Page 91 of Claimed By the Enemy

“Sophie, you don’t understand-”

“I understand that you love me. I understand that everything you’ve done, you’ve done because you thought you were protecting me. But Uncle, you’ve been protecting me from the wrong people.”

Uncle Enzo sinks into a chair, suddenly looking every one of his years. “If what you’re saying is true…”

“It is true. And Uncle, there’s something else you need to know.”

“What?”

I take a deep breath, knowing that what I’m about to say will change everything.

“I’m pregnant.”

The words hang in the cabin air like a bomb that’s just been detonated.

Uncle Enzo just stares at me.

“Pregnant,” he repeats.

“About six weeks. With Dom’s child.”

“Sophie-”

“So you see, Uncle, this isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about the future. About giving the next generation a chance to grow up without the poison that’s been destroying our families.”

I move closer to Uncle Enzo, kneeling beside his chair.

“You taught me that family is everything. That we protect the people we love, no matter the cost. Well, this is my family now.” I gesture toward Dom. “Him, and the baby we’re going to have, and yes, you too. Because you’re the only father I’ve ever known, and I’m not going to lose you to a lie.”

“Sophie…” Uncle Enzo’s voice breaks slightly. “If I’ve been wrong about everything…”

“Then we fix it. Together. All of us.”

“How?”

“By stopping Riccardo before he destroys what’s left of both our families.”

Uncle Enzo looks at Dom, who’s been watching this entire exchange with growing amazement.

“Domenico,” Uncle Enzo says quietly. “Is what Sophie says true? About your uncle?”

“I don’t know,” Dom admits. “But I’m starting to suspect it might be.”

“Then we need to find out for certain.”

“Uncle-”

“Sophie, you said I taught you that family is everything. You’re right. And if you and Domenico are going to have a child together, if you’re truly going to build a life together, then I want that life to be free from the hatred that’s poisoned mine.”

Uncle Enzo stands up, gesturing to his men to lower their weapons.

“I’m sorry, Domenico. For tonight, for the past sixteen years, for the pain I’ve caused both our families.”

“Uncle Enzo-”

“And I’m glad you two have found each other. Despite everything I put you through, you chose love over hatred. Your parents would be proud.”

“They would be proud of both of us,” Dom says, standing up. “For finally choosing to work together instead of against each other.”