Marco pushed forward again, and I lost my balance. As I started falling backward, somehow, Liam managed to catch me. We fell into a tangled mess again, much like we had at the ice rink, only this time I unfortunately hit my head on the score table. We looked at each other and a slow smile came to his face.
“I promised I wouldn’t let you fall. I guess I should amend it to include not letting you whack your head.”
I winced, and he sighed, all signs of anger seeming to have vanished.
“You’re bleeding.”
Marco held out his hand and glared.
“I’ll take you to get some ice.”
Liam growled but another voice sounded over the crowd.
“Over my dead body.”
We all turned, and I saw Alessandro walking toward us. I had no idea what he was doing here. My eldest brother usually always closed the restaurant on Saturdays. He didn’t live with us anymore. Once he graduated, he and a bunch of the other local guys all chipped in to rent an apartment. I think Alessandro just wanted to get out from my parents’ watchful eyes. Not that it mattered. We heard about all his escapades anyways.
“And mine, actually.”
Giovanni stood next to Alessandro, both glaring at Marco. It had been months since Marco had broken my heart and neither of them had ever said a bad word to him.
“What are you guys doing here?”
Alessandro and Marco were closer now, both trying to decide if throwing a punch would be worth it. I mean, Marco knew no one would care if he hit an outsider. Hitting my brother was a whole different story.
“I think it’s time we have a talk, Marco. Outside.”
Marco looked to where I was still entangled on the floor with Liam and then back at my brother.
“You’d rather her be withHIM?”
He almost spat it out. I tried to get to my feet but Liam pulled me back against him. As my brother took another step toward Marco, he whispered, “I think you need to just stay out of this one.”
Someone handed Liam a wet rag; he started wiping my head as I listened to the confrontation.
“Yes. I would. Liam is a good guy and treats Isabella better than you ever did. All you are, Marco, is a no-good son of a bitch who cheated on her and didn’t appreciate what he had. I know everyone thinks you’re the cock of the town here, but really, you’re just a dick who never deserved my sister.”
The whole building got so quiet I could hear my heart beating. It was like we all took a collective breath, waiting to see what Marco would do.
Looking at me, his whole expression changed, and he whispered, “Bella, I’m sorry. I never should have given you up. He’s right. I don’t deserve you. But neither does he.”
Then, before my brothers could stop him, he headed toward the exit. Alessandro stared after him, but Giovanni crossed over to me and held out his hand. He helped me to my feet and started to inspect my injury.
“You should put some ice on it.”
Liam was already on his feet and agreed. When neither moved, Liam squeezed my shoulder and said he would go get some.
“Alessandro?”
My voice sounded weak and tiny. Not at all like my usual self. My eldest brother was the most peaceful of my family. I had never seen him like this. He looked at me and his expression relaxed slightly.
“We should have beat the crap out of him the minute he broke your heart. We are going to be better brothers from now on.”
I hugged him, and then I hugged Giovanni.
“You are the best brothers. What are you doing here, though? Is everything okay with the restaurant?”
They both nodded. Alessandro grimaced.
