Page 73 of Fierce Hearts

Juan's father stepped forward, his expression darkening. "What is the meaning of this interruption?" I met Francesca's gaze, and I could've sworn I saw a flicker of delight in those dull blue depths.

I pulled away from Ernesto's grip, my heart hammering against my ribs. "I never agreed to this marriage willingly."

"Sofia," Ernesto hissed, reaching for me again.

I stepped back, my heart threatening to burst from my chest. "No. I'm done being threatened and manipulated." I was hyperaware of everyone around me, ready to run at the first sign of trouble, or someone moving in to deal a blow. It was why I'd gone for my platform heels. Easier to run in.

The room had gone completely silent, the guests frozen in place as the drama unfolded.

"Threatened?" A woman stepped forward, and my eyes locked with my aunt, Julia, Ernesto's wife. "What is she talking about?" God, she looked so much older than I remembered. Her son's death had clearly done a number on her.

Gray moved to my side, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Tell them, Sofia. Tell them what he threatened to do if you didn't comply."

I lifted my chin, looking directly at Ernesto. "He threatened my friends. My loved ones. He said if I didn't marry Juan, people I care about would suffer."

Ernesto's face flushed dark red. "You ungrateful little?—"

"Careful," Leo interrupted, his voice dangerously soft. "Those threats included my wife, Meredith. Sofia's best friend."

Canzio's expression remained impassive, but his eyes had turned to chips of ice. "Threatening a Donati, even by marriage, was a poor choice, Ernesto."

Juan stepped away from me, looking like he was about to say something, but Ernesto spoke before he could.

"It was for the good of both families," Ernesto snapped. "After Marco's death?—"

"Yes, Marco's death," Canzio interrupted. "A tragic ambush after dinner at his own restaurant, wasn't it?"

Ernesto stiffened, but Canzio turned his focus to Julia. "I'm sorry for your loss, Mrs. Savoca. Outliving your children is not something any parent wants to endure. You have my deepest condolences.”

Aunt Julia's brows were pulled together, but she nodded gratefully, her hands clasped before her. My heart tugged for her, but I remained by Gray.

"You're overstepping, Donati," Ernesto warned as he stepped forward.

"No, Ernesto, I don't believe I am." Canzio straightened his jacket. "Now, I believe I will be taking Miss Savoca back to her home."

"You will not be ruining this alliance!" Ernesto shouted.

The room erupted into chaos. Security personnel appeared at the doorways, though whether they were Ference's or Donati's, I couldn't tell.

Ernesto's hand moved toward his jacket, and in an instant, Gray was in front of me, shielding my body with his. Thankfully, he only pulled out a knife.

So much for no weapons allowed.

"So much for no weapons, Ernesto," Canzio smirked. "Breaking the first rule of such an event, not a good idea."

Juan's father, Pietro, stepped between them, hands raised. "There will be no bloodshed here, as per the agreement between families."

At least someone had their head on straight in the two families, not that I'd trust him if he was the last man on earth.

"The Donatis were not part of that agreement," Ernesto hissed.

"And yet we came in unarmed, as per the security rules to get inside. Strange how you got in," Canzio said, his voice loud and ringing across the room.

I caught Julia's gaze, wondering just where my cousin was, Bianca. I'd not seen Cara here either, Marco's wife. Something that had been bothering me. I'd thought perhaps they were running late, but there was no trace of them.

"The engagement is off," I announced, keeping my voice level as I pulled the gaudy ring from my finger and set it on a nearby table. "I won't be part of this."

Ernesto's face contorted with rage, but he kept his mouth shut to my surprise.

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