Lissy Romano

98| His little princess.

Lissy Romano

"Can I talk to Betty without you watching my every move?" Federico asked, addressing my brothers with a calm, yet frustrated tone.

It wasn't like he was being rude, but my brothers had a way of making everything tense. They were looking at us like we were enemies, as if he and I were plotting something wrong.

"No," Dante spat out, his voice sharp.

"We aren't interrupting anything. We're in our house, so deal with it," Giovanni added, glaring at my godfather with visible hostility.

A wave of guilt washed over me, knowing my brothers were speaking to him like this. I turned toward Vincenzo, and his eyes studied me with an intensity that made my stomach churn.

"I want all of you to leave us here alone. Please," I said, looking directly at him.

"It's not happening," Davide replied, jaw clenched, his arms crossed.

"It's not a good idea," Domenico added, his voice firm.

I didn't care enough to glance at my other brothers. My eyes remained locked on Vincenzo. He was the eldest. He had the final say.

"What are you thinking about all this time?" Matteo asked, a furrow on his brow.

"Just say no. It isn't that hard," Enzo chimed in, giving Vincenzo a pointed look.

"She wants us to leave. Let's respect that," Vincenzo said, standing up.

"Are you kidding me?" Giovanni exploded, his voice rising.

"The hell I'm leaving her with him alone," Dante muttered, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair.

"We are staying," the twins said almost in perfect unison, as they always did when they weren't fighting.

I glanced at Federico and gave him a sad smile. The last thing I wanted was to make this situation worse for him.

"You heard what I said. Everyone out. Now," Vincenzo commanded, pointing toward the door.

Santino stepped forward, gently grabbing my arm. His expression was soft, but concerned.

"Can I stay? Please?" Santino asked, looking at me with genuine worry.

I didn't want him to be upset, but Federico was my godfather, and I wanted this time with him. He was good. He wouldn't hurt me.

"Santino, I want to be here only with my godfather," I said, my voice soft but firm. He frowned, clearly hurt, but nodded his head and walked out of the room without a word.

All my brothers looked at me, surprise and confusion evident in their eyes.

"Let's go," Vincenzo said, gesturing to the others. He gave me one last glance before heading out himself, a silent warning in his eyes.

I felt relief flood through me as Vincenzo trusted me enough to let me make my own decision.

"Betty, thank you," Federico said, his voice full of gratitude.