Chapter 49: Sofia

Surprisingly, my brothers release Roman right away.

Roman leans against me, trying to hold himself upright so as not to appear weak in front of my family. We stagger toward a leather armchair, and he slowly lowers himself onto it. The swelling and bruises have worsened in the last few minutes. His right eye is almost fused shut and a rainbow of streaks color his chin.

As I turn to face my family, my gaze lands on my mother, who I hadn't realized was standing behind me. Grace is there as well, her blue eyes wide as saucers.

"You don't have to do this," Roman mumbles.

I slip my hand into his and rub his knuckles with my thumb. "Yes, I do."

My parents, my brothers, and Grace are all on one side of the room while Roman and I occupy the other. I've never felt so isolated from them. My family has always stood together. That's what we do. The Valentinis present a united front to anyone who tries to harm us.

And I'm breaking that code by defying them.

Is this man worth it?

Is he wor