Lissy Romano

17| I promise.

Lissy Romano

"What was that about?" Vincenzo's voice was stern, his tone commanding as they all entered my room. Thankfully, the door was still intact, but the lock was broken... great, no more privacy.

I didn't speak a word. I couldn't. I couldn't even look at them. I stayed frozen, my body completely still. It was like when Miguel would hit me—like my body was paralyzed with fear. After those beatings, I felt nothing but disgust for myself. I never protected myself enough... or at all. If I'd tried harder, maybe it wouldn't have been this way. But no, I was just a coward.

"Sorellina, what's wrong?" Santino's voice was gentle, filled with worry. He stepped forward and hugged me tightly. His arms were warm and comforting, his kiss on my forehead soft. He was so kind... I didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve anything good. I hated myself.

"Lissy, you can trust us," Domenico said softly as he knelt in front of me, looking into my eyes. I shut mine tightly, not wanting to see the look of disgust I was sure was in his.

"Elizabeth, we're talking to you," Dante's voice was harsher now, demanding, his frustration clear.

"Elizabeth. Tell us the truth," Enzo said firmly, standing at the edge of my bed.

"For fuck's sake! Answer!" Matteo shouted, his frustration turning into anger as he kicked the bed frame.

I flinched at the sound, tears spilling from my eyes. I couldn't take this. Not again. My body felt like it was suffocating from the pressure, the panic.

"Everyone out. Except Santino," Vincenzo commanded, his voice taking the role of authority, and they obeyed without question. The door closed behind them, and Vincenzo moved the chair in front of me and sat down, looking at me with those dark eyes.

Santino stayed, wrapping his arms around me, continuing to hold me like a fragile thing. He kissed my forehead again, his presence a reminder of the love I didn't feel I deserved. I held onto him, feeling small in his embrace, but safe. His soft whispers filled my ears, "I'm here, baby... I'm here. You are safe now."

Vincenzo's voice broke through the silence again. "Elizabeth."

I recoiled. I hated that name. It brought back memories of Miguel, of the pain... of everything I wanted to forget.

"She clearly said she doesn't like that name," Santino interrupted, his protective tone rising, "We should respect her wishes... she's Lissy."

Santino understood. He was the only one who truly got me. I felt like we were two halves of the same soul, split into different bodies. With him, I felt safe.

"Lissy," Vincenzo's voice was gentler now, but still insistent. "Can you trust us?"

I shook my head. No. I couldn't.

"Lissy, can you please tell us what happened?" Vincenzo asked, his voice quieter now, careful, as though walking on thin ice.

Santino's arms tightened around me, and I felt like I could finally breathe. "Lissy, I'm here. I will protect you... always," he promised, his voice a soft and steady anchor.

I looked up at him, feeling small in comparison. He was big, strong, muscular... but his heart was pure, and he was mine. He was my person.