Page 47 of Fierce Hearts

Grayson held my gaze for a moment while I tried to beg him to leave with only a look.

"I'm her boyfriend," Grayson answered smoothly, a charming smile spreading across his face as he extended his hand. "Grayson Cassaro. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

I stared at him, stunned, but quickly schooled my expression. What the hell was he doing? I wanted to shove him away from here, to yell at him for being such a dumbass. My boyfriend? What the actual fuck was he thinking?

Not to mention giving his real name. Did he think this was some power move?

"I was unaware Sofia had a partner of any kind," Ernesto said, shaking Grayson's hand with visible suspicion. "Unfortunately, it will need to end."

Grayson's smile faltered. "Excuse me?"

"I believe my niece has much to tell you," Ernesto replied, glancing at me with a cold smile. "Especially regarding her upcoming engagement."

Fucking prick.

My stomach twisted as Grayson's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't comment.

"I'll collect you tomorrow for the engagement, Sofia," Ernesto said, moving past us and stepping through the doorway. "Wear something appropriate."

The door closed behind him with a soft click that somehow felt like a gunshot. Grayson turned to me, his expression masked. That bothered me more than if he was evidently annoyed or upset.

"We need to talk," he said quietly.

My heart sank, knowing this was the time I had to share everything. So much for inviting him over and figuring out my words. I was going to have to do it right now. Everything was happening too fast, spinning out of control. I'd planned to tell him about my pregnancy on my terms, but now I had to explain everything—Ernesto's threats, the forced engagement, and our child growing inside me.

"Yes," I agreed with a defeated sigh. "We do."

I led him to the living room, feeling like I was walking to my own execution. The weight of all my secrets and my own past pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Time to jump into the fire.

CHAPTER12

GRAYSON

Something was wrong. I felt it in my gut.

I tapped an impatient finger on my leg as my driver went over the speed limit as requested. I needed to get to Sofia's, now.

My phone rang, Leo's name flashing on the screen.

"Gray, you need to know something," Leo's voice was tight, controlled in that way that meant trouble. "Ernesto Savoca is there. Right now, I'm looking at him on the security feed."

My heart skipped a beat as I focused on the road ahead, cursing the traffic at this time of day. "What the fuck is he doing at her place? Is Meredith there?"

"I don't know, and yes. She's heading out the back door by the looks of it. But Gray, think this through. If Ernesto's there?—"

"I'll handle it, I'm nearly there." I cut him off, not wanting to hear whatever caution he was about to advise.

I hung up before he could argue, muttering as I flicked through my contacts.

I called Meredith instantly, and she answered on the second ring.

"Mer, are you out of Sof's safe?" I asked first and foremost.

"Yes, I'm getting into the car with Jackson. Wait, safe, do you?—"

"I know Ernesto is there. I'm nearly there."

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