Page 87 of Power & Punishment

I take a step back, watching two men who were down each other’s throats a few days ago work together seamlessly. It’s unsettling to say the least.

“Alice can’t stay here,” I say, looking over my shoulder to make sure she isn’t lurking.

“She can stay with me,” Dante says, lifting his chin.

“No,” Leo says, stepping between my brother and me. “Alice wasn’t targeted because of Vince. If that were the case, she would’ve been hit weeks ago. No, this has to be connected with Mia, which means whoever is doing this knows you’re a Russo,” he explains, turning toward me. “Which means she won’t be safe with Dante either.”

“They’re too scared to touch me,” Dante says, puffing out his chest. “Which means she is safe with me.”

And suddenly, my brother’s ego reenters the room and rises up to meet Leo’s. Leo doesn’t take the bait. “As much as I’d love to have this conversation again, I’ll admit that Alice wouldn’t be safe with us either.”

Us.

The two-letter word shouldn’t intimidate me as much as it does, but I can’t help the way my heart flutters against my ribcage.

“Then where?” I ask, racking my brain for more options. I can see my brother gearing up to knock down whatever Leo suggests, but we can’t deny the fact that he has more resources and money than we do.

I stare down at the cold body that is slowly starting to lose its pink color and wonder if we really need to keep her safe. But it’s not about that, and I know Dante would agree. We owe it to Vince to give his wife and unborn child a fair shot away from this mess.

“My brother has an apartment on the Upper East Side. My sister is staying there too while she’s in school, so she’ll have company. She’ll be safe there and well taken care of.”

“Absolutely fucking not,” Alice yells, ripping through the room like a juiced-up tornado. “I have a job I actually care about, and I can’t uproot my life to go live with strangers. Obviously, I can handle myself,” she defends, chin lifted, eyes motioning to the dead body at her feet.

Everyone is quiet. Leo shoves his hands in his pockets and looks to Dante and me to convince her.

Dante’s jaw is tight like he’s ready to throw her over his shoulder and force her to leave. But I take a moment to look at her. Really look.

I pay close attention to her shoulders and how they’re high and tight, like if she relaxes for even a second the other guy will come back to finish the job. Her eyes are lined with determination, but her body yearns for relief.

She’s like me in a lot of ways. She grew up in this life, but instead of running away, she fell in love. And then she had to watch the life she resented take away her chance at a future. And with the baby growing inside her, I can tell she’s tired of bracing herself for the next tragedy to happen.

“Alice,” I say, lowering my voice.

She blinks hard, shaking her head. “No. I’m not letting those assholes scare me off. I’m not⁠—”

“This isn’t about being scared,” I say, cutting her off. “This is about protecting yourself and doing what’s best for you and your baby.”

Her gaze lowers to the floor.

“You think staying here proves something?” I continue, raising my voice just enough to let her know how serious I am. “It doesn’t. You should know better than anyone that staying here will make you an easier target.”

“I handled it,” she snaps, peeling her eyes away from the ground.

“You did. And you were incredible. But next time it might not end the same way,” I sigh, my hand hanging at my side, subconsciously reaching out for Leo even though I know I shouldn’t.

He steps closer but still keeps his distance.

Alice’s hand drifts to her stomach as she turns her head.

“You’re not running away,” I say.

She exhales slowly, the breath rattling around in her chest. She looks around the room, her eyes ghosting over the puddle of blood, the broken door, and the man who just lost his life because of orders he mindlessly followed.

“Vince wouldn’t want this for you,” I say, even though the words are painful to get out. “He wanted out, Alice. He died because he wanted a better life for you and the baby. He’d want you to go.”

That seems to crack something open inside her as her eyes water. She closes them tightly, forcing the tears to remain in place.

Dante shifts behind me before parting his lips to speak. “She’s right, Al.”