Bound by Honor

4. Rocco

4

ROCCO

I stand two rows behind the Ricci family, what little remains of it, as we watch Valentino’s last moments above ground. Over the past few years, members and capos have either disappeared under mysterious circumstances or met with violent deaths. Despite his constant search for evidence, Valentino never found proof that there was a calculated act to wipe out his bloodline.

Now, only Sofia remains, the sole heir to lead the family, along with her cousins Franco and Marco, who have taken on the role of her protectors following the death of their uncle. Their swift thinking has kept her safe until now, but they can’t do it alone.

My position in the crowd allows me to witness Bello's act with crystal clarity. It is an explicit declaration of war, but my focus remains razor sharp on Sofia standing defiantly by the graveside.

She makes no move to exact revenge here, probably unwilling to disrupt her father’s funeral further. Her patience and even temper will serve her well if she desires to lead her family. Sofia may be tiny, but she stands with her head held high.

I’ve always viewed her as Val’s spoiled daughter, never realizing how strong she’s become.

"Watch her," I shout into the comm device, unable to disguise the unbridled rage coursing through me. "At all costs."

"Understood, boss." The response is immediate—my loyal soldiers surround the mourners, ready to act on my every word.

"Keep Bello in sight, too. He's overplayed his hand."

Antonio's bold play for power has brought danger directly to Sofia's doorstep, and now it falls upon me and my men to protect her. Although she’s made her wishes known, believing she can handle Antonio Bello by herself, I can’t allow her to tread these waters alone. Whether she likes it or not, I am now her silent guardian, the unseen force that will keep the wolves at bay. I know she’ll put up a fight, but her safety is paramount, and her independence will need to take a backseat.

The crunch of gravel under my boots announces my presence as I approach Sofia. My hand is steady as I reach out and grip her arm with a firm resolve.

"Let go!" Sofia's voice slices through the melancholy air of the cemetery, a fierce whisper that only I can hear.

Franco and Marco immediately scramble to her side, but Luca intervenes, telling them to join us. Hesitant at first, they’re smart enough not to battle it out with my men.

"Come with me if you want to stay alive," I murmur back, my words calm and unyielding.

She struggles against my grip, her body radiating defiance. "I am not some damsel in distress for you to 'save,' Rocco Leone."

"Nonetheless, you are in distress," I retort, my grip tightening as I guide her toward the safety of the waiting SUV. "And whether you accept it or not, I am your savior today."

"You have no right," Sofia barks, trying to wrench away from my grasp. Her eyes blaze with anger and defiance, but I hold her firmly to prevent a scene from unfolding.

“Rights are a luxury. Your safety is more important.”

She’s not wrong to complain about my sudden intrusion. I may be her father's most powerful ally, but I am not her only one. There are at least three other powerful families bound by an oath.

"Protection? Or captivity?" The question hangs between us like a blade ready to strike.

"Semantics," I reply coolly before forcefully pushing Sofia into the vehicle. Despite her spirit and strength, she is an incredible inconvenience to me.

"Drive," I command, after sliding beside her in the confined space. I can feel the heat radiating off her as she seethes.

Sofia's eyes dart around, wide and panicked, taking in her surroundings. She’s like a wild animal searching for an escape that doesn’t exist. "Where are you taking me?" she finally asks.

"To safety," I reply calmly, trying to reassure her that I'm only here to help. “To my estate.”

Sofia rages as she challenges me. “Like a prisoner?” Her fiery spirit still burns strong despite her apparent fear.

“This is war, and I won’t take any chances with your life.”

“This isn’t my war. I didn’t ask for this,” Sofia corrects me, her words dripping with contempt. “You and men like my father dragged me into this, and now I have no choice but to answer a call I never wanted.”

"This is our war. Whether you accept it or not, your father's blood ties you to this. And it's my duty to ensure you don't share his fate. Franco and Marco are in as much danger as you, and if you continue being a brat, you’ll get all three of you killed.”

Her silence is a temporary ceasefire, but I know our battle of wills is far from over.

“Revenge is mine to take, not yours. I may not have started this, but you better believe I’ll finish it.” Sofia seethes as she slides her behind across the leather seat, either trying to distance herself or looking to jump onto the highway. I ignore her attempts to jimmy the door open. There is no way for her to access the lock.

"Consider this a necessary evil." I keep my eyes fixed on the rearview mirror, watching for any signs of cars in pursuit.

Sofia's hands clench into fists, her knuckles white as marble, almost cracking under the pressure. "Evil is right. You're kidnapping me!"

"Saving you," I reply coldly. But beneath my icy exterior, something else flickers. My heart races at the sight of Sofia's defiant spirit—unwanted and dangerous, but undeniably there.

Her eyes narrow in suspicion and her gaze burns holes through my facade.

Sofia turns to face me, her expression a blend of fury and fear. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, betraying her rising emotions. "I don't need your protection. I know how to protect myself and have an army of men who guard me. My father didn’t raise a fool, Rocco. You want to control me to take over his territory. How do I know you won’t take out the three of us and grab it for yourself?”

"Your father’s men weren’t there to protect him. What makes you think they’re not in league with his killer?" I have a job to do, but every glance betrays an undeniable attraction that could undermine my work. Beads of sweat form on my forehead as the heat between us intensifies.

“Go to hell, Leone.” Sofia turns stubbornly toward the window. The passing lights cast fleeting shadows over her features. Her jaw is set and her eyes are cold, but I can still feel the heat of her anger radiating off her.

“I’m in no hurry to see hell. Not yet.” I meet her intense stare with my own. I can see the unspoken questions and accusations she wants to hurl at me. But at this moment, all that matters is our survival.

The car careens onto a narrow, isolated road, the dense trees looming over us like an ominous tunnel. Turning back, I see the faint glow of headlights in the distance, gaining on us with predatory speed. "We've got company," I mutter, my grip tightening on the door handle as my driver's foot presses harder against the accelerator.

"Who is that? Is it Antonio?” Sofia's shouts.

“I don’t know. Those men must be enemies of your father. He had many,” I reply through gritted teeth, my tone grim with disdain. "And enemies of ours."

Sofia's resistance fades as the threat draws near. “Ours?” she echoes quietly, realizing the danger we face.

"Yes," I confirm, as the car roars forward, cutting through the night as we race toward my estate—the only place close enough to offer us safety. Suddenly, an explosion erupts behind us, shattering the silence and sending shockwaves through the air.

"Rocco! Where are Franco and Marco?” Sofia's screams pierce through my thoughts, and time seems to slow down. My name on her lips is more of an accusation than a plea for help.

“They’re in front. Hold on!” I shout over the chaos, wrapping one arm around her waist as our car swerves wildly, trying to avoid debris raining all around us.

“Is this your idea of protecting me?” Sofia shouts, ducking down with her hands over her head.

“Ask me that when I get you home alive,” I grunt, trying hard to shield us from fire instead of focusing on her frightened eyes. I can’t let her crawl under my skin. That’s just the kind of thing that will get me killed.

Suddenly, a projectile strikes the window, a direct shot to Sofia’s head. This is an armored car, and the glass is shatterproof, but if it weren’t, that bullet would have surely killed her. Instinct makes me pull her toward me and curl her into my arms, using my body to shield her. I don’t know what’s come over me, but the thought of losing her is too painful to consider. Whoever is behind this has crossed a line that should never have been breached. The stakes have just gone up—protecting Sofia isn't just about honor anymore. It’s personal.