Page 89 of Fierce Hearts

Our meeting continued for another hour as we outlined our plan. Bianca would speak with her mother, Julia, with my aunt's help if needed. Once she had the evidence as well, she'd begin reaching out to other family, starting with her own son, Davide. He had good standing, and he'd be able to garner support. Caterina was willing to speak with the other women of the family, see who would sound out potential allies among their husbands and sons, gauging who might support my claim.

As everything wound down, Bianca asked to speak off speakerphone, and I picked up the burner and moved to the kitchen for some privacy.

"Marco always spoke highly of you," she said quietly. "He said he was glad you got out, that you had a chance. But he also told me once that if anything happened to him, he hoped you would come back and set things right. That you were strong, stronger than anyone realized. You had the stomach and heart to lead."

Tears stung my eyes. "I wish it hadn't come to this."

"So do I. But Rosette, my little niece, deserves to grow up in a family led by someone with honor. Someone like you. Ernesto may be the man who I come from, but he's no father of mine."

"I'm doing this for her, and for you. For all of us who deserve better," I said quietly.

"Good, Marco would be proud," she said. "Stay safe, Sof." With that, she ended the call, and I let out a heavy sigh.

Gray appeared at my side, his hand settling protectively on my lower back. "We should go. Leo texted that the meeting with Ernesto is wrapping up."

We said our goodbyes, promising to stay in touch through secure channels with Caterina. As we walked back to the car, Gray kept me close, his eyes scanning our surroundings.

"What do you think?" I asked once we were safely inside.

"I think your aunt and cousin are formidable," he replied with a slight smile as he looked back at me. "Remind me never to cross any of them."

My mother chuckled from beside me. "The women have always been the backbone of any family. Antonio understood that, even if he never said it aloud. It was why he wanted to train Sofia. I never agreed with it, I didn't want her to be so involved in it all…" She reached over and took my hand as the car lurched into motion. "But maybe his harshness helped in some twisted way, helped prepare you for something like this."

"Do you think it will work?" I asked as I glanced between them both, voicing the doubt that had been nagging at me. "Can we really do this?"

Gray reached back and took my other hand. "Together? Yes. But it won't be easy."

I nodded, knowing what we were doing was something big, something difficult.

My free hand drifted to my stomach. "Am I being selfish, putting our child at risk for this?"

"You're securing their future," my mother said softly. "Creating a world where they can grow up safely despite the family they're a part of."

Gray squeezed my hand. "I'll protect you both every step of the way. I promise."

CHAPTER23

GRAYSON

Ipaced Sofia's bedroom while taking the call from Leo, reeling from what he'd said.

"They actually tried to offer another woman?" I gripped the phone tighter. "After everything that's happened?"

"Ernesto acted like he was doing us a favor." Leo's disgust carried through the line. "Said, and I quote, 'a woman is just a woman.' The arrogance of these people, Gray. You should have seen my father's face."

I ran a hand through my hair, glancing toward the closed door where I could hear Sofia and her mother's muffled voices. "What exactly did they offer for the alliance?"

"Territory along the coast, some shipping routes, a couple of legitimate businesses." Leo paused. "And of course, the generous offer of another Savoca woman for you, since apparently Sofia's previous agreement with Juan negates any claim you might have."

"Previous agreement that was made under duress," I growled.

"That's exactly what my father pointed out. He demanded to see the terms of this supposed agreement. Neither Ernesto nor Juan would produce them."

I sat on the edge of the bed, my jaw clenched. "So what's the play?"

"We're meeting again in a week. Told them we'd draft up our own terms for consideration." Leo's tone shifted. "But it's all smoke and mirrors, buying time while we figure out how to handle Ernesto."

"You think taking him out would solve this?"

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