Page 69 of Until Death or Defeat

“Yeah, you aren’t going anywhere yourself anymore until we figure out if you’re in danger, or did you already forget that?” I ask as I move closer and offer her a bottle of her own.

“Then come. I don’t give a fuck. I’m going either way. Someone has to answer to this shit.” She takes the bottle, downing some of the flavored rum. “Wow, this isn’t bad,” she says as she tilts it to the side and reads the label.

I definitely won’t mention I bought that so she’d stop complaining about the selection.

“Well I’d sure like to go. I’d like to see what happens,” Maxim says as he shares the bottle with her.

“I don’t think so,” I say as I snatch it from him. “If it’s what you wantsolnishko, I’ll take you. But not tonight.”

“Why? I’m ready to go right now.”

“Because I don’t think you need alcohol in your system for this.”

“Actually, I think I do.” She hops down from the counter, taking a breath. “I don’t think I’m ever gonna work up more nerve than this so let’s get it over with.”

“Fine. But you,” I say as I point at Maxim, “are staying here.”

I follow after Giselle as she storms toward the front door, seeming ready for a war already.

“Are you sure you can do this?” I ask her as we walk outside toward my car.

“Seriously? Don’t tell me you think I can’t handle it. What the fuck do I need to do to prove to everyone that I’m not some incapable little girl!”

I can’t help the rumble of laughter that escapes me at her outburst. I grasp the top of her head with my hand, holding it in place as I adjust her so she looks at me.

“I’m asking because you were a wreck yesterday. That was tough news.”

I can see her crumpled face soften more, as she crosses her arms, realizing that I wasn’t insulting her.

“I’m fine. I got it out of my system, and now I’m just pissed. Caesar has a lot of explaining to do and I won’t fucking leave until I’ve heard it all.”

“Then I’ll make sure you get your answers.”

She looks at me for a moment before she huffs, breaking the slight intimacy of the moment and turning to let herself into the car.

When we arrive at her old home, I can see her face go dull. I know she wants to act tough, but deep down she’s struggling with the idea that she may not be able to trust anyone in her family. I think the reality that she really may only be able to trust me and mine is something she isn’t ready to grapple with.

Caesar greets her with a smile and open arms, but she puts her hand out.

“When did you plan to tell me that mom was killed by Uncle Robert?”

Caesar looks at me, as if I’m going to save him. As if I’m going to help him lay it down sweetly.

“Don’t look at him, look at me. In the fucking eyes, look at me and tell me why you would keep something that big from me?” she says as she stares down into his soul.

“Okay, I get it. I knew you might find out one day but?—”

“But? But what? But you didn’t think it was important to tell me aboutMYown fucking mother’s death? Say it how it is Caesar! Don’t fucking sugarcoat it and charm the situation like I’m one of those whores who you can manipulate into thinking you’re prince charming!”

“Okay, okay, Gigi calm down?—”

“Did you seriously just tell me to—” I wrap my arm over her and muffle her with my hand. I look at Caesar, my expression serious.

“I don’t want to get involved in this sibling shit you have going on, but if I have to be the one to step in, I will. When my wife asks you a question, you answer it. I told you once before, I don’t give a fuck if you are her brother, you will give her respect.”

She was trying as she might to wrestle my hand off her mouth as I spoke, but I only release her after I’m done.

Caesar sighs, and we follow him deeper into the home to the foyer. He asks if she wants to sit, but she only stands there with her arms crossed over her chest.