Lissy Romano

56| Our fault.

Lissy Romano

I woke up to an empty space beside me. Giovanni wasn't there. As I stood, a sharp pain stabbed through my chest, making it hard to breathe.

A terrible feeling gripped me. I should've never drank that alcohol or smoked that stupid weed.

With shaky legs, I walked out of the room, heading towards Domenico's office. My heart skipped beats with each step. Panic started to set in, and I crouched low, hoping not to collapse from the weight of everything.

"Domenico!" I called out, as loud as my weak body would allow. It wasn't enough. I didn't think he heard me.

Everything went dark after that. The next thing I knew, I was back in the same room I had just left.

I felt something heavy on my chest. Looking down, I saw Jax, his head resting on my neck, fast asleep. I smiled faintly, but the relief was short-lived as my eyes scanned the room. Santino was sitting by my side, holding my hand. His eyes met mine, and when he saw that I was awake, his face softened. He kissed my hand gently.

"Lissy, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft, but filled with concern.

"I'm tired," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He let out a deep sigh. "Your heart couldn't handle the alcohol and weed you consumed. But the worst of it was the rohypnol in your bloodstream," he said, his gaze turning sharp, his anger palpable. But it wasn't aimed at me. It was aimed at the person who did this to me.

"What's rohypnol? I didn't take any rohypnol," I said, confusion clouding my thoughts as I struggled with the term.

"It's a date-rape drug," Santino replied, his hand squeezing mine tightly. "The guy who gave you that drink... he drugged you."

I froze, my mind spinning with disbelief. My heart felt like it had been ripped out of my chest.

"I didn't think..." I started, but before I could finish, Matteo and Enzo walked into the room. Matteo's eyes were burning with fury.

"Yeah, you're right. You didn't fucking think," he spat, the anger in his voice raw and cutting.

I knew this was coming. I knew they would be mad. But part of me had hoped they would be understanding. That was a naive hope.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking.

"That 'sorry' doesn't change anything," Matteo shot back, his eyes filled with disgust. "You're fucking—"

"Matteo, watch your mouth," Santino snapped, stepping in to defend me with a fierce tone.

"I know," I said, my tears welling up. "I know what I did was stupid and wrong."

Matteo's eyes were filled with disappointment as he shook his head. "And I thought you were smarter than this," he muttered as he stormed out of the room.

Enzo stood silent, just looking at me before he turned to leave. "I'm going to talk to him," he said flatly, his voice cold as he exited the room.

I could feel the distance growing between me and them, even though I knew they were angry for my own good.

Santino turned back to me, his expression softening. "Lissy, don't cry," he said gently, his hand on my shoulder. "He's just mad right now. He doesn't really think like that."

"But he's right," I said through my tears. "I am so stupid."

"No," Santino said firmly. "You're not stupid. It was our fault. We failed you. We should've been there for you, so you didn't feel the need to sneak out or hurt yourself. We didn't listen to you when you needed us most."

He kissed the bandage on my wrist, his lips lingering there for a moment, a silent apology.

"It was our fault you didn't trust us enough to tell us about that party," Santino continued.

I looked up as Davide entered the room. My heart did a little flip in my chest.

"Davide..." I whispered, my lip quivering as emotions overwhelmed me.

I wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms and feel safe again. He was the one who had always understood me. He was the one who made me feel special, who made me feel like I belonged.

When I was between Davide and Santino in the dining room, I had felt so safe. The two of them were the ones who understood me the most, in a way no one else could.

Vincenzo was always busy with his "business," whatever that was. I didn't know what he did, but I planned on finding out. I used to think he was harsh, but now I know he's not abusive. He's fair, and he always looks at things from every angle. He's doing his best to survive in a tough world, taking care of all of us. Mentally, he's strong, a force I could never match.

Dante was reckless. He acted first and thought later, but I knew deep down, he didn't mean the harsh words he said. I remembered when I had seen him cry—that had shocked me. But I saw a change in him every day. He was becoming a better person, a better brother. He was trying, and that was what mattered. Beneath all his flaws and his bravado, he was sweet, kind.

Domenico was like an angel to me. He was always worrying about my health, giving me advice, answering my endless questions. He was there for me without hesitation. The best and worst thing about him was how much he cared for others, sometimes more than he cared for himself. I loved him so much, and I just wanted him to take care of himself too.

Davide, my sweet Davide. He was always kind and gentle. He behaved like a real man—loving, protective, and always ready to make me feel safe. He had welcomed me into the family, made me feel important, from the moment I met him. After I told them about my past, he had become extra careful around me. But in a way that made me feel loved and cared for.

Giovanni always stayed on the sidelines. He never spoke first unless something was really bothering him. You could always tell what he was feeling by his actions. If he was angry, you'd see it in the way he moved, the way his posture shifted. If he was happy, you'd feel it in the air. His love was shown through his quiet presence, his careful attention.

And then there was Santino. My Santino. What else could I say? He was my favorite person in the world. He understood me without words. He could tell how I was feeling without me even saying anything. He didn't pressure me to open up, but gave me the space I needed. And most importantly, he let me be free with him. He loved me unconditionally, no matter what.

Enzo was always the funny one, full of energy and positivity. But he had his flaws, too. He was too good at making decisions for me, thinking he knew what was best. He showed his love not in words, but in actions. If he loved you, you'd know it by what he did for you.

Matteo was my little hater. He didn't show affection openly, but he was always there when I needed him. He was loyal, and he expected the same from me. He wasn't one for public displays of love, but when he wanted to make you smile, he knew just how to do it. Beneath his tough exterior, he was my soft teddy bear.

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