Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 158

Take My Hand

Aurora’s POV

I blink against the soft hospital lights as I realize…

It’s been hours. The room is alive with noise–chater, teasing, laughter, and low groans from my

brothers.

They’re scattered around, some leaning against walls, some slouched in chairs, all half–exhausted

but clearly alive and here. My chest tightens with warmth, seeing them together, so alive, so real.

“Alright,” Matteo’s voice cuts through, sharp but calm. “I think Rora here has had enough

excitement for one day. She should rest.

“Immediately, a chorus of whines fills the room. “What? Nooo!” Jace protests, slumping dramatically. Leon whines right alongside him, and Andrei mutters something about Matteo being

more uptight than him.

I can’t help it–I giggle.Matteo walks over to Nico and ruffles his hair, and smiles. “You know what

to do, fratellino.

“(Little brother)Nico’s eyes widen, and before he can argue Raphael’s voice echoes from the

hallway” No, let her rest!”

“I said OUT!”

“ANDREI! “I cover my mouth to hide my laughter, picturing the sight in my head: Raphael as a fierce mama bear, scooping up each squirming, whining cub and tossing them toward the hallway.

It’s quiet after Matteo leaves. Too quiet. The kind of silence that feels like it’s waiting for something.Nico’s still standing near the doorway, his hair a mess, shoulders heavy, hands shoved in his pockets like he’s holding himself together.

I bite the inside of my cheek and finally whisper,

“Thank you… for saving me.

“He shakes his head right away. “Don’t thank me.

His voice sounds rough, like gravel.

“But I mean it,” I say, a little stronger. “If you had been there–”

“I was supposed to protect you,” he mutters, jaw clenching. “And I failed.

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“Something in my chest twists. “You didn’t fail,” I whisper. “I–I’m still here.

“He exhales, long and uneven, but doesn’t look at me.So I take a breath, heart thudding.

“You know… when we first met,” I start softly, “you didn’t take my hand.

“His head snaps up, confusion flashing across his face.

I lift my hand slowly, the same way I did that day. I trembles in the air between us.

“So… I’m asking again,” I say softly. “Please take it now.

“He stares at it for a long moment. I can see his throat move as he swallows.

“I want you in my life,” I whisper. “I want to make memories with you. I want to be happy with you. I-“I cut off as a sob threatens to escape. No. No I need to tell him.

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“I want you in my life. As my brother.

–

“Something breaks in his face that tight, angry book he always hides behind just falls apart.My voice lowers to a whisper. “Nobody ever took my hand when I hurt. So… I’m giving you mine.

“His breath catches. For a second, he looks like he might run then he steps forward, so fast it startles me.His hand grabs mine, tight, shaking.

“I’m sorry,” he chokes out. “I should’ve–God, I should’ve-“I squeeze his hand back, a smile finding its way to my face.Nico’s lets go of my hand cupping my face in his hands as he leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

The warmth of him – the weight of him being here, truly here – hits me like sunlight after a long

storm.

Chapter 158