Lissy Romano

63| I knew.

Lissy Romano

I walked into school flanked by Matteo holding my hand and Enzo walking on the other side of me. Behind us, Dario followed closely, carrying my backpack like some kind of solemn sentinel. Their protective presence gave me a strange mix of comfort and awkwardness, but I tried not to dwell on it.

As we made our way to my classroom, I spotted Vi and Cole waiting for me near the door. The sheer joy on their faces when they saw me was enough to melt the tension in my chest.

Matteo and Enzo walked me all the way to the classroom but paused before leaving. "One call or text," Matteo said, his tone stern yet soft. "We'll be right here in a second." Enzo nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the hall for anything out of place.

I wasn't worried, though. Dario was right behind me, a silent shadow, ensuring everything stayed okay. Or at least, I hoped so.

"Lissy, I'm so sorry about that stupid party," Vi said as she hugged me, guilt written all over her face.

"Don't be," I assured her with a small smile. "It was my idea to try weed. I should've known better than to mess with drugs, alcohol, or jerks."

"You can't go to parties without me," Cole said firmly, his protective side shining through. "If I'd been there, no one would've dared to mess with you."

Vi nodded along, her face still clouded with worry. I tried to steer the conversation away from the heavy stuff. "How was Mia's first date?" I asked, looking at Cole.

"It turned out great, actually," Cole said with a grin. "But the boy was trash. She called me halfway through, upset that it wasn't what she imagined. So, I took her to the amusement park instead. Five minutes of popcorn and cotton candy, and she forgot about him entirely. Best day ever."

Vi's eyebrows shot up. "See? She trusts you, Cole. You just need to trust her too."

"She's right, Cole," I added with a knowing smile. "Just like my brothers trust me. Sure, they hover, but they're only trying to protect me. It's the same with Harley protecting Vi. You're just doing the same for Mia."

"You're smart," Cole said, patting my shoulder lightly, his usual teasing grin back on his face.

Vi turned to me, smiling warmly. "I've missed you, girl."

"I missed you too," I replied, grinning. "And thanks for sending me notes. I'd have been lost without them."

While I was at home recovering, Vi and Cole had sent class notes in our group chat, helping me keep up despite everything. It had been my lifeline to schoolwork and normalcy.

When classes ended, it was time for volleyball practice. Cole had wanted to stay and cheer us on, but he had to take Mia to her own practice. Dario stayed on the sidelines, watching everything with that ever-serious gaze of his.

"Lissy, I'm glad you're back," Coach said with a smile. "But we need to catch you up on everything you missed. Plan to stay after practice."

"Okay," I said, already pulling my phone from my bag. "I'll call my brother to let him know."

I walked over to Dario, who immediately looked at me with concern. "What's up?" he asked.

"I need to tell Dante I'll be staying late. Just a heads-up, so he doesn't worry." I dialed quickly, and Dante answered almost immediately.

"Hey, sweetheart," he said, his voice laced with worry. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, all good. I just wanted to tell you I'll have to stay longer at practice. I need to catch up on what I missed, especially with a game coming up. I didn't want to disturb Vincenzo since he's still sleeping."

"Baby, you could never disturb me," Dante said gently. "And you're right—Vincenzo's still out cold. Just don't overdo it. Is Dario with you?"

I turned my phone toward Dario. "Say hi," I said.

"Yes, boss. I'm here," Dario replied, his tone professional.

"Keep your eyes on her," Dante said firmly. "If something happens, I'll hold you responsible. You know what that means."

"Yes, boss," Dario said quickly.

I rolled my eyes and turned the phone back to me. "Really?" I asked Dante.

"Don't be mad, baby. I had to say it. Call me later, okay?"

"Okay," I said with a sigh. "And give Jax some treats from me."

"Will do. Bye, princess."

After practice, I stayed late, working on my jump and leg placement. By the end of it, I was completely drained. I shuffled to the locker room, where Dario waited outside.

Inside, after showering, I was wrapping a towel around myself when someone grabbed me from behind. A hand clamped over my mouth, and I froze.

"Shh, baby girl. I'm not going to hurt you," a voice whispered.

My heart raced as he turned me around. Relief and unease crashed over me when I saw who it was—Xander. Who else would call me "baby girl"?

But what was he doing here? And why was he hiding in the girls' locker room? Had he been watching me shower? The thought made my skin crawl.

"What happened to your wrists?" Xander asked softly, his thumbs brushing over the scars.

"Nothing," I said quickly, pulling away. "What are you even doing here?"

"I wanted to see you. You've been gone for two weeks, and I knew something was wrong. What happened?" His eyes searched mine.

"Nothing," I said, wrapping my arms tightly around myself. "You need to leave."

"I'm not leaving until you tell me the truth," he said, his tone firm. He grabbed my arm, and I flinched.

"What the hell? Don't touch me! And how do you even know about the party?" I asked, my voice rising.

"I know everything," he said, his voice low. "What were you even doing there? And what happened?"

He wasn't being rough, but his presence was overwhelming. He pushed me gently against the lockers, his face just inches from mine.

I didn't know what to do. I didn't want my brothers to hurt him, but I also didn't want them to treat me like some fragile doll more than they already did.

Dario was right outside, wasn't he? Or...what if he wasn't? And what if Xander got angry? What then?

He stayed there, close enough to feel his breath on my face. I didn't move. My heart raced.

What now?

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