Their Broken Angel

Chapter Nine

Alessandro's POV

The amount of effort it has taken to keep my cool is commendable. The second I walked into that god-awful house, I knew something didn't add up and the instant those boys even looked in her direction, it took every ounce of self-restraint not to string them up right then and there. After hearing my precious sorellina's story I wanted nothing more than to hold her close to me forever and never let go. I can't believe that she's been here all these years and we had no idea. 

I glance over at the sleeping angel beside me. "I swear, no one will hurt you ever again. I will protect you with my life." I whisper softly. I can feel this itch inside me, a need to tell the boys and go defend our sister's honor together, but I have to respect her wishes—one month. I can understand her reasoning, but I wish she knew that nothing could ever make them hate her. She is our family, and to the mafia, family is sacred.

I haven't told our brothers that they have a little sister yet. I had to be entirely sure. But from the moment I laid my eyes on her, I knew. She's the spitting image of our mother. Flowing red hair, bright green eyes, face covered in freckles. There's no denying it, we have a sister. I can only pray that they heed my warnings and take it easy on her. Especially Roman. He can be intimidating and uses it to his advantage. Ever since our mother left, he's been different, he's thrown himself into his work and takes advantage of any opportunity to lose his temper. And while that's convenient for the mafia, it makes family life challenging. Maybe Ember will be the missing piece we need. Maybe she can mend the holes in our hearts. 

Soft cries and whimpers fill the car as Ember's tiny body begins to thrash violently. Pulling to the side of the road as quickly as possible, I carefully unbuckle the small girl and pull her into my lap. "Hush angioletto. It's just a dream. I'm here now and I'm never leaving you again." I soothe, brushing the soft hair out of her face and rocking her small frame back and forth until she calms down. Staying like that, with her lying against my chest until I'm absolutely positive the nightmare has passed, I gently place her back on her seat, taking care to buckle her in properly and rest her head against the door, I pull out onto the road again, ready to take my angel home.

Ember's POV

The second the car stops my eyes fly open, searching my surroundings for anything that could be considered dangerous but my search is stopped short when my eyes land on the familiar sight of a gas station. Letting out a soft groan, I stretch out my tired limbs and glance at Alessandro only to find him already looking at me.

"We're almost there, we only have a couple of hours left." He says softly, not dropping eye contact for a single second. I nod, too overwhelmed to say anything. What if they hate me? I mean, what if I'm not what they were hoping for in a sister? What if they're just like the steps?

I shake my head, clearing the dangerous thoughts from my mind. Manifest positivity. If they don't like you there's nothing you can do to change it, besides, I'll be out in a few months anyway. 

"What's on your mind sorella?" Alessandro asks.

"Nothing much, I just hope they like me." I whisper.

"My dear angioletto, they will love you. You have absolutely nothing to worry about." Alessandro's hand comes to rest on mine gently and I can't help but flinch at the movement. If he notices though, he doesn't say anything, just holds on a little tighter to stop me from shaking. I didn't even realize I was shaking.

Taking a deep breath, I calm my nerves and put myself back together. I can't afford to fall apart like this anymore, no one else can know about this. Not now anyway. Digging through my small box, I pull out the little bit of cash that I have and go to open the door, but a gentle yet firm hand on my shoulder stops me.