “So, tell me, Sophia. What brings a beautiful woman like yourself to our humble abode?”
