Bound by Honor

12. Sofia

12

SOFIA

I slam the car door a little too hard, my nerves frayed from the confrontation with Alfonso. Rocco is already settled in his seat, his jaw set in that firm way that signals his mood is as dark as mine. The air between us crackles with tension, thick and heavy like the clouds before a storm.

"Why the hell did you ask Gino Bonnano to be there? You know how risky that is," Rocco snaps, unable to hide his frustration.

This is why I never consulted him on my decision. Gino has always been a risky ally but is loyal and effective. I can’t ask for much more.

Stunned by Rocco’s tone, I turn to face him, eyes narrowed with anger. "Gino being there was necessary. He’s a statement—an insurance that Alfonso wouldn't try anything funny. Why are you questioning my judgment?”

Rocco scoffs, shaking his head. "A statement? More like a walking declaration of war," he retorts. His expression darkens with a mix of anger and frustration from dealing with Alfonso. "We're supposed to be keeping a low profile, not parading around with Gino Bonnano.”

“Who’s parading? Gino always sticks to the shadows. No one even knows he’s back from Sicily,” I correct him, struggling to keep my rage in check. “You’re the one who keeps saying that my safety comes first. If having Gino here means everyone thinks twice before crossing me, then I’ll make that choice every single time.”

Rocco’s hand slams down on the armrest, making me jump slightly. “Are you questioning my ability to protect you? Do you think I can’t keep you safe? I don’t need that hothead drawing more attention to you and making my job harder.” His fierce protectiveness slices through the haze of anger that surrounds him.

I'm frozen in place, my breath catching in my throat as I see the raw concern etched into his features like a deep scar. A heavy silence engulfs us, amplified by the hum of the engine.

Then suddenly, Rocco's expression softens, and he reaches over, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. The touch sends a jolt through me, igniting a different kind of tension. His face inches closer to mine—his breath warm and rapid.

"Sofia," Rocco confesses. "I can’t risk losing you."

That’s all it takes for the last of my resistance to crumble. My body moves toward Rocco instinctively, closing the small gap left between us. Our lips meet in a desperate kiss, fueled by fear and passion entwined so tightly together it’s impossible to separate them.

Clothes rustle as hands roam freely, every movement urgent and necessary. His kiss deepens, stealing my breath away as efficiently as any threat from our enemies could.

As we break apart for air, our foreheads rest against each other's. Rocco murmurs, almost reverently, “No matter what happens, I’ve got you. I’ll die protecting you if that’s what it takes.”

“That’s precisely what I’m trying to avoid. I don’t want to do any of this without you,” I whisper as I climb onto Rocco and spread my thighs over his lap.

“You don’t really think you’re getting rid of me so easily—do you?” Rocco purrs as he seals his lips to mine, his warm tongue invading my mouth in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless.

The heat from his body radiates against me, and the rough fabric of his jacket brushes against my skin as I press closer, desperate to erase the space between us. My hands roam over his wide shoulders, tugging at the soft hair at the nape of his neck.

Rocco's hands are firm on my back, pulling me impossibly closer as if he, too, wishes to meld us into one being. The small space of the car confines us, but it also makes every touch more intense, every whisper more poignant.

"We're being crazy," I speak softly against his lips, even as my body contradicts my words, pressing closer to his warmth.

"Crazy feels right with you," Rocco breathes back, his voice husky with desire. His hands slide up my thighs, sending a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the cool evening coming through the moonroof.

The leather seats creak under us as we shift, lost in our own world that pauses neither for time nor reason. Our kiss deepens, and Rocco’s fingers find the hem of my blouse, sliding underneath to trace the line of my spine with a touch that sparks fire along every nerve.

"Here?" I manage to gasp out between kisses.

"Anywhere," he responds fiercely. "Everywhere. As long as it's with you."

It’s a madness, this ferocity between us, born from whispers of death and vows of protection. Yet none of that exists in this cocoon of leather and steel—there is only Rocco and me and the undeniable force drawing us together.

As our passion builds, the world outside—the dangers awaiting us—fades into oblivion. In its place is only the sound of our breathing, quickened and ragged with need. Only the feel of him beneath me exists.

A surge of pleasure pulls a moan from deep within me as Rocco shifts below, finding new ways to bring us closer together. Lights pass by outside unnoticed by either of us. They're just fleeting moments compared to what we have in the darkness of our surrender.

In another life, we might have been simple lovers without layers of secrets and danger enveloping us. "Tell me you believe that we'll make it through this," I breathe against his lips, a vulnerable confession that hangs between us heavier than smoke.

His eyes, dark and intense, don’t waver as they capture mine.

"We'll make it," Rocco assures fervently. “We're stronger together than apart. Always remember that, Sofia. My Sofia .”

“Am I your Sofia?” I tease, my heart thumping wildly as I speak the words. Rocco's piercing gaze meets mine and he smirks, causing my stomach to flip with desire. My fingers twitch with anticipation.

“Do you need a reminder?” Rocco's words send shivers down my spine. Without hesitation, his strong hand wedges between us and unbuckles his leather belt. With expert precision, he unzips his pants and reveals his throbbing erection—so long and thick that it takes my breath away.

I can hardly believe he was able to fit inside me before. “Yes,” I moan, my body trembling with need as I watch him stroke himself.

His eyes never leave mine as he moves closer, his intense gaze making me feel exposed and vulnerable in the most thrilling way.

“Is this what you need? Will this remind you that you and your pussy belong to me?” Rocco groans, his rough grip on my panties, pulling them to the side.

The fabric strains against him, threatening to tear as he positions himself at my entrance. The mix of pleasure and pain only heightens my arousal as I surrender myself entirely to him.

He doesn't wait for a response, biting down gently on my shoulder as he pushes inside me, filling me completely. His movements are relentless, driven by raw need and the fierce possessiveness that always emerges when he feels threatened.

“Rocco…” I gasp out his name, clutching at his shoulders, nails digging in. The privacy screen is up, and our driver can’t hear or see us, but the thrill of being caught only adds to the intensity.

Rocco moves faster, a low grunt escaping him with every thrust. "Look at me," Rocco commands, pulling back to gaze into my eyes. His face is flushed with exertion and lust, his eyes burning into mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. Tell me you're mine.”

"Yours," I whisper without hesitation. "Always yours”. The declaration seems to pull Rocco deeper into some frenzied state as he drives into me harder, chasing his climax. The world narrows down to the sound of our breathing, the slap of skin against skin, and the heat building between us.

"Don’t you see?" Rocco grunts as he increases his pace, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge. "Nobody can make you feel like this. Only me." He growls with desire.

“Only you.”

Satisfied with my answer, he kisses me fiercely, seizing my lips as if sealing the deal. Then he starts moving again, slower but with deeper and more deliberate thrusts. With each slide, he claims me, driving with a slow dominance that leaves me breathless.

The argument from earlier fades into insignificance under the weight of our shared passion and urgent need for each other. This is us at our most elemental—stripped down to sheer emotion and physicality—and it's intoxicating.

Finally, he shudders against me with a low groan, tipping us both over the edge into blinding pleasure. As we catch our breath, the night air feels cooler against our flushed skin.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he murmurs, vulnerability flickering through his eyes.

My arms wrap around him instinctively. “I feel the same way. I don’t want anything to come between us.”