Chapter 65: Sofia, Riley

**Sofia**

I lie in bed, staring up at the ceiling, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. The tears stopped a while ago, but my heart is still racing. I can’t believe what I overheard—what the guys told me after. My dad nearly killed someone. And he’s coming for me.

I pull the blanket tighter around myself, trying to block out the world. It feels like everything I thought I knew has been flipped upside down. The boys have been keeping this from me, trying to protect me, and I get it, I really do. But now that I know the truth, it’s like I can’t breathe.

I don’t even know what to think. My dad… He’s really capable of this? The same man who raised me, who I thought just didn’t care about me enough to show it, is actually out there hurting people?

There’s a soft knock at the door. I don’t answer. I’m not ready to talk, not yet. But the door opens quietly, and I hear their footsteps. I know it’s them—Nate, Leo, Danny—coming to check on me.

I sit up slightly, keeping my eyes down. I hear the bed shift as they sit around me, surrounding me like they always do, protective and close.

“We’re sorry, Sof,” Nate says first, his voice full of regret. “We didn’t want to keep this from you, we just... we thought we could handle it ourselves.”

I don’t say anything at first, staring at the blanket pulled over my lap. I know they meant well, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. “I don’t know how to deal with this,” I whisper finally, feeling the tears starting to prick at my eyes again. “I don’t know anything about this world… about Moretti… or how to stop my dad.”

Leo leans forward, his hand resting on mine. “You don’t have to stop him, Sof. That’s on us. We’ll protect you.”

I shake my head, my breath shaky as I try to keep myself together. “But I feel like I should do something.” I glance up at them, their worried faces making me feel both comforted and even more lost at the same time. “I can’t just sit here and wait.”

Danny shifts beside me, rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t need to be involved in this. We’ll handle your father. You don’t need to get caught up in—”

“I know,” I interrupt softly, finally meeting their eyes. “But… maybe I can help.” The idea is forming in my mind now, and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.

They exchange glances, clearly unsure of what I’m thinking. But they’re waiting, listening. I take a deep breath.

“I think... I think I know how to lure him out,” I say slowly, piecing it together in my head. “If I can talk to Riley too... I have an idea.”

Nate frowns, concern etched across his face. “Sofia, what are you thinking?”

I hesitate, biting my lip. It’s a risk, but right now, it feels like the only thing I can do. Finally, I look up at them with determination in my eyes.

“Put Riley on the phone,” I say, sitting up straighter, my mind racing with possibilities. “I'll tell you all at the same time.”

**Riley**

The road stretches ahead, miles of asphalt disappearing under the wheels of my car. I’ve been driving for about forty minutes now, heading to another meeting. It's one I couldn’t miss, but the truth is, I hate being away from Sofia. I was supposed to be back tomorrow, but the further I drive from her, the more restless I get.

I tighten my grip on the wheel, my mind wandering back to what Danny told me before I left. Sofia’s dad—her own father—beat up one of my guys. I don’t even know what to do with that level of fury. I’ve been in this life long enough to deal with dangerous people, but this? A man going after his own daughter… it makes my blood boil.

I shake my head, trying to focus on the road. I need food. Spotting a fast-food joint up ahead, I pull into the drive-thru and order something quick. A burger and fries.

I get back on the road, the familiar hum of the engine calming me a little. The sun is dipping lower in the sky, and I mentally count down the hours until I can get back home. Back to Sofia. I’m supposed to be focusing on this meeting, but all I can think about is her face when I left. I could see how much she was struggling. If I could, I’d never leave her side.

I take a bite of the burger, chewing slowly, when the car console lights up with an incoming call. Leo’s name flashes across the screen. I pick up immediately, swallowing quickly.

“Leo, what’s up? Everything alright?”

There’s a pause. I can hear some rustling on the other end. Then Leo’s voice, a little hesitant.

“Riley, uh… please don’t be mad, okay?”

I’m instantly on edge, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Leo, what the hell’s going on? What happened?”

Before Leo can answer, I hear another voice come through. Softer, familiar. Sofia.

“Riley…?”

Her voice makes my heart drop into my stomach. “Sofia, baby, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” she says, her voice a little shaky but determined. “The guys told me what my father did. I mean, I overheard them. I just… I have an idea. About my dad. About how we can stop him.”

My brows furrow, and the tension in my shoulders spikes. “Sofia, what are you talking about? What do you mean?”

“I’ve been thinking about it. I know him. I know how he thinks. And I think I can help. I just… I wanted you to hear my idea too.”

My mind races. The idea of Sofia getting involved in this, in anything remotely connected to that bastard who calls himself her father, sets off every protective instinct I have. But I force myself to stay calm. This is her. My girl. And she’s trying to take control in the only way she knows how.

I let out a slow breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “Alright, baby. I’m listening. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

I pull off to the side of the road, turning off the engine. Whatever comes next, I need to be focused. Sofia has something in mind, and I need to know exactly what that is before I lose my head.