Page 105 of Power & Punishment

“Is he hurt?” I ask, my mouth going dry.

“A few flesh wounds and a dislocated shoulder,” he huffs out, taking two stairs at a time. “If you ask me, he’s being dramatic.”

I don’t have to ask him because as soon as we round the corner and walk into the bar, Leo is there, folded over the chair he’s trying to sit upright in. Michael is hovering close by, no doubt trying to help him, but Leo keeps shaking his head.

And then his eyes connect with mine and he relaxes.

He starts to lift a hand, but his entire face wrinkles in pain. I’m at his side within seconds.

“Tesoro,” Leo says, his voice empty of the power he usually emulates. “Are you done being mad at me?”

I don’t answer him.

I carefully cup his face, scanning for injuries. Small cuts and bruises trail up his jawline and disappear under his wrinkled shirt.

“What happened?” I ask, ignoring his question. I busy myself with the first aid kit as I wait for his answer—trying to keep my hands moving because if I don’t, they’ll shake uncontrollably.

“The plannnn, Tesoro,” he sighs. “I fucked it up and I think I pissed off the wrong people.”

I go to work on his arm, realizing I’m going to have to undress him to assess the damage underneath. That’s when I notice the bottle of vodka clutched in his left hand. I turn to my brother and narrow my eyes.

Dante shrugs and points at Michael, who does the same. I blink at him slowly before going back to work. “I really hope you idiots didn’t give him anything stronger.”

Leo giggles—actually fucking giggles. Which is quickly followed by a wince of pain and another swig of his new best friend.

I’ve never seen him like this before.

“We can discuss specifics later,” I say. “For now, let’s get you patched up. I’m going to have to take off your shirt.”

A sinister smile forms on his lips. “We’ve been over this,” he says in a sultry voice. “If you want to see me naked, all you have to do is ask.”

I bite my bottom lip, trying my best not to grin like an idiot. “Do you ever stop running your mouth?”

“Only when I’m suffocating between your⁠—”

“Nope,” I say, cutting him off before Dante throws a fit. “Can you cooperate for a few minutes? I need to look at your shoulder.”

Leo blinks lazily and then he smiles and says, “Anything for you.”

My brother scoffs behind me, but I ignore him and gently place a hand on Leo’s chest. “Sit back.”

He follows orders, letting out an exaggerated groan as he settles in. I move behind him, getting a better look at his shoulder and how it sits unnaturally lower than the other side. The skin around the joint is red and swollen.

Definitely dislocated.

I press my fingers along the bone, and Leo hisses, clenching his jaw. “Jesus Christ, Tesoro. You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“You should be grateful I’m not the one that caused these injuries after today.”

“Very true. Although, I like it when you’re rough with me.”

Michael snorts, and Dante groans, muttering something about going to grab a smoke.

I close my eyes, exhaling softly.

“One more peep and I’m popping this back in without a warning,” I say without skipping a beat.

Leo attempts to lift both hands in surrender but fails as he winces and dramatically clutches his side. “So violent.”