Lissy Romano

70| Go to hell.

I recommend to listen to these three songs as you read this chapter...

1. watch
Song by Billie Eilish
2. Falling Apart
Song by Michael Schulte
3. you were good to me
Song by Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker

Lissy Romano

I wiped Xander's blood from my face, steadying my trembling hands. The metallic tang clung to my senses, but I forced myself to focus. I needed to leave this hellhole before someone realized what I'd done.

Dante's words echoed in my mind: "Be brave. Do what you have to in order to survive." I clung to that.

I opened the door cautiously, the weight of Xander's knife still in my hand. The hallway stretched out, eerily quiet, but my luck ran out when Viktor, Xander's father, appeared at the other end. His eyes locked on mine, disbelief flickering before anger.

"Where's my son?" His voice was sharp, accusatory.

I met his gaze, defiant. "You'll see him soon."

I shifted the knife, keeping it hidden, but Viktor stormed toward me. The rage in his eyes was almost animalistic, and when he grabbed my wrist, I struck.

The blade sank into his shoulder, not where I wanted it to go—his heart—but enough to draw blood. He screamed, and I pulled it out, aiming for him again.

"You crazy bitch!" he roared, staggering back.

"And you're a sick perv!" I spat back, driving the knife toward him again.

He blocked my attack, his hand catching the blade. Blood poured from the wound, but he shoved me hard against the wall. Pain radiated through my back, but I managed to slash his face, leaving a jagged line of crimson.

Viktor winced, but his fury only grew.

"Take it like a man, you weak asshole!" I yelled.

Then his fist slammed into my face.

Darkness swallowed me.

When I woke, agony shot through my entire body. My arms were tied, and the raw ache in my wrists told me I'd been hanging here for hours. My stomach burned with every breath—he'd hit me with a baseball bat.

I blinked against the dim light. Viktor stood there, holding the bat, his face twisted with grief and rage.

"You killed my son. My Alexander," he said, voice shaking.

"Go cry about it," I sneered, blood dripping from my split lip.

That only enraged him further. He swung the bat again, and I screamed as it connected with my ribs.

"You fucking bitch!" he yelled.

I met his gaze, unflinching. "I killed your son because you killed my brother. You took away someone I loved more than anything. I took your boy so you'd know that same pain. You don't deserve to love anyone—you're a heartless monster."

I spat blood at him, red staining his shirt.

"You're going to regret this," he hissed, pulling out Xander's knife—the same blade I'd used to kill his son.

I braced myself. This was it. It would all be over soon.

I closed my eyes and let my mind drift to the people I loved. My brothers, smiling in the living room of our home. Santino, waiting for me with open arms. I held onto that warmth, that hope, as Viktor's footsteps drew closer.

Then I heard the gunshot.

I blinked, disoriented, as familiar voices surrounded me. Hands untied my wrists, and I fell into strong, safe arms.

"Lissy, we're here," a voice soothed me.

"Sa-Santino?" I croaked, my voice raw.

"No, sweetheart, it's Vincenzo," he said, pulling me closer. His warmth broke something inside me, and I started sobbing uncontrollably.

Dante caught me as I nearly collapsed. Domenico lifted my shirt carefully, his expression hardening when he saw the bruises.

"What... What did this?" Domenico asked, his voice tight with restrained anger.

"A baseball bat," I whispered, trying to smile despite the pain. "But... where's Santino? I need to see him."

"He's alive," Matteo said, petting my head gently. "He's at the clinic. He can't wait to see you."

Alive. My Santino was alive.

I sobbed harder. "They shot him. I saw the blood. I thought he was..."

"We found him in time," Davide assured me. "He had surgery, but he's going to be okay. He's waiting for you, Lissy."

Hearing their words felt surreal. My heart ached with a mixture of relief and disbelief.

"I'm so sorry," I choked out. "For running away..."

"It's not your fault," Vincenzo said, his voice gentle. "You don't need to explain."

I shook my head. "No. I understand now. You're good men. You only do what's necessary to protect us. I trust you."

My brothers exchanged looks, their faces softening. But there was one more thing I needed to say.

"I... I killed Xander." My voice trembled, but I forced myself to meet their eyes. "He tried to..." I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. "So I stabbed him. He's dead. And I don't regret it."

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then Dante smirked.

"That's my girl," he said proudly.

I glanced at Viktor's lifeless body, sprawled across the floor. A twisted part of me felt satisfied. He deserved it. They both did. But deep down, I knew I wasn't okay.

I needed help—real, professional help.

But one thing was certain: my brothers would be there for me. I could feel it in the way they looked at me, their love and pride shining through.

And Santino... Santino would love me through every scar and every broken piece.

I smiled through my tears.

_________________
Vote and Comment