Page 113 of Power & Punishment

We exchange one last knowing glance—a look we’ve exchanged multiple times in the line of duty. One that acknowledges the situation, but also the fact that we’ll be there for each other no matter what.

And then I pull away, opting for the back exit rather than the front, just to be safe.

When I get into the alleyway, I stand there stuck for a moment.

Not sure whether to go back to Dante’s or break my own rule and go running back to Leo.

Either way, I know that Escalade is following me…waiting for me to make the wrong move.

33

LEO

I’ve been called many things over the years.

Calculated, charming, polished, impossible to rattle.

But sitting here in Dante’s office with a frozen bag of expired peas pressed to my shoulder, scanning a line-up of surveillance photos, I don’t identify with any of those things.

I feel useless.

Basically, any word in the book that can describe a moron that let an airbag beat his ass, fell in love with a girl who can’t decide if she wants to fuck him or fight him, and masterminded a plan that’s unraveling at the seams.

How did things get so messed up? And why the hell didn’t I see it coming?

“They covered up the license plate. These guys are pros,” I grunt, throwing the photos down on the table.

“Yeah,” Michael says, more focused on whatever is flashing across his phone screen.

“Am I boring you?” I ask, spitting my words. Apparently, it’s not enough to make the asshole look up from his phone, so instead I reach for the closest object—a rusty stapler—and wind it up with my good arm.

But before I can throw it, Dante steps into my line of sight. “Should I come back when you two have kissed and made up?”

I narrow my eyes before lowering my hand and tucking the ammunition away for later. “Fuck off, Dante.”

“He’s in a bad mood because his girlfriend is having a playdate with another man,” Michael smirks with his eyes still glued to the phone screen.

Dante has the gall to laugh, which pokes the metaphorical rage monster inside me.

“He’s hardly a man,” I mumble, tossing the bag of peas on top of the useless images. “If she’s not back soon, I’m going to look for her.”

“Who would’ve thought the great Leo DeLuca could get attached so easily?” Dante muses, plopping down on a worn-out desk chair that leans back with his body weight.

I roll my eyes, turning to Michael. “Any updates? These images are useless without a license plate.”

“I’m working on it,” Michael snaps, looking more annoyed than I’d like. Why is he in such a mood? He’s not the one who got his shit rocked last night. I’m being a fucking delight compared to this jerk.

I raise both hands in defeat and decide to busy myself by calling my assistant.

“Hello, crippled,” Georgia greets, no doubt with a sinister smile marking her lips.

“Not. Funny,” I grit out. “Did you cancel all of my appointments?”

“All, but one,” she sighs. I clench my phone tighter. “Adrian is being a dick. Says you need to discuss the vote today since it’s happening soon.”

“Fuck,” I groan, hanging my head.

“What do you want me to tell him?”