Bound By Blood

Chapter 2: First Impressions

(Luca's POV)

Luca watched Sophia carefully as she stepped inside the mansion, her eyes darting around like she was trying to memorize every detail. He understood her fear. After what she had gone through, it was only natural.

He had read the reports, knew the full extent of the trouble she was in. The Rossetti family wouldn’t stop hunting her now that she was tied to their enemy. She was fragile, like a bird who had just escaped a cage, but there was something more in her eyes—determination. He admired that.

“You’ll be comfortable here,” Luca assured her, guiding her further into the grand hallway, his hand lightly touching her lower back. He noticed the way she tensed at his touch but didn’t pull away. “This is your home now, for as long as you need.”

Sophia looked up at him, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something, but the words died on her tongue. He gave her a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her nerves.

Luca felt the tension brewing behind him before he heard Marco’s footsteps. His brother always moved like a predator—silent, calculated. Marco didn’t say a word as he approached, but Luca could sense his disapproval.

“We’re not running a charity,” Marco said, his voice cold, cutting through the air. “She’s here because we need her alive. Nothing more.”

Luca clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm. Marco had always been the harder one, the protector of the family’s interests. But that didn’t mean Luca would let him treat Sophia like a pawn.

He turned to his brother, meeting his hard gaze. “She’s under our protection, Marco. That means we treat her with respect.”

Marco’s eyes flicked to Sophia, narrowing slightly. “Respect won’t keep her safe,” he muttered, before turning and stalking away, his long strides carrying him down the hallway.

Sophia stood frozen beside Luca, her wide eyes following Marco’s retreating figure. Luca’s heart twisted. Marco had always been like this—impenetrable, cold. He hadn’t always been so unfeeling, but the weight of the family business had hardened him over the years.

“He’s… difficult,” Luca said softly, offering Sophia a small smile in apology. “But don’t worry. I won’t let him scare you.”

Sophia looked up at him, her lips twitching in the faintest hint of a smile. “I’m not scared of him,” she said quietly, her voice surprising him with its strength.

Luca’s smile grew. She was going to be stronger than Marco expected.