Lissy Romano

26| Under the water.

Lissy Romano

I was sitting by the pool, soaking in the sun, writing my thoughts in a notebook. It felt peaceful, and for the first time in a long while, I didn't feel like I had to worry.

I don't have to be scared... I don't have to be worried about Miguel or anyone else. My brothers... they love me. That's everything I ever asked for. Someone who would love me unconditionally.

"Lissy," a deep voice broke through my thoughts, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned around, only to see Matteo standing there.

"Matteo, what are you doing here?" I asked, suddenly uncomfortable in my swimsuit.

I knew he wouldn't hurt me, but I still felt self-conscious, especially with my bruises.

"I wanted to talk with you," Matteo said as he sat beside me.

"About what?" I asked.

"Giovanni said we need to give you this pill, for your heart. You should take it," Matteo explained, handing me the small tablet.

I grabbed the water bottle beside me, swallowed the pill, and then looked at Matteo, nodding my head in thanks.

"About school tomorrow," Matteo continued. "Enzo and I will be there. Giovanni said I need to give you this phone. It's yours now." He handed me the phone.

"Thanks," I said, a rush of excitement flooding through me.

"He also told me to remind you that you can't contact Jose. Whatever that guy is..." Matteo trailed off, clearly disgusted.

"Don't worry. I wouldn't have considered him a friend if I knew he was in Mexico's drug cartel," I replied, placing the phone next to me.

"Well, you know we all make mistakes, right?" Matteo said.

"Yeah, I know," I said, glancing at him.

"Lissy, I didn't want to scare you. I would never hurt you, drunk or sober... I care about you," Matteo said softly.

I wasn't sure if this was the real Matteo or just some dream. If this was just a dream, I'd wake up any second, and he'd throw cold water on me... that would be more like Matteo.

"You know... I care about you too," I said, staring at the clear, light-blue pool water.

"Thank you," Matteo replied, gently resting his hand on my shoulder, careful not to hurt me.

His touch was comforting, and I realized how much he reminded me of Dante—antisocial but kind, and I was determined to help him open up. Little sisters were good for that, right?

"I wanted to ask..." I started, but Matteo's eyes snapped to mine.

"What is it?" he asked, concern written all over his face.

"What happened to your face?" I asked quietly.

"Oh... Lissy, it was just a fight," Matteo said, patting my head reassuringly.

"Did you win?" I asked, blinking in surprise.

"Of course, Lissy. I never lose," Matteo grinned.