Lissy Romano

55| Good fight.

Harley Miller

"Get your ass in that bed, Viola," I snapped, trying to keep my voice low enough so our parents wouldn't hear.

"Lissy... where's Lissy?" Viola mumbled under her breath, her words slurring.

"She's okay. She's with her brothers. Aaron texted me," I replied as I finally managed to get her into bed. God, I hoped she really was okay.

"I feel sick. I feel like I'm gonna throw up," she muttered before I quickly pulled her up and rushed her to the bathroom.

She bent over and vomited. I held her hair back, my jaw tightening as I watched her slump forward, breathing heavily.

"I feel so bad..." she mumbled weakly.

"Yeah? That's what you get for sneaking out and going to a damn house party. What were you even thinking?" I said, my frustration pouring out as I rolled my eyes.

"About dicks," she murmured, and my mouth fell open in shock.

She giggled at my expression, like she found it hilarious. "I'm joking... You're so funny, Jarley. No, Parley. Wait, Harley. I meant Harley," she said, laughing at her own drunken mistakes. "I wish I were joking though," she added with a mischievous smirk.

"You're fucking grounded," I snapped, glaring at her. She was unbelievable.

"You're not my parent," she shot back, smirking. "Take a chill pill, man. Maybe if you had a good fuck, you'd be as happy as I am right now."

My patience snapped. I crouched down and gripped her arm. "You slept with someone? Tell me the truth," I demanded, my voice low and dangerous.

"Yes. No. Yes. No," she murmured, repeating herself over and over like she couldn't decide.

"I'm telling Dad," I said sharply, standing up.

She clung to my leg. "I'm joking. I'm sorry," she muttered, her voice desperate.

"You're grounded," I repeated, glaring down at her. "And no more playing around. I mean it. You'll stay home and only leave for school, and then it's straight back. Got it?" I demanded, tilting her chin up so she'd face me.

Her little, drunk face stared up at me, and I softened—just slightly.

"Fine, grumpy old man," she muttered under her breath.

"I heard that," I said.

"I wanted you to," she retorted, smirking again before slumping forward into my arms.

I carried her back to her bed and tucked her in. "Thank you, Shmarley," she mumbled as her eyes started to close.

"You're welcome, Griola," I replied dryly, mocking her as I kissed her forehead. I placed a bin beside her bed in case she needed to throw up again and then left the room, shutting the door behind me.

Back in my own room, I sat on the edge of my bed, head in my hands. God, I hoped Lissy was okay. After seeing her cry earlier, I couldn't shake the feeling that something awful had happened.

Aaron found her in a bedroom, crying. My gut twisted.

Lissy Romano

Domenico explained everything to me before leaving the room. A female doctor came in to conduct the medical examination.

I didn't want Domenico in here when she told me how damaged I was.

"Sweetheart, I have good news for you," she said after finishing the examination.

"Good?" I asked quietly. How could there possibly be good news? Why was she being so cruel?

"I didn't find any signs of assault or abuse, aside from some small bruises on your legs," she explained gently, looking me in the eyes.

"So... he didn't assault me?" I asked, relief flooding me.

"No, sweetheart. He didn't. But looking at your knuckles, I can tell you put up a good fight." Her gaze fell to my hands.

I blinked, finally noticing my red, swollen knuckles. I hadn't even realized they were injured. I'd been so terrified earlier that I hadn't paid attention to the pain.

She handed me an ice pack for them, her expression kind. "I'll talk to your brothers. You can put on these clothes," she said, passing me soft, gray sweatpants and a sweater. She gestured to a blanket covered in little elephants. "You can use this too."

"Thank you," I whispered.

She nodded. "It's my pleasure to help you and your family. Your brothers helped me when I needed it, and now it's my turn." She smiled warmly before leaving the room.

I liked her. She was kind.

I dressed in the soft clothes and pulled on the fuzzy socks she'd given me. I was wrapping the blanket around myself when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," I said softly.

The door opened, and Giovanni stepped inside. His face softened the moment he saw me. Closing the door behind him, he crossed the room in just a few steps and wrapped his arms around me.

He hugged me tightly, like he was afraid I'd vanish if he let go. His hand rubbed soothing circles on my back, and I felt tears threatening to spill over again.

"I'm okay," I whispered, trying to convince him—and maybe myself too.

He didn't say a word. He just hugged me tighter. Eventually, I couldn't hold it in anymore, and I started to cry.

He wiped away my tears before laying down on the bed and pulling me into his arms. My head rested against his chest, and he held me like that for what felt like forever. I needed it. God, I needed it.

Even as I found comfort in his presence, guilt gnawed at me. Why were they all so kind? So understanding? I'd snuck out, gone to a house party, drank, smoked weed, and nearly got assaulted. It was all my fault.

I stared at my hand on Giovanni's chest. He gently took my wrist, rolled up my sleeve, and kissed the fresh scars there.

"Please don't do this, Lissy," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn't be able to live if something—" He cut himself off, his voice cracking.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my heart aching with guilt. I'd pushed them away, hidden so much, and betrayed their trust.

He kissed the top of my head, his fingers combing through my hair. He didn't say anything else—just held me, silently promising to protect me from everything.

I fell asleep on his chest, safe in his arms.

Just before I drifted off, I heard him whispering, thinking I was already asleep. "I love you, Lissy. I'll do everything to keep you safe from now on." His voice trembled as he petted my hair. "I'll never leave your side."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe.

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