She was lost and so was he.
Who knew that two broken hearts can connect to one.
Arabella's world has been rigged since the day she was born. Her fate had been decided for her much longer before she even had been conceived in the womb. So it came as...
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Dominic's head whips to the side as he hisses in pain. Xander's rings have dug into the skin on Dominic's cheek, and I notice the line of blood starting to leak out. Dominic grabs his chin, most likely trying to put his jaw back into place.
My eyes widen, and I gasp. Dominic's eyes trail from Xander's raging form to mine as I stand beside him. He gently wraps his arm around me, pulling me behind him. This infuriates Xander even more, and he storms up, ready to bash Dominic's head in. But Luca stands in between them, pushing his older brother back.
"Back off, man. Let them explain before we kill him." Xander takes a step back, still seething, but at least Luca's words mean he isn't going to kill Dominic. Or at least, not yet.
"So, how long have you been fucking my sister?" Luca's voice booms in Dominic's face. The way he phrases it, as if we were just casual hookups, makes me cringe. Especially considering last night's events prove I'm definitely not ready to be involved with anyone like that.
"I'm not fucking your sister. I'm with her." Dominic says harshly to Luca, whose anger flares even more. "We're together."
"Together? As in dating?" Xavier questions, surprise evident in his voice. My eyes flick to him, but he only looks at Dominic, who nods in answer.
"Bambina, is this true? Are you with this boy?" Papa's voice cuts through the tension, and I freeze. I want to deny it at that moment. I want to slap myself for even thinking of denying our relationship, especially after Dominic stood strong and tall when he spoke about us.
But with the way my family watches me like a hawk, waiting for my answer, I start to panic. The three oldest have blank faces, analyzing me. Alejandro makes sure his eyes connect with mine every few minutes, keeping me in check. The youngest look visibly angry, shaking with rage. Xander looks like he's ready to pull a gun on Dominic, depending on my answer.
I can't look at them anymore, and my mouth tightens as I stare at the ceiling. I take a few deep breaths, but nothing seems to calm my racing heart. A sudden warmth envelops my hand, pulling me from whatever place I'm stuck in. It's comforting, and I glance over to Dominic, who gives me an encouraging nod. He knows I'm freaking out, but he also knows that with just one look from him, I'll be brave enough to calm down.
"Yes. Dominic and I are together." I let myself move closer to Dominic, leaning against his side for support. The way everyone's eyes are on me makes me feel unsteady, but Dominic's presence centers me.
"And how long have you been lying to all of us? How long have you been lying to me, dammit!" Alejandro's voice is rough, but I hear the betrayal behind it. My eyes fall slowly to his, and I know he sees the guilt in mine.
"I didn't mean to lie. I just never told you." I whisper quietly.
"Stop with the sarcasm, Arabella. I'm not joking. Answer the goddamn question." He raises his voice but doesn't yell. The youngest have been screaming at the two of us, but Alejandro shows his anger in the deep cuts of his words.
