“I need to see him,” he said.

“You will do no such thing,” Sofia’s voice rang out from the top of the stairs.

She stood on the landing, her hand gripping the mahogany railing, her face a mask of cold fury.

Luca stopped, his foot resting on the bottom step. He looked up, his polite smile returning.

“Sofia,” Luca said, spreading his arms wide. “My dear cousin. I came as soon as I heard.”

“Who told you?” Sofia asked, descending the stairs slowly, her silk dress rustling against the wood.

“The streets talk, Sofia,” Luca said, his eyes tracking her movement. “Especially when the boss of Boston suddenly goes silent.”

“He is resting,” Sofia said, stopping three steps above him, forcing him to look up at her. “He does not want to be disturbed. Especially not by you.”

“I am family,” Luca said, his tone turning slightly defensive. “In times like this, family stands together.”

“You brought an army, Luca,” Sofia said, pointing a finger at the men standing near the door. “That does not look like family. That looks like an invasion.”