“Rest, Sofia,” I say softly.
We get to Alessandro’s house, and it breaks my heart to have to wake her. I won't let her walk, though. I don’t care that I feel like I’m dying. I have a high pain threshold. I carry her inside and sit her on the living room sofa.
A doctor comes in and immediately starts seeing to her.
I leave them to it and go to Alessandro’s study. He’s on the phone, so I wait patiently for him to finish.
Once he’s done, he looks at me. “They’re all dead, all Jose’s men, including two cousins.”
“I’m not sorry,” I say.
“I’m not either. I’ve told the men to remove the cousin's heads or hands and send them to Jose as a gift.” He stands. “We are now openly at war. We need to call the families that are loyal to us together.”
“Any word from Andres?” I ask.
“He’s started his own war. Argentina and Columbia have both turned against Jose and joined the cause. Andres is moving toward Mexico.” He gives me a small smile. “What are you going to do with Sofia?”
“Protect her,” I say, trying to sound casual, “But that won’t affect my role in this family. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Alessandro observes me for a moment and nods. “I trust you’ll be man enough to let me know if that changes.”
“Yes,” I say with a nod, “You will be the first to know.”
“The estate was compromised. I will find out how. For now, stay here and rest, heal. I need you back to a hundred percent as soon as possible. Take time with Sofia, though. Carmine will take over your duties for now.” Alessandro looks to the left as Katya comes in, sliding up next to him. “We’re going to bed. It’s been an exhausting day.”
“Goodnight,” I say, leaving them to their own devices. I go back to Sofia.
Chapter 32 - Sofia
Dominic put me down gently on a soft bed, and I give him a small smile. My body hurts all over, and I’m exhausted, but I don’t want him to leave me alone.
“Will you stay?”
“I’ll never leave you again,” he says, and I know he means it.
I smile. “Please lie by me.”
He slides onto the bed without hesitation, and I curl up against him. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he says. “Now that you are, Princess.”
I don’t even care that he calls me princess; I’m his princess. I rest my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat steadily in his chest.
“Do you want to return to Argentina, where it’s safe?” he asks quietly.
I look up slowly because moving hurts, and I frown. “No! No, I don’t want to. And not because I want to study here. I want to be with you, Dominic. I’m ready to do what is necessary. I understand now. I understand your loyalty.”
I freeze, but it’s too late to back out now. “I’ve fallen so hard for you. I know you don’t like to express emotions, but if you give me a reason, I’ll gladly stay and serve the family alongside you,” I say.
I stare into his eyes, trying to figure out what he’s thinking, and I panic that I’m wrong, that he doesn’t feel anything for me.
Then he leans down and places a kiss on my forehead. “We can do that.”
I smile and sit up. I take off the shirt Katya gave me to wear. The doctor removed my bra to treat me. I can feel Dominic’s eyes on me, but I don’t look at him. “How hurt are you?”
“Really? Now?” he chuckles.
“We can be gentle,” I say. “I just feel like…if we’re going to do business together, we should seal the deal.”