Lissy Romano

100| Scary to think.

Lissy Romano

I woke up to a loud ding, my phone's notification cutting through the silence of the night. I grabbed it from the nightstand, and as soon as I saw the message, my heart skipped a beat.

This is your godfather. I'm waiting for you outside the gates. Come quickly, Elizabeth. Don't tell anyone.

I furrowed my brows, sitting up. Why was my godfather texting me at this hour, and why did he call me by my full name? He always called me Betty, not Elizabeth. Something didn't add up.

I didn't want to leave the safety of my home for a late-night meeting. My brothers already struggled to trust me enough as it was.

I stood up, pulling on Gio's hoodie to ward off the chill, and grabbed my phone. I had to show it to Vincenzo.

I walked down the hallway, Jax following closely behind me. The cold air in the house made my legs, still in my pajama shorts, feel icy. I wasn't sure why it was so cold tonight.

I reached Vincenzo's bedroom and knocked, but there was no answer. I opened the door and found his bed empty.

I continued downstairs, Jax at my heels. I didn't know where he was, but something about the whole situation felt wrong.

I knocked on the door to Vincenzo's office, and after a moment, his familiar deep voice came through the door. "Who's there?"

"It's me. Lissy," I called out, a little louder to be heard.

"Lissy? Come inside," he responded, confused. I opened the door, stepping in.

"Why are you up? Why aren't you asleep?" Vincenzo asked, his voice still groggy.

"I didn't want to disturb you," I explained, biting my lip nervously. "I woke up because I got this text message."

His expression shifted from confusion to curiosity. Jax barked in the background, and I quickly shushed him. "Shh, Jax. Everyone's sleeping."

I handed Vincenzo my phone. As he read the message, his face darkened, a mix of concern and anger washing over him.

"Go to your room, baby," he said softly, but his tone held an edge of command.

"But—" I started to protest.

"Come here." He gestured me closer, and I walked toward him, confusion still swirling in my head.

"Thank you for showing me. That was smart," he said as he pulled me into a hug. "I'll keep your phone tonight. Go back to sleep, okay?"

I nodded quickly, not fully understanding what was happening, but I wasn't ready to be alone. So instead of returning to my room, I walked to Giovanni's.

He was asleep, his chest rising and falling peacefully. I felt bad about waking him, but I did anyway.

"Gio. Gio... wake up," I whispered, tapping him gently. Jax licked his face, and he stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

"Lissy?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"Can I sleep here tonight?" I asked, my voice small.