Chapter 16. A Rift Between Mother and Daughter

Elena POV

My three stepbrothers turn to me after Giacomo leaves.

I stare back at the three identical faces.

And I…I don’t know what to say.

My breath comes in shallow puffs.

I grip the edge of the sink to keep from sliding to the floor.

They didn’t hit him.

Not really.

But they didn’t have to.

The way they looked at him….the way they moved, was more terrifying than any punch.

“Are you alright?” Riccardo asks gently, the sharpness gone from his voice.

I nod quickly, eyes wide.

“I…yes.”

Vincenzo steps closer. “Did he touch you anywhere else?”

I shake my head, and to my own surprise, tears sting the corners of my eyes.

“I didn’t know he’d come in here,” I whisper. “I just…wanted to get away. I couldn’t breathe out there.”

Nico comes to my side, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and handing it to me.

I take it, wiping the corners of my eyes.

“Thank you,” I whisper.