Lissy Romano

40| So embarrassed.

Lissy Romano

I tried to keep myself calm, even though tears blurred my vision. Slowly, I raised my hands, trembling.

"Please, don't," I sobbed.

The guard quickly stepped back, startled. Suddenly, someone pulled me to my feet. I stood there, shaking, realizing the truth—I wasn't with Miguel. It was the guard. I felt so stupid...

The guard who helped me up seemed stunned, stepping farther away as the other just stared at me. I turned, and there stood Vincenzo, his face filled with regret and sadness. His sharp eyes flicked to the guards.

"Leave. NOW," Vincenzo commanded. The two men immediately rushed away.

My tears fell uncontrollably. Little Jax whimpered, rubbing his tiny head against my legs. Vincenzo's concern was written all over his face.

"Lissy, hush... it's okay. I'm here," Vincenzo said, pulling me into his strong, safe embrace.

He led me back through the garden and into the house, Jax following closely behind. As we entered, I saw my other brothers watching, their faces marked with confusion and concern.

Vincenzo brought me to my room. I sat on my bed, sobbing uncontrollably. He wrapped an arm around me as he sat down, pressing a soft kiss to my head. The gesture, though meant to comfort me, sent a wave of fear through me. Miguel's memory flashed back, and I flinched instinctively.

Vincenzo noticed immediately, his face pained. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Lissy," he said, quickly pulling his arm away.

I couldn't look at him—I felt so ashamed. He'd seen everything.

"Lissy, what did Miguel make you do?" Vincenzo asked gently. Before I could answer, my door opened, and all my brothers stepped in.

I froze, overwhelmed. Dante lingered in the doorway, while the twins, Matteo and Enzo, sat on the sofa across from me. Domenico sat on my other side, Davide crouched down in front of me, and Giovanni and Santino stood near the center of the room.

"Lissy, please talk to us," Vincenzo urged.

Their faces were filled with pity, sadness, and anger. They looked angry... at me? I felt my heart sink. Of course, I deserved it.

"What happened?" Dante asked, confusion lacing his tone.

Vincenzo sighed deeply, looking between me and Dante. "It looked like she was having a flashback," he explained.

"From what?" Dante demanded, his voice rising.

Vincenzo hesitated before continuing. "She wanted to leave the property. One of the guards placed his hand on her shoulder, and she broke down..." His voice cracked slightly before hardening again. "She fell to the ground, sobbing hysterically."

"And what did the guard do?" Giovanni asked, anger radiating from him.

"He stepped back—he didn't do anything else," Vincenzo admitted, his voice sharp. "But for even laying a hand on her... he'll pay."

My brothers' eyes shifted back to me.

"What did Miguel do to you, Lissy?" Vincenzo asked softly, but I couldn't bring myself to speak. My lip quivered, and my throat felt tight.