The Road Less Traveled

Chapter 4

By the time we get to Dayton, everyone has calmed down. Lorenzo won't leave my side, regardless of me not really speaking much. He's being careful, letting me choose whether I'm okay with touching him or not. It's primarily not, but I let him hold my hand while I draw on my sketchpad. Giuseppe and Alessandro haven't talked much since Lorenzo completely annihilated the rules they tried to give me. It's kinda nice.

Once we're in the car, though, Lorenzo starts talking about how excited he is.

"Oh my god, you are going to love our house. We have a few cats, but they wander around, so it's completely hit or miss on if you'll see them. Anyway, the first floor is pretty much the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, and, of course, the foyer. The basement is where our gym is set up, we also have an indoor pool down there. Second floor is the main one we all hang out on. There's the game room, the movie room, a kitchenette, the spa, and a smaller library, though no one usually goes in there. Actually, one of our brothers does periodically, but he primarily uses the larger library on the third floor. Anyway, other than that, the third floor has–"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down. How many brothers do I have?" To be honest, the only ones that are really known about in the Underworld are Lorenzo, Alessandro, Valentino, and the youngest, Adriano. I could have found out more, but that's extra work I don't feel like doing. I always figured I could just find out when it actually mattered to me.

"Oh! We have seven! There's obviously Alessandro as the oldest, and I'm the second oldest. Going from there, there are the oldest twins, Valentino and Damiano. Valentino is the harsher one, he tends to pick fights with everyone. Damiano is a lot nicer, and he's into computer stuff. After them is Lucca. He's very friendly, and is currently studying to be a doctor. Next is Dante, who is a total bookworm. He's also a bit of a genius. Dante's a lot more closed off than the others–except maybe Valentino–so don't be surprised if he ignores you. Then there's Adriano, who is actually your twin. He really likes music. Usually, he'll hide out in the music room on the third floor, so if you're ever looking for him, you'll want to check there. Last, but certainly not least, is you!"

I stare at him. Blink. Stare some more.

"So, what you're telling me, is that I went from being an only child, to having..." I take a moment to count. "SEVEN BROTHERS!?"

He looks at me for a moment before shrugging a little. "...yeah?"

All I can do is put my head in my hands. Holy. Shit. I mean, I knew there were at least a few children, but SEVEN SONS? That is absurd. Besides, what am I gonna do with seven brothers? What if they're all overbearing and possessive as Alessandro and Giuseppe? I can't stand that! My own stepfather only paid attention to my existence when he was beating me or we were moving, and I don't know what to do with that much supervision! I mean, seriously. What the hell? Were our parents rabbits?

We get there too soon. Far too soon. I mean, here I am, still coping with the fact I will be dealing with so many people constantly looking over my shoulder, and we're pulling through the fancy gate, into the very long driveway, leading to a very impressive and expensive looking house. I mean, just their garage is at least twice the size of the house I just moved from. Is it really necessary to have that many cars? It's not like it's a public mall. I think.

As soon as the car pulls to a stop, everyone gets out. Except me. I'm still staring in awe at the full manor in front of us. Lorenzo opens my door for me.

"Coming, sorellina?" That breaks me out of my trance. I look at him, then hop out. And proceed to regret it. I wince. Shit. I hope they didn't notice.

"Yeah, sorry. I didn't expect to be so... big."

Lorenzo laughs, shaking his head. "I guess I've just lived here so long I didn't think about it."

"That makes sense, I suppose."

Lorenzo and I follow Giuseppe. A quick glance over my shoulder reveals Alessandro glaring at Lorenzo. Lorenzo takes note.

"You jealous?" Lorenzo mocks. I see Alessandro grimace before responding.

"Of what?"

"The fact that I'm already Serafina's favorite." This time, he bares his teeth. Lorenzo and I look at each other, giggle, and make our way inside. As soon as we enter, I hear Giuseppe yell.

"BOYS!!!!!"

I flinch. I don't mean to, but it was so loud, and so unexpected. And so much like David when he's pissed at me.

One by one, five guys make their way downstairs. The first one's young, probably my age. Adriano, I'm guessing. He has the same black hair as our mother, and eyes the same blue as mine. Far brighter, though. Happier.

The next one is a bit older, maybe 20? His brown hair matches that of Giuseppe and Alessandro, but his eyes are a dull blue, looking closer to grey.

After him follows two boys, right around his age. The first won't stop talking, going on about a new gig he got with testing firewalls, or something. I think that's the computer nerd Lorenzo mentioned. He brushes his almost black hair out of his face, but it just falls back in place. It's only a little darker than that of the boy next to him. He doesn't say a word, just focuses on the open book in his hand. His hair is long, tied back behind him. The two have matching brown eyes, which they must have gotten from Giuseppe.

After a few more seconds comes the last one, almost a carbon copy of the chatterbox. I guess those two are the twins, then. Valentino and... Damiano, was it?

One by one, their eyes focus on me, then Giuseppe. Well, except the bookworm. He's still reading his book. Only once the chatty twin stops talking does he look up. His eyes widen.

"Sorella?" His eyes pierce into me. He doesn't look away, not even a glance at the others. He takes slow steps toward me, eyes only leaving mine to examine me. They dart from my hair, to my face, to my outfit, to my shoes, then back up.

The quiet boy speaks again as his hand lightly caresses my hair, one lock separating from the others. "You don't remember me, do you." It's not a question.

He hugs me tightly and I flinch, barely keeping in a hiss. Didn't Lorenzo say the bookworm was closed off? Like, an introvert?

He quickly releases me, and finally lets his eyes leave me. He turns to Giuseppe. "How?"

Giuseppe's are wide, filled with surprise. What the hell? "We got a call while we were in Kingston on–" He cuts himself off with a glance at me before continuing. "Business. Her stepfather died. She didn't have anyone else to take care of her."

"And Mom?" The chattier twin asked.

"Dead," I say. "Five years ago." All of their faces drop. Well, except the mean twin. I guess it seems to get a little angrier, though. "So, um, who are all of you?"

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WHOO! Chapter 4 is OUT and I am on a roll. Let's keep it going. So, what are your thoughts on the brothers? Was it too fast for her to warm up to Lorenzo? I mean, he defended her and is trying to be considerate of her, unlike some people. It's kind of a new experience for her, plus he's being pretty careful with her boundaries. I mean, it makes sense to me, and I think it works, but definitely give me your thoughts on it.

Until next time! Ciao!