Page 28 of Downfall

“I agree.” Sofia says. “I’m not stupid enough to marry anyone and, even if I were, it certainly wouldn’t be a Blumenfeld.”

“This is Darius’s doing.” I state. “I’m certain he was part of the reason he tied his nephew with the Capulets. If he can do the same to you then his family is linked to the only two houses that rival his own.”

“Well I’m not interested. That is unless you think it’s good idea.” Sofia says.

“What?” My jaw drops. Why would she think that?

“Come on.” She says fixing me with a look. “I know what you’re both doing. I’m all for taking back what those bastards stole.”

“No.” I say. “I wouldn’t ask that. Not of you.”

She nods looking relieved. “Good.”

“But it could help…” I say out loud thinking suddenly. Sofia is no fool. She’s also not the kind of person content to sit on the side-lines. While I want to protect her I’m also not going to insult her by wrapping her up in cotton wool like she’s a delicate flower. She’s a Montague after all and we Montagues fight with our fists.

“What are you saying?” Ben snarls.

“Hear me out.” I say holding my hands up. “Otto wants to marry her. He’s made that clear enough. What if Sofia played the game? Didn’t commit, just didn’t outwardly refuse. If she can get into Darius’s house, if she can get us some information, something of use.”

“Absolutely not.” Ben snaps.

“I’ll do it.” Sofia says smiling. “I want to bring those bastards down as much as you do.”

“You’re sure?” I check. I won’t ask her to do anything she’s not a hundred per cent comfortable with.

“Positive. I’ll do whatever it takes.” She says.

“No you fucking won’t.” Ben hisses half storming across the room to where she is.

She narrows her eyes. He’s a good foot taller than her but she’s not backing down. “Who the fuck do you think you are to be telling me what I can and cannot do? Huh?”

I bite my tongue. This battle isn’t mine to fight but I understand the stakes well enough.

“I won’t let you take such a risk.” He says.

“Oh but you can? Roman can? What, you’d rather I stayed here, played the little innocent heiress, too fragile to do anything? Too scared to make any moves in case I break a nail? Fuck off.”

She’s grown I realise. My sister really has grown. She’s not just a woman, she’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s every bit as fierce as me. How my father didn’t see it I don’t know.

“Sofia this isn’t a joke.” Ben snaps. “This isn’t some soap drama. This is real life. You could get hurt. Or worse.”

“Like I don’t know that. I saw what they did to Mason. I saw what my brother had to do to save you from Tybalt. Do you really think I’m that naïve? I know what the risks are. I’ve spent the last six years watching it all play out.”

“Sofia.” I murmur.

“No. You’ve made your point. Now it’s time I made mine.” She states. “Father left us weak. I know he was broken, I know your exile all but destroyed him, but we have to fight back or the Capulets will kill us all and what’s more I want revenge. I deserve it as much as you both.”

I nod. It’s not me she needs to convince. In truth she doesn’t need to convince Ben either because he doesn’t get to say yes or no. The three of us are equals. Though he doesn’t bear the Montague name he’s as much one as me and Sofia are. If she wants to do this then it’s her call and hers alone.

“Sofia…” Ben begins and I wonder if he might just do it, might finally have the balls. But then I see that same old resigned look. Christ the man is an idiot but a part of me is grateful. If he admits what he wants, if she feels the same then this throws the whole ‘Otto plan’ out the window and as selfish as I am, I need this.Weneed this.

“It’s decided.” She says. “I’ll play his paramour and I’ll get something on the Capulets we can actually use. I’ll get something on Darius too. Bring the whole lot of them down.”

Rose

I’ve stayed out as much as I can. Hiding from Paris though in truth I wonder if he’s also hiding from me. Perhaps his last act of barbarism was too far, even for him.

Whatever the reason, I’m enjoying the silence, I’m enjoying the peace.

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