Page 94 of Fierce Hearts

"Whatever you think is best," I said.

She handed me a folder. "I've outlined everything here—diet recommendations, exercise guidelines, prenatal vitamins. My receptionist has already scheduled your next appointments."

I nodded, having already started the vitamins Gray had researched and bought for me. He'd been on the ball lately, making me nutritious breakfast every day, my mother assisting as well. The pair of them were determined to see me resting and my baby growing well. It was something I found myself adoring, although I couldn't shake the niggle of guilt. Having people care for me was a hard one to accept.

After finalizing the details and collecting my paperwork, we headed toward the hospital exit. Gray walked close beside me, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back.

"That went well," he said, pressing the elevator button. "I was worried?—"

"I know." I leaned against him, glad that we'd gotten good news. "Me too." He kissed the top of my head knowingly, holding me closer.

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside just as Gray's phone buzzed. He pulled it out, smiling softly before firing off a text.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Just Leo checking in. Told him all was good."

"Right, I should let Mer know, she wanted me to." I pulled out my own phone, firing off a text as well. I knew we were likely seeing them later, so I wanted to enjoy my time alone with Gray. My mother was at home preparing dinner for us all, and I was doing my best to not contact Caterina again. She'd said once she had enough backing of men in the family, then they'd make their move, orchestrate it so we were all present. We were still working out the details, but with Leo and Canzio's second meeting with Ernesto and the Ferences looming closer, I was getting anxious.

We exited through the hospital's main doors into the parking garage. The air was cooler here, damp with the scent of concrete and exhaust. Gray guided me toward where our driver was waiting, scanning our surroundings the way he always did. Always ready, always prepared.

We were halfway to the car when I heard footsteps behind us, my heart skipping a beat as I glanced back.

"Gray!" The masked man moving in had my stomach knotting as I gripped Gray's hand tight.

Gray was already pushing me behind him in one swift motion as we turned to face the man in a dark hoodie, his masked face hidden beneath it. The glint of metal in his hand made my heart stop.

"Wallet and keys," the man demanded, his voice rough.

"Take it easy," Gray said, his voice calm despite the knife pointed at us. "We don't want any trouble."

"Purse," the man barked, gesturing toward my handbag with his knife. "Now."

There was no way this was happening, not here. This had to be a planned attack.

I heard the car door of our own vehicle being flung open, our driver, Daniel, ready to come to our aid.

I hoped he shot this prick down.

I started to slip my bag off my shoulder, but Gray held out his hand, pulling his wallet from his pocket. "Here, take this. There's cash, cards?—"

The man lunged forward, not seeming to care about the money at all, and Gray moved to protect me.

Too bad it looked like the man had been going after him. There was a struggle, a grunt of pain, and then Gray staggered backward against me.

I flinched as gunshots sounded off, and the masked man crumpled to the ground. I glanced back at Daniel, his gun still raised while he closed the distance between us.

Too bad my focus was now on Gray as he collapsed in front of me, falling to his hands and knees.

"Gray!" I knelt down, my gaze moving to where he was pressing his hand to his side. Where blood was already spreading across his shirt.

Oh god no.

"I'm okay," he said through gritted teeth, but his face had gone pale.

"No, you're not. Daniel, we need to get him inside, now!" I barked as Daniel reached us. He was still checking the area, and I wondered how this man had gotten past him. We should've had more security with us.

Not that it mattered right now.

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