Page 106 of Fierce Hearts

I leaned back against the pillows, trying to steady my breathing. The pain was manageable—fear for Sofia was not.

"Do you truly think this plan will work?" I asked. "Or are Sofia and the Donati family going to be in more danger than we want to admit?”

Leo tucked his phone away and met my eyes. "Sofia knew the risks. She's thought it all through, weighed all the options. I've discussed it at length with my father, and for the outcome we all desire, this is the best course of action right now."

"It may be the best, but I still hate it. This is Sofia's life on the line, Leo. And our child's."

"I won't let anything happen to her." The conviction in his voice was absolute.

"I want to be there with the Donati men on standby." I pushed myself fully upright, swallowing a groan. "I'm well enough to fight for my family. I'd rather die than lose everything."

Leo looked me over, assessing. After a moment, he nodded. "I understand."

"When can we leave?"

"Roman will be here in twenty minutes. We'll need to move quickly after that."

I nodded, then reached for the water beside my bed.

"Gray," Leo said quietly, "you know Sofia is stronger than she looks. She was raised in this world."

"That's what scares me." I took a sip of water. "She knows exactly what these men are capable of, and she’s still going in there. Any other woman wouldn’t.”

Leo didn't argue. He knew I was right.

"The way she handled herself at the engagement party..." I shook my head. "She stood there and faced down Ernesto like she wasn't terrified. But I felt her clammy hand when I held it."

"Fear doesn't make her weak. It makes her human."

"I know." I stared down at my hands. "That's why I need to be there. Because I'm afraid too, and I refuse to let her face it alone."

"Gray, there's some things I need to discuss with you about this plan of Sofia's. I know how badly you want her protected. So I've made some calls, altered the plan a little."

"How?" I snapped my gaze to his. "Does Sofia know?"

"No, she can't know. She needs to be kept in the dark for this."

"What did you do?"

CHAPTER28

SOFIA

Istared at my reflection in the mirror, smoothing my black dress. The fabric felt heavy against my skin, a mourning outfit for a man who wasn't dead.

"You look beautiful," my mother said, coming up behind me. "Just the part."

I glanced at the bouquet of white lilies Ernesto had sent that morning. The card with it had made me want to hurl them outside.

My deepest condolences on your loss. Family is everything in times of grief.

- Ernesto

My blood boiled all over again at his audacity, at the smug certainty that I would now fall in line.

Caterina had called earlier with an update."Julia says Ernesto is calm, even pleased about Grayson's death. He believes you're vulnerable now."

Good. Let him think I was broken. Let him believe I'd lost my fight.

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