Bound By Blood

Chapter 7: A Dangerous Attraction

(Sophia’s POV)

The air between them was electric, charged with tension that neither Sophia nor Marco seemed willing to break. His words lingered in the room: You should be. A challenge. A warning. But instead of fear, all she felt was the pull—the undeniable force that drew her to him, despite her better judgment.

Sophia could hear Luca moving behind her, his presence like a soothing balm compared to the storm brewing within Marco. She should be focusing on Luca, on the safety and warmth he offered. His kiss had been everything she thought she wanted—gentle, careful, the kind of love she had always imagined. And yet… here she was, standing in the eye of the hurricane that was Marco Bellini.

Before she could say anything, Marco turned on his heel and walked out, his heavy boots echoing against the stone floor. Luca’s sigh was soft, but filled with frustration.

“I’m sorry about him,” Luca said quietly, stepping closer to her. “He’s not easy to deal with, but… he’s not all bad.”

Sophia glanced at Luca, biting her lip. “You always defend him. Why?”

Luca’s gaze shifted away, and for the first time, she saw something deeper in his eyes. Guilt, maybe. Or something heavier. “Because I know what it’s like to carry the weight of this family,” he said finally. “It’s turned him into someone hard, someone you’d be smart to stay away from.”

“But you don’t stay away from him,” Sophia countered, her voice softer now.

Luca smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Because I’m his brother. And no matter what, we protect each other.” He reached out and took her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “That’s what I’ll do for you too, Sophia. I promise.”

Her heart fluttered at his words, but the conflict inside her deepened. Luca’s warmth was intoxicating, a safe haven in this storm. But a small voice in the back of her mind kept reminding her of Marco—his darkness, his danger. Something about him called to her, even though it made no sense.

Before she could speak, Luca leaned in again, his lips finding hers in a soft, lingering kiss. Her body responded instinctively, but her mind was a jumble of emotions—pulled between Luca’s sweetness and the raw intensity she had felt just moments ago with Marco.

The kiss ended, and Luca pressed his forehead to hers. “Stay with me tonight,” he whispered, his voice tender but filled with need. “I’ll keep you safe.”

Sophia’s breath hitched, her heart racing. The temptation was undeniable, but the decision hung heavily in the air. As much as she wanted to stay with Luca, part of her feared that giving in would only complicate the feelings swirling inside her—feelings for both brothers.