Page 92 of Fierce Hearts

"That was the moment I decided I wanted out," she continued. "I played the part for six more months, did what was expected, but I was just waiting for my chance. When my father died and my mother fled to Italy, Marco gave me permission to leave. He understood what my father had done to me. Wanted me to have a chance at a different life, to be something else."

I cupped her face gently in my hands, wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Sofia. Sorry that he did that to you. That he molded you into a weapon instead of protecting you like a father should. That both he and your uncle hurt you. You never deserved any of it.”

She leaned into my touch, eyes closing briefly. "It's the past."

“It doesn’t condone it, Sof. It doesn’t undo it or make it go away. You have no idea how strong you are for overcoming it all, for still becoming who you are today,” I said, still stunned by all she was sharing, doing my best to keep from getting furious. She didn’t need me getting mad or wanting to kill Ernesto, she needed me to listen, to be there for her in this moment and to support her.

“Are you sure you want to do this? Take over the family?" I asked, searching her face. "After everything they put you through, no one would blame you for walking away."

Sofia's eyes met mine, a new resolve hardening her gaze. "I don't have a choice, Gray. Our options are limited. If I don't step up, someone else will, and nothing will change."

"But the cost to you?—"

"Maybe because of my father, because of how I was raised, I can help mold this family into something better." Her hand moved to rest on her stomach, where our child grew. "I can provide a better path forward, equality for the women. For too long, I wanted to run from my legacy, from the blood in my veins. But not all of it is bad."

I brushed my thumb across her cheekbone, marveling at her strength. "You're incredible, you know that?"

"Thanks." A small smile touched her lips. "It's time I embrace who I am, to focus on the good in it, and find the best way forward. For us. For our baby."

I pulled her close again, pressing my lips to her forehead. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you. Every step of the way."

In the quiet darkness of that room, holding the woman I loved, I realized how much her past had shaped her—the strength it had forged in her. And while I wished I could erase the pain she'd endured, destroy one of the men responsible, I knew it was that same pain that had made her the fierce, resilient woman in my arms.

Sofia Savoca was a force to be reckoned with. And soon, her uncle would learn that the hard way.

And I couldn’t fucking wait for him to pay.

CHAPTER24

SOFIA

Iwatched the door of the small café, unable to shake the unease that had clung to me for the past few days since I'd last met with my aunt. The quaint establishment sat halfway between our two cities—neutral ground. Gray had wanted to come, but I'd convinced him this needed to be a family conversation. Just me and Caterina.

When she walked in, she looked like a woman of power, one who had survived too much, had endured pain that she didn't deserve, and had come out stronger.

Stronger. People said what didn't kill you made you stronger. I believed it forced you to harden, but not in a good way. A defense mechanism that wasn't something to be proud of.

"Sofia." She nodded as she reached me, and I rose to give her a hug, drawing in her soft perfume as she embraced me back.

"Thank you for meeting me again so soon." I squeezed her hand as we sat down. "What cover did you use to come here?"

"I told the family I'm looking at holiday properties in the area. It gave me reason to be away without suspicion."

The waitress took our orders—herbal tea for me, espresso for her—and Caterina's eyebrow rose.

"How far along are you?"

"What?" I baulked.

"Please, herbal tea? No one drinks that shit," she smirked knowingly, and I scoffed. Of course that was how she'd assume such a thing.

"Still early days," I said quietly.

She nodded knowingly. "So this is why you've had a change of heart. Children change everything, they make us want to do better, be better."

"Yes, they do. And because I'd either need to get rid of it or die as soon as Juan found out with this arranged marriage," I added.

She cocked her head at me, a glimmer of sadness washing over her face before she masked it. "Men try to control us for their own gain. My Gio, may he rest in peace, did not. He did not think like the other men, which is why I married him. He was softer, followed orders, but chose me always. It's why Davide cannot lead, he takes after his father too much. Even with my guidance, he'd not be fit to take Marco's place, or yours. But I'm sure you already considered it and came to the same conclusion," she said as our drinks arrived, along with a few pastries.

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