Chapter 8 : Her safe space

Antonio

It had been weeks since I'd seen Sofia Venditti, and each day that passed without her only made the void in my life deeper.

I didn't know what had happened to her.

I'd tried reaching out to her family, but her father was unreachable, her step-sister dismissive. I'd searched every corner of the city, but there was no sign of Sofia.

I couldn't help but feel responsible. I was supposed to be protecting her, but instead, I'd failed her. Failed myself.

I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes against the onslaught of memories, of desire, of guilt. What had happened to Sofia Venditti?

I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to know what had happened to Sofia, where she was.

I picked up my phone, dialing a number I rarely called. It rang once, twice, and then picked up.

"Vito," I said, my voice tight. "I need your help."

"Always happy to help, Antonio," came the slick, greasy voice of my best friend . "What can I do for you?"

Vito

"So," I said, sliding into my seat and running my fingers over the keyboard. "You want me to find this girl, Sofia Venditti?"

"Yes," Antonio said, his voice low and intense. "She's been missing for weeks, and I need to know where she is."

"Ah, a Romeo and Juliet type situation, eh?" I said, grinning. "Very well.

I started with the basics, running Sofia's name through every database I had access to. But she was a ghost, no trace of her existence.

Then, I started digging deeper, trawling the dark corners of the web for any hint of where she might be. It was there, in the hidden forums and message boards, that I found what I was looking for.

"Antonio," I said, "I think I know where Sofia is."

Antonio

"Where?" I demanded, my pulse racing. "Where is she?"

"She's in her father's mansion," Vito said, his voice grave. "But I'm afraid there's more. The rumors…they're saying Venditti is keeping her prisoner."

I gripped the phone, my knuckles white. Prisoner? Venditti was her father, how could he do such a thing?

I hung up, my mind racing. If Venditti was holding Sofia captive, I had to find a way to rescue her.

But it wouldn't be easy. Venditti's estate was heavily guarded, his men fiercely loyal. I couldn't just storm the gates, not without risking an all-out war between our families.

I needed a plan.

I marched down the hallway, my men falling into step behind me. Each of them was armed, trained, and ready for war.

But I hoped it wouldn't come to that.We drove up to Venditti's mansion

"We're not here for a fight," I said, my voice low and firm. "We're here for Sofia."

I met each of my men's eyes, my gaze hard and unflinching. "Bring her out, and we'll leave.

Mr. Venditti looked horrified, "you both will see each other at the wedding ceremony that is the tradition of the Venditti household". It took everything in me not to punch this fucker right now .

Fuck where is my piccola

Sofia

Chiara opened the basement door, her mouth twisted into a cruel smile. "Ready for another round, sister dear?"

I gritted my teeth, my body coiled like a spring. "Get out of my way," I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

Chiara laughed. "Or what? You'll hit me with one of your feeble little fists?"

But this time, I was ready for her. As she stepped into the room, I launched myself at her, knocking her to the ground. She screamed, thrashing beneath me.

"I said get out of my way," I snarled, my hands clenched into fists.

Chiara's eyes widened in shock. "You wouldn't dare. Father will—"

But I didn't give her a chance to finish. I lunged at her, knocking her unconscious with a single blow.

And then, I ran.

I ran out of the house, my feet pounding against the pavement. The cool night air stung my cheeks, but I didn't slow down. Not until I saw him.

Antonio Cattaneo. Standing at the front gate, his men at his back, his arms open wide.

I stumbled towards him, exhaustion and relief washing over me in waves. And then I was in his arms, his strong arms that I'd yearned for in the dark loneliness of my imprisonment.

Sofia's eyes fluttered shut as Antonio gathered her in his arms. She felt safe, protected, and loved in his embrace. The warmth of his arms enveloped her, and as she surrendered to unconsciousness, she knew that whatever came next, she would face it with him by her side.