Page 65 of Fierce Hearts

"I'll get these results to you by tomorrow, although it will all be fine I imagine, she’s a healthy young woman, not medical history that’s concerning. Sounds like the issues around this pregnancy are not actually physical or health related," he said quietly. "I wish you all the best of luck."

He turned away, pausing for a moment before turning back and patting my shoulder. "And congratulations, I hope everything goes smoothly."

"Thanks." What else could I say? Dr. Gatlin didn't want to say too much, he knew the situation we were in.

With that, he left, and I headed back in to the room once Sof was ready, helping her tidy it up.

"He's a nice Doctor," she murmured as we shoved the medical sheets into a trash bag and put the pillows back.

"He is," I agreed, and she paused, watching me quietly.

Before I could say anything or move to hold her, my phone rang. Canzio Donati's name flashed on the screen when I fished it out of my pocket.

"I need to take this," I said, and she nodded.

"I'm going to go keep watching my show." She moved past me, and I sat down in the desk chair as I answered.

"Sir."

"Grayson." Canzio's voice was calm, measured—the same tone he used when discussing business. But I knew this was no business call. "Leo tells me you've found yourself in an interesting situation."

I swallowed. "Yes, sir."

"The Savoca girl is carrying your child, and Ernesto is trying to marry her off to Juan Ference."

"That's correct."

He sighed heavily. "And what do you intend to do about it?"

"Whatever's necessary to protect Sofia and our child."

He was quiet for a moment now. I could almost see him sitting at his desk, fingers steepled in front of him, those ice-blue eyes calculating.

"The Savoca family has been left without proper leadership after Marco's death," he finally said. "Ernesto may be leading it, but he lacks support from within his own family after the deaths he caused years ago. He's desperate. The alliance with Ference is a power play, nothing more. A way to win trust and loyalty back."

"I figured as much." Leo and I had uncovered such information as well.

"I'll come to the house tomorrow. We'll discuss options." His tone made it clear this wasn't a request.

"Yes, sir."

"And Grayson?" Something in his voice changed, as if it had softened. "Congratulations on the pregnancy.”

He ended the call before I could say a word.

I set the phone down, processing the conversation. Canzio's interest meant more resources, connections, protection—but it also meant the situation had become a proper Donati family matter. And Donati family matters often ended in blood.

I turned to find Sofia standing in the doorway, watching me. So much for watching her show.

"Was that Leo's dad?" she asked quietly, and I nodded.

"He wants to meet tomorrow. To discuss options."

"Options," she repeated flatly. "You mean how to deal with my family, with me."

"How to keep you safe," I corrected as I stood, closing the distance between us. "How to keep our baby safe."

Sofia's hand drifted to her stomach, a gesture so unconscious and protective it made my chest ache. "This baby could start a war, Gray," she whispered.

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