ALINA'S POV

The rest of the boys introduced themselves to me.

I knew about the moody Matheo, and the hyper Marco. Luca was next and he had a similar attitude to Matheo. Stone cold faces, not showing much emotion. He seemed nicer than Matheo but I couldn't be sure just yet.

Rocco didn't greet me verbally. Apparently he doesn't speak much. That all good by me as long as he at least likes me. I think he does, he smiled at me as we were introduced.

Romeo gave me the same kinda vibe as Marco. They were definitely partners in crime for any pranks. That was obvious. He seemed kind.

Adrian was last and the closest to me in age, from looks wise. I don't know how old he actually is. He's like a little knight which I think is really cute. I think he really wants me here. He's been very kind even getting my food for me!

Everyone around me had already started eating. I was confused. I didn't know if I was actually allowed to eat.

Emma and Jason never allowed me to in their presence.

There was one time when I had made dinner for them. I had stood in the corner of the room like I usually did.

This time it was different. They got an extra plate and put it on the table. I was confused, until they told me to sit down with them.

I should have known better, but I was just so hungry.

I sat down and reached for some food after they did and was looking forward to it.

Maybe they were starting to accept me.

As I put the chicken on my plate I was punched in the face and then beaten. I was left beaten and bloody on the floor as they continued to eat their food.

Apparently in their minds I should've known how worthless I was and that I didn't deserve food.

I learnt my lesson after that.

"Alina why arent you eating? Is there something wrong with the food?" Athena asked me.

"Um no, it's just I didn't know if I was allowed to eat right now."

Jeez, could I act anymore suspicious?

Everyone froze again. Damn it!

"What do you mean?" Salvatore asked in the angriest voice I've ever heard.

I shrank back.

"Well, usually with Jason and Emma and in the foster home we had to say grace before eating. So do you guys say grace or do I just eat right now?"

Ok I think I deflected suspicions. All except for Matheo who was looking at me as if he saw right through me.

I'm gonna have to stay away from him, not that it would be hard. We hate each other.

"Oh no we don't do that here. Please do dig in. We want you to get to taste the superior food. Italian." Salvatore replied looking much calmer.

I sighed happy to be out of that confrontation.

I picked up my fork and was about to dig in when my phone that I had put into my pocket started ringing.

I didn't have many peoples phone numbers, mainly just the people I work with.

This phone call was from the diner.

I didn't want to answer it as it would seem rude.

"Answer it Alina and put it on speaker, okay?" Salvatore said.

I didn't think it was unreasonable and I had nothing to hide so I did. Plus I didn't want to make anyone here angry or annoyed with me.

"ALINA SMITH! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU! I MADE MY SPECIAL FRIES FOR YOU TODAY AND YOU WEREN'T HERE TO EAT THEM! Do you know how upset I was!?" Terry playfully screamed and cried at me.

I just had to laugh. He overreacts way too much.

"I'm really sorry Terry, I no longer work at the diner. I'm not even in the States any more"

"WHAT! You ditched me? WHY?" He wailed.

"I'm now with my biological family in Italy. I got picked up yesterday. Jason and Emma died in a car crash, so they took me in. It's all really sudden but I've got a roof over my head and food, that may be better than your fries" I joked trying to deflect the bad situation that had happened.

"You mean the same dicks who just abandoned you as a baby!?"

I swallowed uncomfortably as everyone in the table looked angry and upset.

"About that....I was kidnapped as a child. They had nothing to do with me being left as a baby, so you actually can't have a grudge against them Terry"

"Oh.......well I'm sorry, you know I'm just looking out for you squirt. You know I care for yo- *TERRY GIVE ME T-*"

"ALINA, I WAS ALONE DURING MY SHIFT! I've heard everything and I need you to know that the fries are now mine. Also I might chase you to Italy because I haven't got my daily dose of hair messing and squirt calling, capiche?"

"Yes Barry, I might even make a special visit just for you"

"*Boy give me t-* We wish you the best Alina and if you are ever in a pickle do not hesitate to call us ok?"

"Of course Terry. I'll miss you guys"

"We'll miss you too squirt. Now go and have fun in Italy! But not too much fun that you forget us! Please try and visit! Also you say anything about my fries again and I'll hunt you down! Bye squirt!"

"Bye!"

I ended the call and looked up. Of course I was centre of attention again.

I squirmed under the gaze of everyone.

"Who was that? You seem close" The boy I believed was Luca asked angrily.

I feel like this family is very overprotective and that's why they get angry all the time.

"Just my coworkers from my job back at home."

"You had a JOB!? You're only 14!" He argued

"Uh yeah but I needed money. My skateboard stuff cost quite a bit so I needed the money. It made everything easier. I could get the stuff I needed when I wanted"

Just go along with the lie.

"Your name, it's wrong" Aiden said beside me said.

"What do you mean? My names Alina, isn't it?"

"Yes but your last name. It's not Smith it's Giovanni. You're ok with changing it aren't you?"

"Oh yeah, I guess I am."

I mean at least he asked. I didn't mind changing seeing as that was my real name. I'm happy to drop everything that related me to Emma and Jason.

With that I picked up my fork and went to take my first bite.

The pasta basically melted in my mouth and the sauce was so rich, it was amazing! Definitely the best thing I've ever tasted! I smiled in content.

"I told you you'd love our food bambina!"

I looked towards Salvatore with a smile.

"Yeah it's amazing! So much better than food back home!"

It seemed they didn't mind me talking but I'd still be keeping it limited.

I ate as much as I could. It wasn't much, only about 1/4 of my bowl with a couple of meatballs.

I didn't want to seem ungrateful so I used my fork to move around my food and act as if I was still eating.

I tried my best, really.

"Why have you stopped eating? Is the food not good enough for you" Matheo said out of nowhere. He sounded judgemental and as if he was mocking me.

"No......it's just been a really long and stressful day. I really can't stomach anymore."

"So what, you're just going to take everything here for granted? Are you that stuck up and snobbish? You have the audacity to just barge in our family, our house and steal our food that you don't even eat? There starving people in this world you know?" Matheo said in anger.

Yeah, me.

I tensed up at his words. I didn't want them to see me as a burden. It's what I was trying to avoid!

There were shouts heard across the room directed at him from everyone but I ignored them. Many of my brothers, if I can even call them that looked at me apologetically especially Adrian, Marco and Rocco.

Athena and Salvatore were shouting and glaring at Matheo.

I haven't even been here for a full day and I'm already causing problems. If I keep this up it won't be long until they have enough of me and want to get rid of me.

I got out of my chair with tears in my eyes and moved it back under the table.

"Thank you for this meal, it was wonderful. I'll excuse myself now"

There were protests, mainly from Athena and Salvatore but I ignored them.

I won't stay where I'm not wanted.

I walked away back to my room trying to show off a face of confidence and hide my injuries. As I got up the stairs to my room I let my emotions free. Snot and tears mixed as I cried my eyes out.

All I've ever wanted was to be accepted and loved.

Is that too much to ask for?

I cried myself to sleep.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————— ADRIAN'S POV

"God, you are such a dick!" I screamed at Matheo.

"Why can't you just be welcoming to Alina! She was nervous anyway and you just went and shattered any comfort and confidence she had. We all are so pleased to have her back. Even you. So why are you treating her like shit!? She's had a manic and crazy couple of days! Do you think it's easy learning you were kidnapped and then being shipped across the country!?" I screamed at him again.

We were all so pleased that Alina was back. 10 years had gone by. We even had to make a grave for her which I know killed us all inside. All hope was lost.

I slept with the teddy me and Alina had matching with when we were younger. It made me feel as though she was still here.

I take tablets to help me sleep at night. When I was younger I couldn't fall asleep without Alina at my side. It was getting bad so something had to be done.

"Well she shouldn't even be here! You know how dangerous our life is! You think I want here here just so she gets hurt again!?" Matheo argued.

"This is your problem, you made her feel like shit all because you don't want to open up to anyone. The least you could do is ensure her that she's safe with us and that we'll protect her!"

"Like how she was before? If I remember correctly she was taken from right by your side. Are you really the right person to promise to protect her?" He spat.

I looked down.

I mean it was true. I blamed myself.

Rocco stood up from his seat and punched Matheo repeatedly.

Rocco didn't speak but he was good at using his fists when he wanted to.

Only if you really got on his nerves.

"Don't you ever say shit about Alina or Adrian again or I will kill you! You didn't stop her being kidnapped either." Rocco rasped.

Rocco loves Alina thoroughly no wonder he's talking to defend her.

He only talks when he wants and on matters he cares deeply about.

"Alina will stay with us! We are her family! We have already missed 10 years of her life and we will miss no more. We all know the risks of our family Matheo but Alina is a part of our family. She deserves to be here. She deserved our food, our love, our protection. She is not stealing anything from us. We will protect her with all we have. It's different now, we have more allies. We can provide her with the love she deserves. Do you think she deserves to be working at this age and not enjoying her childhood!? She isn't barging into anything! She is your sister which you love, and you will respect her! If I hear you say anything like that to her again I will deal with you myself, clear?" Dad basically screamed at Matheo. He looked as if he could kill him right now.

"Clear" Matheo said and then stormed off as if he was personally affected.

I also went up to my room in order to check up on Alina.

As I left I saw all of my brothers discussing how to handle Matheo with my parents.

We're all very protective over her.

I climbed the stairs and went to the room next to mine.

It wasn't just mom's idea to put a room for Alina next to mine. I wanted it here just in case she did come home.

I knocked on her door and waited patiently for her.

She opened the door with red eyes and nose. It was obvious she had been crying.

I wanted to hug her but I needed her permission first.

"Hey"

"Hi" she replied.

"Umm I just wanted to say that please don't take anything Matheo said seriously. He's just a dick. We are so pleased to have you back, so don't think that we don't. I'm not gonna stick up for him because he was completely out of order but please believe me when I say that everything he said is wrong!" I urged

Alina looked tired so she just nodded her head in response.

"Please don't believe him twinny. This is where you are meant to be. We need you here! Everything that is ours is yours. It broke us when you were gone!" I said crying.

As I looked up Alina looked shocked.

"TWINNY!?"