Sofia's Friendship

Chapter 12: Sofia’s Friendship

Isla stood near the entrance to Inferno, the low hum of chatter and clinking glasses barely registering in her ears as she waited for her shift to start. The club was buzzing with activity tonight—laughter and music filled the air, and every corner seemed alive with energy. It was everything she had come to expect from Dante DeLuca’s empire. Everything, except one small detail. She had never anticipated meeting someone like Sofia.

As Isla adjusted her uniform and prepared to head inside, a soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Hey there, Bella, right?”

Isla turned to find a young woman standing beside her, her smile wide and inviting. She was taller than Isla, with dark, wavy hair that cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. Her presence was warm, unlike the cool, calculating aura Isla was used to from the DeLuca family. This woman radiated a genuine kind of energy.

“Yeah, that's me,” Isla replied, trying to keep her tone neutral as she met the woman’s gaze. She didn’t know what to make of this sudden interaction.

“I’m Sofia,” the woman introduced herself, extending a hand. “I’ve seen you around here before. Dante’s been keeping you busy, huh?”

Isla raised an eyebrow at the mention of Dante. She hadn’t expected anyone, least of all his sister, to approach her so casually. In her world, people tended to keep their distance from the DeLucas, especially the women. They were dangerous territory. But Sofia didn’t seem like the type to follow that unspoken rule.

“Yeah, he’s a bit of a taskmaster,” Isla replied with a hint of a smile, shaking her hand. “I’m still getting used to it, honestly.”

Sofia’s laugh was light and carefree, a sharp contrast to the coldness Isla had come to expect from Dante and his inner circle. “Well, you’ll get used to it. Trust me, he’s not as bad as he seems. You just have to learn how to navigate his moods.”

Isla nodded, not entirely convinced. She knew better than to trust anyone in Dante’s circle. But she couldn’t help but feel a little relieved at the ease with which Sofia spoke to her. The warmth of her presence was a distraction Isla didn’t need, but she couldn’t deny that it made her feel less like an outsider for a brief moment.

“So, how long have you worked here?” Sofia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

“I started just a few weeks ago,” Isla replied, adjusting her uniform once again, trying to keep her composure. “It’s been... an experience so far.”

Sofia’s smile widened. “I bet. Dante’s club is a different world, isn’t it?”

Isla didn’t respond immediately. What could she say? She was here for one reason: to bring Dante and his family down. This was not a place for making friends, and she certainly didn’t need any distractions.

But there was something about Sofia’s genuine interest that made it hard to pull away. It was tempting, almost soothing, to converse with someone who wasn’t trying to manipulate or control her. The constant tension she carried, the weight of the secrets she held, felt lighter for a moment, just from speaking to someone like Sofia.

Before she could come up with a response, Sofia continued, her tone playful. “You should come hang out with me sometime. I know Dante’s too busy to give you a proper welcome to the family, but I’d be happy to show you around. We can go for drinks, talk, have some fun. You deserve a break from all this.”

Isla’s mind raced. She had to be careful here. She couldn’t afford to let herself get too close to anyone, especially not someone who could be tied to Dante in such a personal way. Friendship with Sofia could be a dangerous complication. Yet, Sofia’s kindness felt genuine—something Isla hadn’t expected in the DeLuca family. This wasn’t some cold, calculated move. Sofia seemed to actually want to get to know her.

But Isla had a mission. She couldn’t afford to get distracted.

“I don’t know,” Isla said, her voice laced with caution. “I don’t really have much time to hang out.”

“Oh come on,” Sofia urged, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and sincerity. “I get it. Dante keeps you busy, but you deserve some fun. Besides, I could really use a new friend around here. Most of the people I know are either too busy or too... well, you know. Too involved in the business side of things.” She paused and gave Isla an appraising look, then grinned. “I promise, I’m a good person to know.”

Isla felt the pull of Sofia’s offer, the temptation to just relax for a moment, to pretend she didn’t have a plan brewing in the back of her mind. But that would be a mistake. She couldn’t let herself slip. Not now.

“I’ll think about it,” Isla said, carefully keeping her tone neutral. “Maybe another time.”

Sofia’s smile softened. “No pressure, of course. But seriously, if you change your mind, let me know.”

Isla nodded, unable to hide the tiniest bit of guilt gnawing at her insides. She didn’t want to disappoint Sofia, but she couldn’t afford the risk.

With one final, lingering smile, Sofia waved and walked into the club, leaving Isla standing in the quiet of the alleyway. For a brief moment, Isla allowed herself to breathe. Her heart was still beating a little faster than usual.

She hadn’t expected to be approached like this. She hadn’t expected anyone from the DeLuca family—especially not Sofia—to treat her like a friend. But it was a reminder of how little she truly knew about the people she was up against. Sofia was a mystery, one that could become another distraction.

Isla shook her head, dispelling the momentary warmth she’d felt from their exchange. She couldn’t let herself get distracted. Her focus had to remain on Dante and his father. That was the only way she would get revenge for her family’s suffering.

The sound of heels clicking behind her broke her reverie, and she quickly turned to see one of the other staff members coming her way. She pushed her thoughts aside, forced herself to slip back into the persona she’d adopted here.

This was a dangerous game, and it wasn’t going to get any easier.

Isla had to stay focused.

She had to remember why she was here.