"For now." I look at Leo. "Sera asked me not to kill him. I promised I wouldn't. But I didn't promise he'd be unharmed."
Leo nods. "What about Sera?"
"What about her?"
"She can't stay here." Leo's voice is firm. "The penthouse is too exposed. Too many access points. If they found her at the safe house, they can find her here."
"I know."
"She needs to be at the mansion. Full security. Guards on every entrance. No one in or out without clearance."
"I know," I say again.
"So, when are we moving her?"
I glance toward the bedroom. I can hear water running. Sera in the shower, trying to wash away what happened today.
"Tomorrow," I tell him. "She needs rest."
"Your mother will be happy."
I snort. "Don't remind me."
Leo's eyes flash with a bit of mirth. Asshole.
"And if Sera refuses?"
"She won't." I meet Leo's gaze. "Because she's smart enough to know that the mansion is the safest place for her right now."
"Is it?" Leo asks quietly. "The mansion is Bianca's territory."
"Bianca wants this to work." I move toward the window, look out at the city. Somewhere down there, Gabriel is hiding. Planning. Probably thinking he's clever. "Besides, Sera needs to learn how to navigate this family. Living at the mansion will force her to."
The water shuts off. Sera's done with her shower.
"I need you to handle the cleanup," I tell Leo. "Make sure the bodies are dealt with. Pay off anyone who needs paying. If the cops show up?—"
Leo's already pulling out his phone. "I'll handle it."
"Good." I turn back to him. "And Leo?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you. For getting her out. For keeping her alive." I pause. "I know it wasn't easy."
Something flickers in his expression. "She fought the entire time. Wanted to go back for Gabriel. That's going to be a problem. She's stronger than she looks, Adrian. Smarter too. Don't underestimate her."
"I won't."
"I'll give you an update when I have one."
Leo heads toward the elevator, and I pour myself another scotch as he leaves.
I spend the next hour making calls. My men at the safe house. Bianca. My contacts in the NYPD. The families of the dead guards—payments, funerals, whatever they need.
By the time I'm done, it's late. The penthouse is dark except for the lights I've left on.
I move toward the bedroom quietly.
