Luna

Chapter twenty-four

Without thinking, I jumped off my chair and started walking toward him. My arms wrapped tightly around his torso, I carefully laid my head on the good side of his chest so that I wouldn't hurt him.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

I felt my eyes fill with unshed tears.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," he breathed out while gently brushing my hair.

"I decided to run away and assume things before you could explain. You guys always stayed by my side, I should have done the same," I stated.

"You came back, that's all that matters to us," Aiden said.

"Did mom take me away because of this whole mafia thing?" I question no one in particular.

"It's a long story," Cole sighed.

"We have plenty of time," I replied.

A little smile formed on my lips when I used the words Cora had said yesterday when she asked me about my story.

"Why don't we make ourselves comfortable in the living room," Ethan wondered.

We all nodded and made our way to my second favourite place in the house.

I walked into the room and saw the frame with our family picture and realized family should always stick together, whatever happens.

On this moment, I have vowed never to turn my back on them again.

I sat on the armchair that stood before the big white couch where my brothers positioned themselves.

There was no sign of the blood covered couch that stood here yesterday.

"Why did mom take me away from you?"

They all shared a look and Isaac cleared his throat.

"We've had a feud with the Russian mafia for generations. It all started when Antonio Romano, our great-grandfather, took territory from the Russians. The area was weakened and hardly used, but they thought this was reason enough to take revenge," Isaac explained.

"Years of attacks from both parties passed, but one day the Russians made it personal. They murdered Antonio's whole family expect our grandfather. Since that day we are eager to destroy them," Aiden added.

"When our father took over, the Russians laid low for years, gathering their strength. Even when the news of your existence spread around in the criminal world," Isaac continued.

"Why would my birth have an impact on the Russians?" I asked with a frown.

"For the first time in three generations of the Romano's there was a girl born. You are the youngest and a girl, which makes you the perfect target for our enemies," Ethan explains.

My mouth makes an O-shape.

"Dad was always cautious in public, especially when it came to you. When you reached the age of three, the Russians decided to attack our home. They almost had you, but fortunately Carter was able to stop them and warn the rest," Cole said.

"Who's Carter?"

"He's one of our most trusted men, who has stayed by our side for more than thirty years. You can meet him if you want," Kayden suggested.

I just nodded at him and signalled Isaac to go on with the story even when I knew what happened next.

"Dad found out the Russians had planned this for years and were waiting to strike when we dropped our guards. It broke mom's heart to know you were their target, she cried her heart out that evening. The next morning Kayden found your room empty without any trace of you. Mom had taken you and ran away without looking back," Isaac sighed.