I slung my bag over my shoulder, giving my brothers a playful grin. "Ready for another day in the wild world of education, guys?" I knew they hated school so much.

Gio shot back, a smirk on his face. "You bet, sis. Let's rock those hallways."

Enzo chimed in with a teasing tone. "And remind everyone who's the boss."

Armando added in his usual composed manner. "Stay close, stay sharp."

We stepped into the school, and I couldn't help but notice the hushed tones and curious glances that followed us. It was like we brought our own spotlight with us.

As we walked, I nudged Enzo. "You really think we're gonna remind them?"

He grinned. "Well, we're unforgettable, aren't we?"

The day carried on with its mix of classes and chatter. My presence seemed to be a magnet for whispers, but I pushed them aside. My attention was on the friends who had my back.

At lunch, Noah, Albert, and Kathy joined me, and the banter started right away. Noah winked at me. "Ready for another thrilling day in the land of textbooks and drama?"

I rolled my eyes. "You know it, Noah. Just hoping the drama stays on the pages."

Albert chimed in, mock-dramatic. "Or maybe spills over into some epic lunchroom showdown."

Kathy chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "You guys and your imagination."

Later in the classroom, I was determined to stay engaged. I raised my hand, cracked jokes with friends, and focused on the lessons sometimes. Maybe school was not that bad.

When the lunch bell rang, I gathered my stuff and stepped out. My brothers were waiting, and they raised their eyebrows at me.

Gio nudged me. "So, sis, any particularly interesting developments?"

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "You mean aside from all the rumours?"

As we strolled out, I introduced my friends to my brothers. Predictably, my brothers' overprotective mode activated. Enzo didn't look happy at all while Armando and Gio exchanged looks. Before Gio never met my friends as they made sure to avoid my brother but now..

"You've been hanging out with some guys?" Gio asked his tone more serious than usual.

"Yeah, this is Kathy Albert and Noah my friends"

"guys the famous D'Angelo brothers."

Enzo's voice carried a hint of frustration. "We're just looking out for you. You know how these things can spiral."

Kathy exchanged a quick glance with me, sensing the tension. But before I could respond, my brothers' words took a turn that ignited my anger.

Armando's words were measured, but they hit a nerve. "We're concerned, Isabella. You've been on your own quite a bit lately."

my eyes flashed, my temper rising. I leaned forward, her voice sharp. "On my own? Like you guys left me when I was a kid?" I didn't need babysitters.

Gio's face tightened, his gaze piercing. "It wasn't like that, Isabella."

"Then what was it?" They are just my brothers in name most of the time.

My voice grew colder. "Oh, really? Because I remember being left behind without an explanation."

Kathy probably sensed the conversation spiralling into dangerous territory. She intervened, placing a calming hand on my arm. "Guys, let's not escalate this."

Enzo's expression softened, his concern evident. "Isabella, we just want to make sure you're safe."

my voice wavered, a mix of hurt and frustration. "Safe or controlled?"

Gio's gaze softened, a touch of regret in his eyes. "Both, maybe."

Kathy's grip on Isabella's arm tightened, urging for restraint. "Let's not do this here."

Isabella exhaled heavily, her irritation mingling with resignation. "Fine."

"Come guys" I instructed and with a look, the three followed me leaving my brothers looking heartbroken.

Amidst the background noise of the cafeteria, I picked at my food, my emotions swirling within me.

Albert cleared his throat, attempting to shift the mood. "So, what's everyone planning for the weekend?"

"Training" All of us replied at the same time and I smiled.

Noah raised an eyebrow. "So, any updates on that thing we talked about? Ivanov?"

I glanced around before answering in a low voice. "Sandy's got some leads, but it's still a puzzle."

Albert leaned in. "And that other thing? You know, the one we shouldn't mention? about him"

I nodded, my expression serious. "Yeah, it's brewing. Sandy's been keeping tabs. The Russians are going out of control"

Kathy's gaze was intense. "Just promise you'll stay safe, Isabella."

I smiled, a mixture of gratitude and determination. "You know I will."

Kathy leaned closer, her voice gentle. "They're trying to make amends for the past, capo"

I sighed, my shoulders relaxing a fraction. "I know, Kathy. It's just... complicated."

Kathy's smile was reassuring. "Give it time. And maybe try letting them in a little."

As lunchtime drew to a close, I felt a mixture of emotions. Walking out of the cafeteria, I glanced at my brothers who looked guilty and unhappy.

"Not now guys," I said sighing.

After the school bell rang and classes ended, I gathered my things and headed out with my friends. As we stepped outside, my brothers Gio, Enzo, and Armando were waiting near their cars. There was an air of determination about them as if they were about to make amends for our earlier argument.

Gio scratched the back of his head nervously. "Hey"

Enzo chimed in, his voice apologetic. "Yeah, we wanted to talk about earlier. We didn't mean to come off like we're trying to control your life."

Armando nodded, his gaze sincere. "We just... we care about you, Isa"

I feigned indifference, my lips curling into a small smirk. "Oh, really? That's news."

Their expressions turned earnest, and I saw a glimmer of vulnerability in their eyes. "Come on, bella" Gio insisted. "We know we messed up."

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe you did."

As we stood there, a sense of unease washed over me. I could sense something was off. My brothers noticed it too, and their heads turned simultaneously. I followed their gaze and my heart skipped a beat.

Two unfamiliar cars were idling nearby, their occupants observing us. My brothers exchanged quick glances, and I could see the concern etched on their faces. They tried to mask it, but I knew them too well.

Gio's voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp. "Hey, let's get out of here."

Enzo's hand reached for his phone, and I saw him discreetly texting. My suspicion grew, and I wondered if these cars were somehow connected to our family's world.

As we hurriedly got into our cars, I sensed the tension thickening in the air. My brothers' attempts at normalcy were transparent. They were worried, and I had a feeling it was more than just the usual teenage concerns.

Armando glanced at me, his voice tight. "Don't worry, sissy. We've got this."

I nodded, trying to play it cool even as my heart raced. As we drove, I noticed the cars from before trailing behind us. My brothers' expressions grew more serious, and they exchanged another glance.

Gio's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Something's not right."

Enzo's eyes flicked to his phone, and I saw him cursing under his breath. "I can't reach Victor."

The situation escalated suddenly as gunfire erupted. Bullets struck our cars, shattering windows and sending shards of glass flying. Panic surged within me, and I ducked instinctively. Mafias..

Armando's voice was urgent as he swerved the car. "Hold on!"

My brothers skillfully manoeuvred the chaos, but it was clear that we were outnumbered. The assailants were relentless, and their vehicles seemed to be closing in on us.

"What's happening" I needed answers.

" It's ok bells, try to call Leo or Victor," Armando said handing his phone to me and pulling out a gun.

"My god" I gasped

Amidst the chaos, my brothers exchanged tense glances, their expressions grim. They were thinking the same thing I was—that this wasn't a random attack. It had all the signs of a rival faction within the underworld.

Gio's voice was strained. "We need backup."

Enzo's fingers flew over his phone, but frustration flickered across his face. "We can't get through."

Their gunfire continued, and our options dwindled. Suddenly, my brothers' cars were forced to a halt, surrounded by the enemy.

Armando's grip tightened on the wheel, his voice heavy with resignation. "We're trapped."

As the cars screeched to a halt and the chaos of gunfire surrounded us, a wave of adrenaline coursed through me. My brothers' expressions remained resolute, but I could see the tension in their eyes. We were trapped and outnumbered, and the situation was growing dire.

My fingers brushed against the concealed holster beneath my jacket. In a quick, discreet motion, I checked the presence of the hidden gun. It was a contingency plan I'd set in place, just in case I ever found myself in a situation like this. My brothers were too preoccupied to notice my subtle movement.

As the assailants forced us out of the cars and onto our knees, I exchanged a glance with each of my brothers. Fear was a silent undercurrent beneath their determined exterior. But I wasn't about to let the fear consume me. I had something up my sleeve, something that I hoped would turn the tide.

The men who surrounded us wore expressions of ruthless confidence. I felt the cold steel of a gun pressed against my forehead, and I met the gaze of a tall man, his eyes calculating. It was clear he was in charge.

A voice with a distinct accent cut through the tension. "Well, well, if it isn't Isabella D'Angelo."

My heart skipped a beat as recognition set in. Adrian, the second-in-command of the Russian faction, stood before me. The very man who had orchestrated this ambush.

Gio's voice was tense as he spoke up. "What do you want, Adrian?"

Adrian's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Oh, just a little leverage against your dear brothers Victor and Daniel."

Enzo's voice dripped with disdain. "You won't get away with this."

My patience was wearing thin. This was my family, my brothers, being held at gunpoint. Enough was enough.

Armando's voice was resolute. "Let her go, Adrian. This is between us and Ivanov she is innocent."

"Isabella D'Angelo, younger sister of Victor D'Angelo" he drawled, his accent dripping with arrogance. "You truly are a sight for sore eyes."

My heart raced as his eyes bore into mine, sending shivers down my spine. I fought to keep my composure, to not let his disgusting comments affect me, but the bile of anger rose in my throat.

Gio's voice broke through the silence, sharp and incensed. "Enough with the theatrics, Adrian. What's your game?"

Adrian's grin only widened. "Oh, it's quite simple. I want to see how far dear Victor will go to save his little sister."

Enzo's voice held a dangerous edge. "You won't use her as a pawn."

It was time to unveil my true identity, even though my internal turmoil was tearing at me. I had kept my dual life hidden for so long, the weight of secrets and lies pressing down on me.

His lecherous comments cut through the air like a poisoned blade, leaving a trail of disgust in their wake. My brothers' faces contorted with anger, their fists clenched, and their eyes burning with a fierce protectiveness that touched my heart.

Adrian's words slithered, poisoning the atmosphere further. "You've grown into quite the beauty, Isabella. I'm sure dear Victor will do anything to see you unharmed."

My anger was a simmering cauldron, the desire to lash out almost unbearable. But I held it in check, unwilling to give him the satisfaction. I knew my brothers were livid too, and their protective instincts were on high alert.

Gio's voice was laced with venom. "You're a despicable excuse for a man."

Adrian's lips curved into a sadistic grin. "Oh, but I haven't even begun to show you how despicable I can be."

My gaze flickered between my brothers and the menacing presence of Adrian. The decision I was about to make weighed heavily on my mind. I could turn the tables but at what cost? my men. my gang and their families were all my responsibilities If I revealed my identity then what would happen?

On one hand, I couldn't let Adrian's threat stand. On the other, I couldn't deny the risk my decision posed to everything and everyone I cared about.

Gio's voice broke through my thoughts, his eyes locked on mine. "I won't let him touch you, Bella"

Enzo's voice was firm. "We'll fight to the death if we have to."

Armando's gaze was unwavering, his determination a reflection of my own. " Adrian, when our family finds out do you think you will live?"

The decisions I'd made had brought me here, and there was no turning back. The weight of my identity, my past, my alliances, and my loyalties were strangling me. It was time to cast aside the mask and reveal the truth.

I straightened, my fingers tightening around the hidden gun. Adrian's gaze met mine, his arrogance fading as confusion replaced it. My brothers stared the shock in their eyes a reflection of my own revelation.

I hesitated, the internal turmoil reaching its peak. This carefully constructed facade had shielded me for so long but now it was time for the truth. Louis was right, Blood is thicker than water, it always was and always will be.

The choice was clear. With a surge of resolve, I pulled out the gun, my voice steady as I addressed Adrian" It's time you paid for your actions bastard.

the moment had come. As I stood, the gun clutched in my hand, I met Adrian's gaze head-on. "You want leverage? You're about to get a lot more than you bargained for."

Gio, Enzo, and Armando's eyes widened as shock registered on their faces. I could see the questions, the realization dawning. The gun was pointed at Adrian, and my fingers were steady despite the storm inside me.

Adrian's smirk faltered, replaced by surprise. "You?"

A gunshot echoed, and I staggered as pain lanced through my arm. The world spun for a moment, and I gritted my teeth against the agony. The gunshot had come from one of Adrian's men, the betrayal of the underworld surrounding us evident in the chaos.

Bullets whizzed past, and my brothers sprang into action. I was determined to fight, my injured arm be damned. But as I fired back, I saw the shock in my brothers' eyes.

Gio's voice was a mixture of disbelief and pride. "Isabella, you..."

As the chaos erupted around us, the battle became a whirlwind of gunfire, shouts, and adrenaline. I fought with a fierce determination, my mind focused on survival and protecting my brothers. My injured arm throbbed, but I pushed the pain aside, every move calculated and precise.

The sound of bullets whizzed past me, the air filled with tension and danger. My brothers were by my side, their determination mirroring my own. We moved as a unit, a family united in the face of danger.

Gio's voice was a fierce growl as he fired his gun. "Stay close, Bella"

Enzo's shots were calculated, his eyes scanning the area for threats. "Watch each other's backs."

Armando's movements were fluid, his voice resolute. "Let's end this."

The bullets kept coming, the danger escalating. In the midst of the chaos, a gunshot rang out. Pain seared through me, and I stumbled, my grip on the gun faltering for a split second.

Gio's voice was filled with alarm as he rushed to my side. "Isabella" Are you serious I got shot in the same arm in the same place twice??

Blood trickled down my arm, my vision blurring for a moment. But I couldn't afford to falter. I picked up the gun again and fired but this time Gio was supporting me and I could clearly see the worry in all my brother's eyes. there was no doubt that with Adrian's death, they lost.

My brothers and I stood amidst the aftermath, our breaths heavy and our bodies battered.

But the victory was fleeting. I felt a rush of dizziness and weakness. My vision swam, and my grip on the gun loosened. The blood loss was catching up to me, and I knew I couldn't keep fighting.

Gio's voice was filled with urgency as he rushed to my side. " amore, you're bleeding."

Enzo's eyes widened, his voice a mixture of shock and concern. "She's been shot."

Armando's expression turned to panic, his voice frantic. "We need to get her out of here."

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, my strength waning. The world around me seemed to blur, and my brothers' voices were distant echoes.

enzo's arms supported me, his voice a mixture of fear and determination. "Hold on, Sorella."

Enzo's face was etched with worry, his words urgent. "Stay with us, Bella."

Armando's voice was a desperate plea. "We're getting you out of here."

And then, as the darkness closed in around me, I succumbed to the faintness, the battle slipping away as my body gave in to the blood loss.

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