Page 76 of Fierce Hearts

"We'll update you all," Canzio said as he headed for the door, Leo following close behind. Before leaving, Leo paused beside me, clasping my shoulder, and giving me a slight bob of his head.

I smiled and nodded in return, the silent exchange one of reassurance and brotherhood.

After they left, I moved to sink onto the couch beside Sofia, Meredith plopping into the armchair with a heavy sigh.

Sofia leaned against me, exhaustion evident in every line of her body. "You didn't have to do that," she murmured.

"Do what?"

"Agree to take the Donati name. I know what that means for you."

I pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I did have to do it. For you, for our baby, for us. The Donati name carries weight, protection."

"It also carries danger," she countered.

"A danger we were already in." I sighed. "Sofia, I've been part of this world for years. The only difference now is making it official."

Meredith watched us, concern etched on her features. "You should rest, Sof. It's been a long night."

Sofia nodded, but made no move to get up. "I can't stop thinking about what happens next. Ernesto won't let this go."

"Let Canzio handle Ernesto," I said firmly. "Right now, your only job is to take care of yourself and our baby."

"Gray's right," Meredith added. "Come on, I'll help you find something comfortable to change into. I'm sure there's some clothes here somewhere."

Sofia allowed Meredith to lead her toward one of the bedrooms, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I moved to the bar cart, pouring myself a small measure of whiskey. The weight of the decision I'd just made settled on my shoulders—not uncomfortably, but noticeably. Grayson Donati. It sounded strange, foreign, yet there was a rightness to it I couldn't deny.

I glanced over my shoulder as the front door opened, but relaxed when Roman strode in, assessing the home carefully.

"Everything is quiet, nobody followed us," he stated.

"Shouldn't you be going with Leo and Canzio?" I asked.

"They want me here, they took Jackson instead." He moved to the window in the living room, gazing out at the darkened garden and tree cover.

"You've been with the family a long time," I said, not really expecting a response.

"Yes," he replied simply.

"Was it worth it? Giving your life to them?"

Roman considered this as he turned his head, his expression thoughtful. "They gave me purpose when I had none. Protection when I needed it. A future for my daughter." He shrugged. "I would say yes, it was worth it."

I nodded, sipping my drink. "And now I'm one of them. Officially."

"You always were," Roman said. “Leo told me the plan. The name just makes it known to everyone else."

The simplicity of his statement struck me. He was right—I'd been a Donati in all but name for years. This was just acknowledging what had always been true. Sure, I'd not gotten my hands as bloody, not really, but they were dirty in other ways. I was Leo's connection to the world, to the legitimate businesses and people he needed to use for cover. I was the charming face, the one who used honey to hide the blood and darkness of the Donati name.

Meredith returned, looking tired but composed. "She's changing. I found her some clothes. Sweatpants and a plain tee, someone should make sure the safe-houses get some women's clothing."

"Thank you," I said. "You should get into something comfier too, have a shower. It's been a long evening."

She gave me a small smile. "Yeah, that it has been." She hesitated, glancing at Roman before she refocused on me. "Are you really okay with taking the Donati name?"

I set my glass down. "I am. It feels like the right move, especially now."

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