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Then we’re alone.
“So, you’re out.”
Leo blinks a couple of times before reasserting his air of cocky disinterest.
“Would’ve known that if you kept in touch, baby brother.”
“I’ve been busy.”How did I not know he was out?Someone should’ve told me. Did my mom know?
Of course, she did. Guess she didn’t feel the need to share.
Leo laughs, but there’s no real humor in it. “Yeah. Busy. I’m sure.” He moves out of the street, sauntering over to a battered yellow Mustang. “Get in the car, Dash. Enough fucking around here. Uncle Mike wants us back and he’s offering some real cash. Not whatever half-ass paycheck that dog place gives you.”
Before I have time to respond a tiny figure ghosts in front of me, so fast and smooth I’d be surprised to learn her feet touched the ground.
“He’s not going anywhere with you.” Luna stands with her arms outstretched, acting like a wall between me and Leo.
“You still letting our sister boss you around, huh? Acting like she’s your Mom? It’s pathetic.” My brother sneers at me over Luna’s shoulder.
She shifts as if his expression is a projectile she can keep from piercing my skin by using the blockage of her body.
“I’m not bossing him. I’m protecting him. You only care about Dash when he can help make you money. You’re not going to keep him safe. You’re not going to keep him from getting sent back to jail. Hell, I’m pretty sure you’re happy the two of you got arrested. Think it’s some weird badge of honor,” she scoffs as he glares at her.
Suddenly, I’m worried for my sister. There was a time when I thought Leo could do no wrong, but at some point, my brother flipped a switch. A darkness overtook him, and I’m not sure what that shadow might drive him to do.
“Back the fuck off, Loony.” The childhood nickname doesn’t faze her like it used to.
“No way in hell. I didn’t do anything last time. I just let you have him. But never again. I’ll fight you, Leo. Physically if I have to. But you’re not taking him anywhere.” She growls the words, her chest heaving.
“Luna—” my words get cut off when she glares at me over her shoulder.
“No, Dash. You’re better than what they’ll give you. You’re worth fighting for.”
“And I’m worth shit? That’s what you’re saying?” Leo barks his accusation, taking a menacing step towards our sister.
She whips her head around, matching his step forward with one of her own, all the while her hand reaches under the back of the loose shirt she’s wearing.
And that’s when I see the holster.
Fuck.
“Prove to me you’re something different, Leo.” Despite the fact that she’s clearly ready to use lethal force, or maybe because of it, a pleading note has entered my sister’s voice. “Dash is out. You could be too. We never needed to be like them. I thought for a long time it was something we did, some wrong we committed and that’s why Mom and Dad kept walking out on us. But it wasn’t my fault, and it wasn’t yours, and it wasn’t Dash’s.” She breaths in deep, and I hear a catch. “They don’t deserve our love or our loyalty. Just walk away, Leo.”
Luna still has her hand on the hidden piece, but the desperation in my sister’s speech reveals how broken she’ll be if she has to hurt our brother.
I can’t let her do it.
“Leo.” The tone I use is one I developed in prison. That place wasn’t made for hesitating. The command in it, a new addition neither of my older siblings seems to be expecting, garners me all the attention. “I’m done driving. Uncle Mike and I have an understanding.” A fucking twenty thousand dollar understanding. Payment for the protection I got behind bars. But when I’m done paying, I’m done with the family business. And when that man makes an agreement, he sticks to it. Honor among thieves. “Luna’s right. When we were kids it seemed like it was the only way. And it was fun. Until it wasn’t. So, I’m out.”
“He’d clear your debt if you’d come back.” Behind Leo’s angry eyes I think I catch a glimmer of loss. The same bit that flashed the day in the court when our guilty sentence was read out.
“I don’t want to come back.” I step forward, placing my palm on Luna’s lower back, gripping her hand to keep her from drawing on our brother.
When we were kids, I would have done anything for Leo. He was my hero. But now, as I stand next to the woman who did everything in her power to raise me right and keep me happy and healthy, I realize how twisted that relationship always was. Love isn’t dangerous acts and risking your life and freedom to prove yourself to someone. Love is keeping someone safe. It’s making sure you’re around every day to support and encourage them. It’s working hard, rather than taking the easy way, so you build a solid unshakable life.
Luna showed me what love was when we were kids.
“You think that pretty blonde is going to hang around with some broke dog walker?”
