Page 22 of Ink Deep Devotion

As our eyes lock, a pang of sadness pulls at the corner of my mouth. When I left for Silverstone, I still had to look down to meet my little brother’s eyes. Now, I look straight ahead.

It’s a painful reminder of the time that was robbed from me. Memories of watching him grow into the man he now is will never run in my mind. Gone is the boy who was filled with heartbreak, replaced by a man who wants to act out, and he has been.

Taming my brother is my side project.

I shake my head and step into the elevator; he follows.“You have to look at how every single domino falls, Nico.”

He shoves the button to the first floor and crosses his arms. He’s as big as me now, with just as much muscle, but he’s not nearly as trained. I’ll make sure he is, but I’ll teach him differently than Initiation 101 taught me. We were taught with hate. It’s a mistake. Hate fosters resentment, which turns into revenge. If you teach someone with love, that creates loyalty.

I’m going to make an army loyal to me.

“Sometimes you overthink things.”

“And you, little brother, don’t think at all.” I retort.“If you kill Dominic, the entire balance of power will shift.”

Nico scoffs,“Dominic is nothing.”

“You’re right. But his father’s business is. He and Mila’s dad hold and maintain balance in our world. If you kill Dominic, then his father will want revenge. It’s written into every single contract they write that if someone threatens them or their family, you are expected to defend them. You and I can’t fight against armies, Nico. If you somehow defeat them and bring down the business, just imagine the first thing every contract signee will do.”

Nico sighs in understanding,“They will break their contracts.”

“Precisely. Mafia families will go to war, businesses will tear each other apart, but that’s not all, because Mila’s father has deep roots. Governments have signed contracts with his law firm. They will break away, and then we will have wars with mass casualties.” I point a finger in warning,“Dominic is a linchpin you will not touch. He will get what is coming in due time.”

It isn’t until we reach our bulletproof car that Nico responds.“You sound so much like our mother sometimes.” He mutters, keeping his eyes on the blurring landscape as we drive.

A furious chill straightens my spine with a snap.“I’m not her, nor will I ever be,” I growl. I’ll never become my mother, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure Nico knows that.

Once we are safe aboard my private jet, My muscles relax.I crack open the water bottle, instantly regretting it; the snapping sound drags up memories of bones breaking. A roaring sound rumbles under my feet as the engines come alive. Opening my eyes, I look at my brother. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn’t suffer like I did. Initiation 101 will never get their hands on Nico!

The stewardess approaches with a tray of hot hand towels. I could laugh out loud at the mockery of this life I’ve slipped back into. My fingers are not used to the luxuries I grew up with. I’ve spent the last few years clawing my way out of death. Feeling how the dried blood hardens and pushes against my fingernails and skin as if it can separate them.

“The pilot said we have clear skies. Should be a nice and easy flight.” She grins wide as her eyes look me up and down.“Only three hours till we land in Palm Beach.”

“Palm Beach!” Nico snaps.

I take a hot towel and nod.“Thank you.”

“Do you need anything else, sir?”

“No,” I open the towel; steam billows out as I begin to wipe the tip of each finger meticulously.

“Dante,” Nico stresses, leaning forward as he widens his legs, bracing for my reply.“I’m not going to Palm Beach.” He hisses.

That’s funny because it seems to be a place you frequent.I tilt my head, eyes sharpening.“Don’t lie to me.”

He snorts as his lips curl up in mockery.

I rest my jaw on my palm, my elbow propped against the plush arm of the buttery-leather chair, preparing for this long-overdue battle.“I know you’ve been going to visit Olivia.” I press.

His fingers curl around the armrest.“I haven’t been visiting her!” His chest expands rapidly.“I’m not that careless.”

But you have been, little brother. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you with my life.“Mother knows we don’t have business in Atlanta. How long do you think it will take her to piece together the puzzle? You’ve been flying into Atlanta, then driving all night to Palm Beach to stalk her.”

He looks out the window and swallows down the weight of the world.

“I told you to let me handle this.”

“You disappeared, so I had to!” The vein in his forehead pulses.

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