"Tell me about four years ago," she said finally. "Tell me why you left her."
"Don't you already know?" I asked carefully, and her lip twitched.
I want to hear it from you."
I shouldn't answer. The details of Daniel's death, of my return to the family, weren't something I shared with outsiders.But Sofia wasn't exactly an outsider anymore. She was part of the alliance. Part of Ivy's world.
And if I wanted any chance of fixing what I'd broken, I needed her to understand.
"My brother Daniel was murdered," I said, the words still raw despite the years. "Shot three times in a restaurant parking lot by a rival crew making a play for our territory. I was trying to build something different away from the family. Something clean. And then I got the call."
Sofia's expression softened slightly. Not pity, but recognition. She understood.
"I went back for the funeral," I continued. "My father made it clear I wasn't leaving again. Daniel had been his heir, and with him gone, the responsibility fell to me. I tried to argue, tried to explain that I had a life in, but he didn't care. He needed me."
"So you cut Ivy loose."
"I thought I was protecting her." I nodded as a waitress appeared, offering water. I waited until she'd poured our glasses and left before continuing. "I convinced myself she'd be safer if I disappeared and cut contact. Just gone. I told myself it was the right thing to do."
"But you never stopped thinking about her."
It wasn't a question, and I didn't treat it like one. "No. I never did."
Sofia leaned back, her fingers drumming once against the table. "Ivy is family to us. Not by blood, but by choice. Elena is Meredith's sister, and Ivy and Elena are inseparable. That makes Ivy family."
The warning was clear. Hurt Ivy, and you hurt them. And hurting the Donati family had consequences.
"I understand," I said.
"Do you?" Sofia's voice sharpened. "Because from where I'm sitting, you've already hurt her once. You left without a word, lether believe whatever she wanted about why you abandoned her. And now you're back, still lying about who you are and what you do."
"I told her the truth last night."
"After she caught you. After she saw you in our VIP section making deals with us." Sofia shook her head. "That's not the same as choosing to be honest with her."
She was right. I knew she was right. But I'd been caught between impossible choices, trying to balance my father's demands with my own desires.
"I planned to tell her," I said. "After the meeting with your family was concluded, after I knew whether I'd be staying in Ironstone or returning home. I was going to sit down with her and explain everything."
"But?"
"But timing is shit, and I handled it badly." I let my gaze stray, making sure we hadn't drawn any attention, frustration bleeding into my voice. "I know I fucked up. I've known it since the moment I saw her face in that alley. I just need a chance to make it right."
Sofia watched me for another long moment, and I couldn't tell what verdict she'd reached. Then she pulled her phone from her purse, typed something quickly, and set it face-down on the table.
"The alliance is moving forward," she said. "Leo and Grayson spoke with Canzio this morning. You'll be managing Hale operations in Ironstone, reporting to your father but working closely with us. The Malatestas will be informed of the new arrangement, and if they push back..."
"We handle it," I finished.
"Exactly." She picked up her phone again, glancing at the screen before meeting my eyes. "What happens with Ivy is separate from business. That's between you and her. But I wantto be clear about something, Eric. If this goes badly, if you hurt her again, I will make your life here very difficult. Alliance or no alliance."
The threat was delivered with the kind of calm certainty that made it even more effective. Sofia Savoca-Donati had killed for her family before. She'd do it again if necessary.
"Understood," I said.
"Good." She stood, smoothing her dress. "Now, my advice? Stop waiting. Stop overthinking. If you want a real chance with Ivy, you need to give her all of it. Every truth, every detail about your life and what being with you would mean. Let her make an informed choice."
"And if she chooses to walk away?"
