Page 75 of Fierce Hearts

Once inside, Sofia sank onto a plush sofa in the living room, toying with her grandmother's rings she still wore. Meredith sat beside her, while Leo paced near the windows, occasionally checking his phone.

I knelt in front of Sofia, taking her hands in mine. "Are you feeling okay? Do you need anything?"

She shook her head, then paused. "Water, maybe."

I found my way to the kitchen, familiar with the layout of Donati safe-houses. They all had a similar design—open concept, multiple exits, reinforced windows. I returned with a glass of water, which Sofia accepted gratefully.

Headlights swept across the living room as another car pulled into the driveway. Moments later, Canzio Donati entered, followed by two of his men who took positions near the entrances. Roman would remain outside, likely coordinating a team to set up a perimeter with Jackson.

Canzio moved with the confident grace of a man accustomed to power. He surveyed the room before his gaze settled on Sofia.

"Ms. Savoca," he greeted her with a slight nod. "I know you may think we've put some of your family in danger, but we don't believe that to be the case."

Sofia straightened and nodded. "I hope you're right. Thank you for what you did tonight, I just pray it works out how you planned. It can't be undone now."

Canzio removed his suit jacket, draping it over a chair. "It was necessary. We needed Ernesto on edge, and for him to know we suspected foul play with his son. For his own people to know that it didn't seem right." He looked at Leo. "The situation is contained for now, but I believe Ernesto and Juan will try something."

"It'd make sense. Juan will be pissed we ruined his alliance plans, the Ferences want the Savoca reach in the port, and Juan securing that would have made his rise to power in the family cemented. As for Ernesto, he will be pissed about Sofia going against him and for us digging into Marco's death and losing out on the money he'd gain from this alliance. He was relying on the entire deal to solidify him as the new family head, to bring about trust and loyalty in the Savocas after his mess up all those years ago when Antonio unnamed him as underboss. He'll make mistakes now." Leo checked his phone once more, and I knew the Donatis were keeping an eye on many things now, waiting for the shift to begin, for Ernesto to screw up.

"They'll band together against a common enemy—the Donatis, most likely, rather than turn on one another." Canzio's expression remained neutral despite the potential threat. "They both believe we overstepped. In their minds, this was a family matter we had no right to interfere with."

Sofia made a small, distressed sound as she pulled a cushion into her chest. "This is too much. I should've just gone along with it." Her voice dropped as she stared down at her hands. "I shouldn't have kept the baby, I should've protected everyone."

My blood ran cold at her words.

"No," Canzio said firmly. "You're essentially carrying a Donati baby, Ms. Savoca. That changes everything."

Sofia looked up at him, her face weary and defeated.

"I will handle this," Canzio continued. "You need to focus on your health right now. The stress isn't good for you or the child."

"But—"

"No buts." Canzio moved to pour himself a drink from the bar cart in the corner. "This situation is not your doing, Sofia. It is a play by men who do not value the opinions and lives of their women, who treat them as a currency or means to an end." Canzio swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his gaze settling on me. "Grayson, it's time you made a choice."

"What choice?"

"About taking on the Donati name." Canzio tipped his glass to me. "It could help shape everything going forward." He downed the drink before setting the glass down on the cart.

The room fell silent.

The Donati name. Leo had said a few times I was like a brother to him, essentially a Donati, but I'd waved it off.

Now, here was Canzio, offering me a name that came with respect and power. But it was also a name drenched in blood and darkness, a name many knew and not for good reason. Sure, they had morals and a code, but they were still a crime family.

I glanced at Sofia, at the tightness of her brow as she stared at me.

With her pregnant with my child, with enemies circling...

"If it's truly for the best," I said slowly, "then I'll take the name. I'll become a Donati in full, with a legal name change."

Canzio nodded, satisfied. "I'll see it done." He turned to Sofia. "Everything will be okay, Ms. Savoca. I have a plan. We just needed a little more time. This will cause havoc, but we'll contain it." He drained his glass and set it down. "Leo, you'll come with me. We need to sort things out."

Leo nodded, moving to take Meredith's hand.

"I want to stay with Sofia," Meredith said, looking between her husband and Sofia. "If that's okay."

"Of course." Leo nodded. "The house is secure, we've got a perimeter set up and our best men here. You'll all be safe."

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