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“Fuck you,” he mutters without real heat. All that’s left is weariness. An exhaustion usually reserved for men twice Leo’s age.
The guy is my twin, but sometimes he seems decades older. Other times I would swear he never made it past teenage nonsense. The back and forth must wear a guy out.
“I’m here because I’m confused,” I admit. “And pissed off.”
“You’re mad at me now? Huh.”
“Yeah, Leo. I’m mad.” I pick my soda up and swallow half of it in one go, the carbonation burning my sinuses. I blame the sting in my eyes on that too. “Why are you still living like this? I don’t get it. I can’t believe you want to be a part of the life. That you want to be Bill 2.0.”
“I don’t,” Leo growls, then presses his lips shut.
Finally. God, I could cheer just from that one small confession. That hint is all I need.
“Leave then.” I strip my voice of every ounce of judgment and anger. All that’s left is desperation. This choice is life and death. “I’ll help. Whatever you need.”
My brother shakes his head and waves for another tequila. “Leave it alone.”
I tilt my head at an odd angle until I capture his eyes with mine.
“Never.”
Leo snorts, then swallows the fresh drink. As if the alcohol took some of his openness away, he glares at me. “I don’t need you. That’s Dash. Go baby him.” My twin laughs hard. “Or is that why you’re here? He has a new woman to take care of him, and you’re looking for someone else to baby?”
I ignore his words as I consider the problem.
Leo wants out, but he won’t leave.
Why?
Is this him clinging to his comfort zone, or are his ties to our uncle’s criminal organization keeping him in place?
“Are you staying because Bill is making you?”
“That fucker can’t do anything to me anymore.” Leo bites the words hard, showing more of his scorn for our father. “Not since we were sixteen.”
I nod absentmindedly. That’s around when Leo got big enough to hit back.
“Is it because Mom wants you to stay?”
“Stop digging.”
That might be part of it. But I sense there’s more.
Then the answer flares in my mind, so obvious, I should’ve guessed it first. “Uncle Mike won’t give you an out.”
Leo clenches his jaw and stares toward the exit. But he doesn’t walk out. And I know deep down he wants my help. But he’s never figured out how to ask for it.
Guess I have to shove it in his face.
Good thing I’m a pushy bitch.
“He let Dash go after he paid whatever price Mike quoted him,” I point out. “I bet he’d do the same for you.”
Leo mutters something, and I lean closer on my stool. “What was that?”
My brother sighs and rubs a hand over his face. “I’ve already asked.”
“And he said no?”
