Page 77 of Fierce Hearts

"It's a big step."

"No bigger than the one I took when I helped take down our father. I joined this world that day, and I've been a part of it ever since." I met her gaze steadily.

"The Cassaro name will die out if you do." She looked torn, but I just shook my head.

"Is it a name worth saving? The Donati have been there for us, they are our family." I cocked my head at her, and she nodded softly.

"Our father would roll over in his grave," she muttered, but her lip quirked in the corner as she shook her head.

"Good, let him." I glanced toward the hallway where Sofia had disappeared. "I never thought I'd have this—a family of my own. Now that I do, I'll do whatever it takes to protect them."

Meredith stepped closer and squeezed my arm. "You're going to be a great father, Gray."

The words sent a surge of emotion through me—fear, pride, determination all mixed together. Father. I was going to be a father.

"I hope so," I whispered.

She smiled before heading into the kitchen, sifting through the cupboards and setting about making tea.

Sofia reappeared a few minutes later, dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt that hung loose on her frame. Her face was washed clean of makeup, her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail. She'd never looked more beautiful to me.

I crossed the room to her, taking her hands in mine. “Feel better?”

“A little. Still tired," she admitted. "And uneasy."

"I know." I led her to the couch, sitting beside her. "But we're going to get through this, Sof. All of us, together."

She leaned her head against my shoulder, her body relaxing slightly. "I never wanted to drag you into my family's mess."

"You didn't drag me anywhere. I walked in willingly." I stroked her hair gently. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Meredith brought Sofia a cup of tea, settling into an armchair across from us. "Try to drink this. It might help you sleep."

Sofia accepted the cup with a grateful smile, dimples and all. "Thank you, Mer."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the events of the night settling around us like dust after an explosion. But right now, we were safe, and we were together.

And that was enough.

CHAPTER20

SOFIA

The warmth of the tea seeped through the ceramic mug into my palms as I sat curled on the couch, Gray's arm around my shoulders.

The liquid slid down my throat, warming me from the inside, but did little to ease the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest.

Meredith was sipping on her own tea, casting glances at Roman where he stood watch at the window.

"You think we'll be okay for the night?" Meredith asked him, causing Roman to glance back.

"We weren't followed, and they'd be stupid to try something like that after Canzio's appearance. They're likely planning and talking about what to do," Roman answered as he gave us both a reassuring smile.

"He's right," Gray said, his hand finding mine. "Canzio knows what he's doing. We just need to trust him."

Trust. Not something I gave out easily, and yet I'd been putting my life in the hands of others too much lately.

"You should shower too," I noted as Meredith shifted in her dress, still looking like a gorgeous runway model.

---