The Winters Brothers

Principessa

Levidia’s POV

Sleep was something else for me, I didn’t often dream of things but when I did they didn't really make sense. And I couldn’t often recall them afterwards. But I was reading about it one day and apparently it’s normal. This time I did dream, and the dream that I was experiencing right now is not making any sense because there is no way this is reality.

Right now I was laying on the couch watching American Sniper with Ryker Winters.

How did we end up here? No clue. But I will say this, his thighs make for a good pillow.

His hand was brushing through my hair causing me to zone out on the lamp lit street that was visible through the windows. Contentment. That is what I was feeling right now. His finger brushed against my cheek causing me to sigh into his legs. A chuckle came from him. Looking up at him I saw him already looking at me.

“You are so beautiful.” He whispered down to me. The intensity of his glaze caused me to gasph a little. There was so much sincerity behind his compliment. He thought I was beautiful.

He began to lean down to me, making my heart quicken. I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted his soft lips to crease mine. I wonder what he tasted like.

“Can I kiss you Rossi?” He whispered between the soft kisses he placed around my face.

“Yes please.”

His lips were right over mine, I could feel his breath, I could spell him.

“Levidia”

“Ryker,” I responded. Gosh he was so close. Moving in closer he chucked into my lips. He mumbled the word needy as he captured my lips with his. Sweet, soft and slow is what it was like. I moaned into his mouth as he-

“Holy f**k Levidia! Wake Up!”

What? Wake up? I am awake.. wait. s**t.

“Ouch!” I cried as I was hit with a pillow. “What was that for?” I was still in Luca’s room.. not in the living room with Ryker.

“Oh I don’t know, maybe I’m just a little grossed out with the fact that you probaby have a s*x dream about Dylan O’Brien. Nasty.” Luca spat at me in disgust. Busted. But not really, because one it wasnt a s*x dream, I mean not really. Two, it was not about Dylan but that's not the point, the point is there was no way around this and I was busted. So, with this being said. There was only one logical thing to do.

Pillow fight.

Grabbing two pillows, I began to attack Luca. He immediately reacts and ducks tackling me to the ground. I cry out in laughter.

“Luca! Stop, I can't breathe!” I say between laughs. Luca let out a hearty laugh as he began to tickle me. I began to cry out in laughter some more, making my stomach hurt. “Luca! Luca, my stomach. AHH!” I wheeze out, trying not to laugh so the side stitch in my stomach stops.

“Luca get off of her, she’s had enough.” A deep dark voice comes out from behind us. Luca stiffins from on top of me. Luca was always goofy and playful, but say something like that and you are met with a completely different person. His face hardened blank of any emotion and his eyes darkened. Oh s**t. “Luca, do not ignore me. Get off of her, now.” Rykers voice must have dropped three octaves deeper. He sounded deady, and that didn’t make it better because Luca’s face just morphed into one of a murderous look.

Slowly turning to face Ryker Luca gently pulled me up with shaking hands. “No, don't tell me how to treat my girls.” Luca said in a threatening yet calm tone. I looked over at Ris from behind Luca and could see the pure shock in her face.

“Hey Luca, it’s okay. We’re okay, I’m okay.” I whispered to Luca from behind him. He didn’t acknowledge my comment though I’m sure he heard it.

The two boys continued to stare each other down. Both me and Ris scared of what could possibly happen. We hadn’t even realized that Titus had strolled in.

“Oh how cute, you guys are having a staring contest.” Titus acknowledged from behind Ryker.

“Guys, come on now. Let’s just go get something to eat.” I said to the boys. Ryker moved his glaze to me. His eyes traveled down my body and then slowly made their way back up. He was checking for injuries. The realization of it made me turn beat red.

Luca made the same realization too and something must have snapped because the next thing we knew he was on top of Ryker trying to land punches. But his fist had been caught and Now it was Ryker who was on top holding Luca down. A string of curse words came out of Luca as he rustled against Rykers hold on him. Titus looked over the shoulder of Ryker and let out a whistle.

“Luca baby brother, you know better than to pick a fight with us. I get it, he’s an ass but still so very stupid to pick a fight with us.” Titus cooed at him. Was he trying to taunt him or petronize him?

“Titus that isn’t very nice. C'mon boys enough of the rough housing. I’m hungry. Cmon Luca check up lets go.” Amaris said getting off the bed and putting a hand on Rykers shoulder giving him a look.

Ryker let out a sigh and got off Luca, walking over him he made his way over to me.

“Are you okay?” He whispered down at me so I was the only one to hear it. Why was he checking up on me?

“Uh, yeah no I’m fine thanks. You shouldn’t have talked to him like that Winters, you know how he can get. That wasn’t very fair of you.”

“He had you pinned farfalla. What would you have had me do?”

“Nothing. We were only playing.” I sighed looking at him disappointedly.

Walking over to Luca I checked him for injuries. He had none besides a bruise in the back of his head from the impact. Boys and their male testosterone. Luca looked at me with a pout on his lips. I rolled my eyes and slapped the back of his head.

“Hey! What was that for?” He whined and looked at me like I had just kicked a puppy.

“Luca, that was very stupid of you to take the bait like that. You know better.”

“Levy, he made it sound like I was intentionally hurting you. You know I would Never Do Anything to hurt you!”

“Shouldn’t me knowing that be enough. You can go around attacking people because you don’t like what they said.”

“Yes I can; what are you talking about?” Luca said with a “duh” tone of voice.

“Amaris, didn’t you say something about food? I'm starving right now, I could probably eat. What do you say guys? Dinner?” Titus cut in, giving Luca a look that said not another word.

Amaris stared at Titus in confusion. I don’t blame her either. We didn’t hang out with all three brothers, just Luca. It was weird that all of a sudden Titus was acting like it was a normal thing for us.

“I could do food.” Ryker said as he walked up and stood behind me. I looked up at him, only to find him already looking down at him. He gave me a soft smile and put his hand on Lucas' shoulder. “First one down the stairs gets to pick where we go.” And with that, Luca, Titus and Ris sprinded out the door.

“Rossi,” He said from behind me.

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry. You were right, I probably shouldn’t have said what I said to him.” He said with sincerity in his eyes. He was being truthful and he was genuinely sorry. But why did he care? He didn’t have to come up and apologize to me, but he was. He just admitted to me that he was wrong. A sacrifice of pride. That brought a warm feeling into my heart and without thinking I hugged him.

I hugged Ryker Winters. And he just stood there. I think I took him by surprise. Clearing my throat it stepped back from him, positive that there was blush evident on my face.

“Sorry” I giggled. “But thank you, I accept your apology.” I said with a genuine smile. His shocked face morphing into a lazy smile.

- -

Titus’s POV

I don’t know what confused me more, the fact that Amaris and Luca could be arguing one minute and then the next be laughing about something else entirely, the fact that I was enjoying their company or the fact that Ryker didn’t leave Levidias side. Pretty, sweet, Levidia; I have had a small crush on that girl since I was a freshman in highschool. Had absolutely no clue who she was, I just thought she was pretty. I didn’t later find out who she was until Luca became friends with them. How did they become friends? No clue, I’m pretty sure it was a mystery to them as much as it was to us.

“Titus you look very deep in thought.” Amsris said from beside me. She was the first one down the stairs much to our surprise, man that girl can run. It’s kinda hot honestly. Her gray eyes stared at me with genuine curiosity. Cute.

“Oh you know, this and that. Say, what are you doing tomorrow? I heard that new movie is in the theaters right now, wanna go?” I said with a seducing tone. This caused Luca to sit up straighter from the other side of her.

“Dude, back off. She’s not gonna be one of those girls you try and get with just so you can cross another name off your list.” Luca said getting up and moving his chair so he was in between be and Amaris. This made me really laugh. This kid and his protective instincts over his girls.

“Chill Luca, I was only playing. Just like how me and Levidia play. Isn’t that right Levidia?” I say with a teasing smirk. And if things couldn’t get funnier Levy turned as red as a tomato. I wonder how red she could turn if I told everyone about the kitchen situation. I will admit, I would not have been mad if she didn’t push me away. Not. One. Bit.

Levy straightened in her seat as she gave a quick glance to Ryker who looked confused and panic stricken. I wonder if he had a crush on her too. Not that I would blame him because man, was that girl pretty, inside and out. She was selfless and caring too. Her love for my brother proved just how good of a person she is. Luca was a wicked little trickster but seeing him around them was different. It was like seeing him with mom. Happy, carefree, and content. They were his home. I envied that. I wanted to be able to feel that. I just can’t. I’m going to be the next big mafia boss, I don’t have time to nurture weaknesses like that. I don’t know how mom does it, but then again that’s mom and she is the strongest, most amazing woman I know. I just wish I could be as good of a boss as she is.

“Cute Titus, really cute.” Levy said to me with a fake smile. Ryker stirred uncomfortably beside her.

“When are they going to bring the food out?” Ris whined.

“That is a good question my dear.” Luca said looking around the restaurant for our waiter who was nowhere to be seen. A sigh was heard from Ryker.

Ry looked at me and shrugged, nodding his head at something behind me as he nudged Levy who was typing on her phone.

“Okay guys, a chicken quesadilla?” The waiter said from behind me. Looking around the table he saw Levy raise her hand. Handing her the plate she gave him a quick thank you and brought her hand back down to her lap waiting for the rest of us to be given out food.

Four plates of food later, we all had our food plates in front of us. Levy and Ris shared a look and giggled, digging into our food. I got shrimp tacos, Luca got a chicken enchilada, Ris got a chicken and rice plate, and Ry got carne asada tacos.

Half through the meal me and my brothers began to laugh at the girls because everytime they would take a bite and begin chewing they would do a little dance. I mean it was cute but so random.

Our laughing was interrupted when four guys busted into the store with guns calling out for the owner. f**k no is this happening right now. Today was my day off from stuff like this.

The owner walked in from around the corner, gun in hand pointed at the guy up front. They were yelling at each other in spanish. We really should have just gone to an Italian or American restaurant, because then I would know what they were saying and be able to help end the ruckus.

Just when I didn't think things could get worse one of the guys with guns comes over to my table and pulls Ris by the hair, up and out of her seat to be held against him.

If you thought Luca was mad then, you can imagine how mad he was now. One of the other guys saw Luca try to get up and pointed a gun to his head. You have got to be shitting me right now. I can already feel a migraine coming.

I reach from inside my pocket and take out my phone. I text my mom an SOS and drop my pin. She responds immediately telling me 5 guys were on their way. It’s times like this it makes me glad my moms a mafia boss because then all I have to do is send a text like that and boom help is on its way. God I love my mom.

Three minutes went by, and it was the same old same old spanish yelling.

I look over and Ryker who had his arm around Levy, slowly pulling her closer to him. I make eye contact with him and nudge my head toward the back door. I didn’t want her to be here when the men come and possibly have things end in a blood bath. He seemed to understand what I was implying and nodded his head. He bent his head down to her ear and whispered something, her eyes widened and she began to violently shake her head. He drew his hand up to the back of her head and bent his head down to her ear. Drawing his head back up he kissed the top of her head as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Not even a minute later my mom's men slowly swept in and surrounded the Spanish speaking men with guns. Ry took this as his cue to quickly get Levy out of here. Once they were gone I got up from my seat and pushed away the gun that was pointed at Lucas’ head. Poor kid looks like he's about to explode any minute now.

“Alright boys, I think that it is now time that you leave. You’ve had your yelling fest, now it’s time you go.” I said very firmly to the surrounded men. What I assumed to be the leader, looked me up and down and scuffed.

“Who do you think you are, boy; thinking you can just get up and talk to me like that.” He gritted out with a thick spanish accent. This makes me smirk. I also thought it was funny when people underestimated me. Happened all the time, this made it the ultimate element of surprise when I have them down on their knees, telling me how sorry they are. It’s pathetic really.

“Erik, will you escort Amaris out of here please.” I said not breaking eye contact with the leader.

Erik walked over to the guy holding Ris and pulled her closer to him, shoving the gun deeper into her head. I sob escapes Ris. Bastard. He needed to let her go because Luca- Luca, where was Luca. Oh s**t.

The man holding Ris then let out a grunt as blood started to flow out of his mouth. Erik quickly grabbed Ris and rushed her out the restaurant.

“Here boss.” Nick said to me as he handed me a gun. I patted his back and aimed my gun at their leader.

“Welp, it looks like you're a man down, macho man.” I said tauntingly to their leader. I watched his face form a sneer. Ugly bastard.

“I will kill you and your pequeno men.” He sneered.

I don’t think any amount of explanation would be able to prepare this dude for what Luca was about to do. Because two of his men just dropped dead from behind him.

“s**t Luca. I don’t think mom would want us to kill them all.” I said, rubbing my forehead as Luca had a stare down with their leader.

Luca was fuming, his whole body shaking. Damn I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this mad.

“I swear to everything, if my mother is merciful enough to let you make it out of this alive and I find out you ordered to do what you did to her, to another woman..” Luca laughed a sinister laugh as he stalked closer to the leader who was now wide-eyed. “I will rip you to shreds but not before I rip to shred every single one of your lovers, wifes, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers, sister, hell asshole even your mother and make you watch.Try my s**t. I. Dare. You.”

The leader swallowed hard, his Adam's apple giving him away. He was scared. Luca just killed his guys right in front of him and didn’t even bat a lash.

“Get him in a car back to my mother. I’ll meet you guys at the warehouse.” I said, patting Nick on the back again, giving him a nod. I waited till they had left and paid the owner, apologizing for the mess. He tried to get me to keep the money but I wasn't going to keep it. Bleach isn’t cheap and thanks to Luca he's going to need a lot of it. But thankfully he said he’d take care of the bodies. I didn’t even want to know how he knew, or what he was going to do with him. Meeting Luca back in the parking lot, I walked up to him while he was pacing.

“Hey Luc, come here man.” I said as I pulled him into a hug. He openly welcomed it, reminding me that he is still a boy. A boy that just killed three men. Luca began to cry on my shoulder as I held him tighter in my arms.

My brothers and I had been trained to kill at a young age, fighting was normal, playing with knives and guns was normal. Out of the three of us, Luca was the most talented. My mother called him her piccolo assassino. Meaning little assassin. But the stuff Luca would do wouldn’t hit him till after, when he was alone or with me. My dad and Ryker were always telling him that he needed to get rid of that kind of emotion because it is what would hold him back from becoming even better. And Luca then became smart about it, whenever he was out on a job he was a different person, hell he wasn't even a person; just a shell. It was always after, when he would get home that he would come into my room and ask to stay with me. This way it makes it easier for him to deal with the nightmares. This bond, that is what made us more than just brothers; he trusted me with himself when he couldn’t even trust himself. That kind of trust and love was what kept me going.

Luca finally pulled back and looked at me with irritated mismatched eyes. “Thank you brother.”

I flushed him a big smile and threw my arm over his shoulder. “Let's go find the others.”

Walking around the corner we found Ryker holding a crying Amaris while Levidia hugged her from behind. Luca sprinted over to Ris pulling her from Ry’s grap, inspecting her for injuries while he threw his arms over her shoulders and brought her to his chest. Putting one hand on the back of her head fistful of hair and the other one over her shoulder, rubbing up and down.

I looked down at Levy who had made her way over to me,looking over my face and bringing my hands to her to check for any bleeding.

“I’m all good, Levidia.” I said looking down at her with a soft smile. A sigh left her lips as her eyes began to water. “Gees principessa don’t cry.” I said as I too brought her to my chest and laid my head on top of hers. She’s so small, I swear I’ll never let anything happen to her. “Please don’t cry.” I whispered into her hair.

From that moment on I swore that I too would protect these girls to the ends of the world just like Luca.

- - -