I hadn’t even had a chance to take a sip of my drink when a hand clasped over my shoulder.

“Who do we have here? I’d say it’s someone who just got a promotion. Congratulations, man!” Tony Pellegrini and I had been friends in grade school and were initiated around the same time. His father had been a well-respected capo, and when the man passed away, Tony took his place even though he’d been young for the position. “I figured you might be out celebrating tonight, although your little party of one here isn’t exactly what I envisioned.” He took a seat next to me after giving me a hug and a loud pat on the back.

“Thanks, Tone.”

“Your excitement is overwhelming. Try to calm down.”

“It’s not that.” I glanced around for eavesdroppers. “I got my first assignment tonight, and I have no idea how the fuck I’m supposed to do it,” I explained, speaking softly so that we weren’t overheard.

“Oh, yeah? Is it something you can talk about?”

“I wasn’t told not to. Just found out tonight the boss wants me to guard Sofia. I’m supposed to swoop back into her life, make friends, and protect her without her knowing.”

Tony and Leo were the only two people who had known about the Genovese girls and my past with Sofia. Leo was Alessia’s bodyguard, and Tony had been a capo long enough to know the boss and his family. The two of them were the only people who would understand what a clusterfuck I’d found myself in.

Tony let out a low whistle. “Jesus, you’re up shit creek.” His eyebrows lifted nearly to his hairline. “Better down that drink. You’re gonna need it.”

We clinked our glasses and shot the amber liquid, making my chest burn in just the right way.

Tony motioned to Pete for the next round. “You seen her yet?” he asked, eyeing me warily.

“No.” Sofia and I hadn’t talked, so it wasn’t really a lie. I didn’t think Tony was asking whether I had perved on her from a distance.

“How you gonna get her to let you near her?”

“No idea,” I grumbled, taking a sip of my replenished drink.

“You know, all it would probably take is an apology. Girls love that shit.”

“Don’t think that’ll work with Sofia. She’s more complex than most girls.” I picked up one of the bar coasters and ran my fingers around the curved edges.

“You guys were inseparable all through school. I was there, remember? She’s got to miss you just as much as you miss her.”

My eyes jumped up to his. “What makes you think I miss her?”

“Because I’m not blind. It’s written all over your pathetic face. Don’t think I’ve seen you look so torn up since you broke it off with her. You loved her then, and you love her now. You don’t just forget a love like that.”

“Thanks for the pep talk, dickhead. It’s not that simple.”