“She won’t believe that. Just like she won’t believe my out of the blue moving in with a guy she knows nothing about!” The elevator dings, and as the doors slide open, I place a firm hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward. The weight of reality shows its ugly face as the doors open. In the lobby, Troy and Collin step forward. Beyond them, my foot soldiers stand in strategic positions ready to protect us.
“Morning, Capo,” Troy’s stare holds a mixture of respect and measured concern. His gaze flicks to Aria–standing beside me where she belongs.
“Morning...” I nod. “Let’s move.”
Troy steps up beside me on my left. “Jake just checked in. No major moves from New York yet.”
“That old fox didn’t claw his way to the top by being sloppy. He’s moving. Just not where we can see it.”
Before Troy can reply, old man Chester steps forward. “Good morning, Capo.”
“Chester.” I smile, despite the tension among the men.
He’s been with us since my uncle’s reign. Loyal and part of the foundation beneath our feet. He raised Trent and Liam. Chester’s eyes warm as they land on Aria. “And who do we have here?”
I don’t hesitate. “This is Ms. Aria Boschett, my lady.”
His eyebrows jump before delight floods his face. “Well, it’s about damn time, Capo! Nice to meet you, young lady.”
Aria, surprisingly, doesn’t snap. She gives him a soft, polite smile. “Nice to meet you, Chester.”
“My, my,” he beams. “Sunshine is what you are. Brightens the whole morning.” For a heartbeat, her walls drop in a way she refuses to be with me as she grins at him. Chester leans in my direction, whispering, “Remember, with a beautiful young lady like this, you’d best remember always to compliment the dress and never forget the hair.”
I shake my head with a laugh. “Noted… happy woman, less trouble.”
“Damn right,” he grins, then looks at Aria with a wink. “Don’t let his tough exterior fool you. He’s got a soft streak, too.” Aria huffs a tiny, involuntary laugh and doesn’t deny it.
“Hey, old man. Get your own woman.”
“I did. My Lonnie is holding the back doors in heaven for me.” Chester winks before turning to open the doors. We step outside into the crisp Boston weather. The streets were alive, with horns blaring and people on the sidewalks. I take Aria’s hand; she tries to jerk away. I tighten my grip, pulling her to my side.
“Every time you pull away, it only makes me hold on tighter.”
Her eyes flash. “This isn’t how you show you care, Cyan. I’m in a cage of your making.” Her words cut deeper than I want to admit. I look away, because if I meet her eyes, she’ll see it.
Chester’s footsteps echo down the stairs. The screeching tires hit my ears, and my eyes move to the street. My hand goes for my gun, as the world explodes. Gunfire shreds the midday, bullets splitting air, tearing through steel, glass, and flesh.
“Get down!” I roar, yanking Aria backward as the street becomes a war zone.
Chester turns—too late. Bullets punch into him, brutal and relentless. He crumples; crimson soaks the pavement.
“NO!” Aria screams, the sound tearing from her like her soul’s being ripped out.
“Move!” I shove her behind a concrete pillar and unload my gun at the black car peeling off. Troy, Collin, and my foot soldiers fire back, the masked bastards vanishing as fast as they came. The silence that follows is deafening, then people scream in horror. I drag Aria with me, kneeling beside Chester. There’s too much blood.
“Chester…” He looks at me for a breath. Recognition flickers, then fades. He’s gone. My hands fisted in his jacket.
“Cyan… wh-at j-ust happened?” Aria chokes, voice cracking. Her terror is raw all over her face. I want to lie. But lies can’t protect her from this world. I pull her into my arms. Her body convulses.
“This is the price of last night,” I murmur against her hair. “We fight… or we die.” She’s clutching my coat like I’m the only thing keeping her upright.
Collin storms up. “C, we need to move.” I lift Aria into my arms. She’s limp, shock swallowing her whole.
“We’re shutting this city down,” Troy barks to our men, his voice razor-sharp. “We find the fuckers who did this.”
“There are dead men walking,” I growl.
Collin’s eyes burn at the spot where Chester lies. “We’re gonna paint the streets red.”
