Lissy Romano

87| Don't act like you care.

Lissy Romano

"They are arguing because of me," I said quietly, glancing at Santino.

"No, sweetheart. It's not because of you. It's because of Dante," he reassured me, and I rested my head on his shoulder.

Moments later, Matteo entered the room, confusion written across his face. "What's going on?" he asked, his eyes darting between me and the door as loud voices and shouting echoed through the house.

"They're probably punching Dante," Santino said with a nonchalant shrug, but I could feel my stomach twist with worry. I didn't want them to hurt Dante.

"Why? What happened? And why are you up, Lissy?" Matteo asked, now standing in front of us.

"It's because of me," I said, and Santino petted my head gently.

Matteo's confusion deepened, and he looked to Santino, waiting for an explanation.

"Stay here, okay, baby?" Santino said softly, as he carefully lifted me off his lap and placed me gently on the bed. I nodded, and he tucked me and Jax into his blanket. He kissed my forehead before he and Matteo walked out, closing the door behind them.

Jax, my little bundle of comfort, was curled up beside me. I gently rubbed his head, and he seemed to melt under my touch. He loved when I rubbed behind his ears, or even better, when I scratched his belly. He was my little buddy.

The bed felt incredibly comfortable, and soon, sleep claimed me. My eyes fluttered shut, and I drifted off, the problems of the day hanging heavy in my mind but temporarily forgotten in the warmth of the blankets.

A couple of hours later, I slowly opened my eyes. I was still in Santino's bed. For the first time in ages, I felt somewhat at peace. I didn't want to sleep anymore, but I had never slept so well in a long time.

Santino was lying next to me, his arm wrapped around me like he was holding me in place, as if I might disappear at any moment. I looked around in panic, realizing Jax wasn't in the bed with us. I carefully removed Santino's arm and sat up, scanning the room for him.

Jax wasn't anywhere to be seen, so I stood up and walked out of Santino's room. I checked my own room, but no sign of him. My heart raced a little, and I moved toward the bathroom to take a shower, hoping it would help me shake off the weight of yesterday. The tears and the pain were still there, lingering.

The hot water felt good on my skin, though my head ached and my eyes were still puffy from crying. I went through my morning routine, dressed in black shorts and a white sweater, and slipped on my fuzzy white socks. I braided my damp hair and made my way downstairs to look for Jax.

As I stepped off the last step, I heard my brothers arguing again. The voices echoed through the house, louder now.

"It isn't my fault that she's so dramatic!" Dante's voice cut through the air.

"Shut your stupid mouth, Dante," Giovanni snapped back, his fury evident in his tone.

Giovanni had been spending more time with me lately, especially after everything that had happened. We were closer now than ever before. I wanted to be there for him, just as he had been there for me, and we had both suffered so much.