Page 86 of Fierce Hearts

The weight of what we were discussing settled over me. Taking control of the Savoca family would mean stepping back into a world I'd fought to escape. It would mean facing dangers I'd hoped to leave behind.

But those dangers were already upon me anyway.

My mother and Maria exchanged concerned glances.

"This is no small undertaking," Maria cautioned. "Especially while you're carrying a child."

"She's right," my mother agreed. "The stress alone could be dangerous for both of you."

I placed a protective hand over my stomach, thinking of the tiny life that had already fought so hard to stay with me. But I also thought of all the other children in the Savoca family—my cousins, the next generation who would grow up under Ernesto's corrupt leadership unless something changed.

"I need to think about this, how to do it right,” I said finally. "But I can't just stand by and watch him destroy everyone, all those I still care for."

Gray moved to stand by me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you. We all are."

I looked around at the faces surrounding me—my mother, Gray, the Donatis, Meredith—and felt something I hadn't experienced in a long time: the strength of true family. Not family bound by obligation or fear, but by choice and loyalty.

Maybe, just maybe, we could build something better from the ashes of what Ernesto had burned.

CHAPTER22

SOFIA

Ispent the day weighing my options and talking with my mother and the Donatis while I formulated a plan. Taking over the Savoca family wasn't a decision to make lightly—especially not with a baby on the way. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn't stand by while Ernesto went after those I loved and put them all at risk.

"Are you sure about this?" Gray asked as we pulled up to a modest house in the suburbs of Vintmere as night began to fall.

My mother sat in the back seat, her fingers nervously twisting the strap of her purse. "Caterina has been keeping me updated all these years. She never trusted Ernesto, even before..."

"Before he got her son and husband killed," I finished grimly.

The memory of Uncle Gio and Orlando's death still haunted me. Orlando had been barely twenty, and was assisting my uncle Gavino and his family with a business matter. Instead, he'd walked into an ambush alongside them—one of the "bad calls" that had cost my uncle Ernesto his position as underboss. One we'd just recently learned the truth behind.

I'd never been close with Uncle Gavino, who was the youngest of my father's siblings, but learning that both he, his wife, and young son had perished alongside Gio and Orlando had struck deep all those years ago. Gavino had strayed from the main business, meaning I'd not gotten close with his children like I had with Marco and Orlando to some extent, but it still hurt, especially since little Edmondo had been only six at the time. My father had not taken that blow lightly at all, but no family would claim the ambush, and Ernesto had claimed it to be a business dispute gone wrong under his orders. My father had brought about the death of the business Ernesto had blamed, but now I wondered if they'd played any part at all or had been another pawn in his endgame.

"She'll help us," my mother assured me. "And she still has influence with some of the old guard who were loyal to your father. Not to mention her son has always been close with her."

Caterina's other son, Davide, was still an integral part of the family's business, and when his father and brother had died, they definitely leaned on one another through their grief.

Gray turned in the front passenger seat to reach back and squeeze my hand. "Leo and Canzio should be meeting with Ernesto and Juan right about now. The distraction should keep anyone from noticing this little gathering."

"Let's hope so." I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Leo and Canzio had received a call by midday about a meeting in regard to an alliance talk that they wanted to discuss quickly, so they'd agreed to meet this evening, providing me with cover to meet with my aunt in Vintmere.

My aunt Caterina opened the door before we could knock. She was thinner than I remembered, her face showing the time that had passed, but her eyes lit up when she saw me.

"Sofia." She pulled me into a tight embrace. "Look at you. You've grown up so much."

"Aunt Caterina." I hugged her back, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Thank you for seeing us."

"Of course." She nodded to my mother. "Gabriella. It's good to see you again, I'm sorry you felt the need to leave, but I also understand." Then her eyes landed on Gray, narrowing slightly. "And you must be the Donati boy."

"Cassaro," Gray corrected smoothly. "Though I'll be taking the Donati name soon. Gray Cassaro."

Caterina's eyebrows rose. "Interesting times we live in." She stepped aside. "Come in, quickly."

"Take a seat, would you like anything to eat or drink?" Caterina asked as she beckoned for us to get comfortable.

"Water, please," I answered, both Gray and my mother agreeing. Caterina was quick to get a jug of water and glasses while we settled around the living room.

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