Page 52 of Angel of Light (Lords of The Commission: New York #5)

ALISON

I looked at Adrianne’s text for the hundredth time, waiting for them to arrive. “I don’t have much. It’s just me and a duffel bag. I’m ready whenever you are.”

Matt had asked Carl, his official driver, to pick her up from Providence. He’d texted me when they left, and I was anxious and excited for her to arrive.

Liam suggested getting her an apartment close to AD, in a safe neighborhood where she could get around easily and safely. Throwing a guard to shadow her around wasn’t exactly an option right now. At least, not until she knew who and what we were, and that could take longer than expected.

While they dealt with securing the property, getting it fixed and furnished with all the amenities she could need, I decided she’d stay with me. That gave us time and opportunity to get to know each other. It didn't come without risk, hence my nervousness.

The knock on my door was light and hesitant, and yet it still startled me.

I straightened my t-shirt before walking over and opening the door to find my sister standing there with nothing but that single worn duffle bag and a nervous smile that I was sure mirrored my own.

“Hi,” She said in a small voice filled with uncertainty. Switching lanes was never an easy thing to do, and in Adrianne’s case, she was embracing the unknown and hoping for the best. I wanted us to be that for her. The best choice she ever made.

“Hi,” I replied, stepping aside to let her in. “Welcome home.”

The word “home” seemed to catch her off guard. Her eyes widened slightly, and I saw her throat work as she swallowed hard.

She looked better than she had when I first saw her in Providence. More rested, maybe lighter from knowing she had options now rather than having to merely survive with the scraps of a life she once knew. Even so, the guarded wariness in her brown eyes was just as heavy as it had been that day.

Maybe because she just did the opposite of what we’ve been taught our whole life – never get in a car with a stranger. She did that and much worse. She’s getting into a life with a bunch of strangers.

For that, I respected her courage.

“Thank you for this. For helping,” She said, looking around my apartment with genuine appreciation.

“I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner. How are you feeling about this decision?”

She took a moment before turning to me with a small smile on her face. “Truth?”

“Always.”

“I’m scared. I told myself I wouldn’t let that feeling guide me until my gut told me to run. Strangely, when you opened the door, my heart settled just a little. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Maybe it's a kindred spirit recognizing another?” I said, closing the door and walking towards the living room.

“That might explain it. And this place?” She did a little twirl, taking in everything her eyes could reach, “It's so beautiful. It feels… safe. Peaceful.” Adrianne set her bag down carefully, as if she were afraid of disturbing something. “I haven’t felt safe in a long time.”

The confession hit me square in the chest. Here I was, complaining about forced marriages and family drama, while she’d been fighting just to survive.

“Well, you’re safe now,” I said, meaning it with every fiber of my being. “Come on, let me show you the place.”

I gave her a tour, starting with the kitchen and living room she’d already seen, followed by the guest room I’d prepared for her, and the ensuite I stocked with every item I could think of.

Adrianne followed me quietly through most of it, touching things gently as if she couldn't believe they were real.

“The guest room is yours for as long as you need it or want it. Our brothers are working on getting you a place close to AD,” I said as we ended up back in the living room. “They wanted to be here today, but I said it was best if we took one step at a time.”

“Getting me a place? Will I even be able to afford rent in New York with my paycheck? I don’t have any savings, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it.”

I could see her spiraling with concern, and that was my fault for not being clear enough. Slowly, I walked towards her and took her hands in mine, trying to calm her frenzy.

“First, your paycheck will be more than enough for you to live a good life in New York. Second, you will not be paying rent at all. What I meant about them getting you a place was exactly that. It’s not a rental, it will be yours to own.

If you want to search with them or send them anything you see that you like, please do so.

They’ll be thrilled to get something that suits your taste. ”

Her eyes met mine then, and for the first time since she’d arrived, her guard seemed to slip completely. “Why are you being so nice to me? All of you?”

Her question was so honest, so vulnerable, that it nearly broke my heart.

“Because you're our sister,” I said simply. “Because you've been alone for too long, and I know what that feels like. Because we’re family, and family takes care of each other.”

She blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. “I don’t know how to do this. How to be someone’s family. It’s only ever been me and Mom, and even then, she was mostly in the hospital or so tired that it almost felt like I was alone.”

“Well, in this family, we take care of each other. We fight and make up right after because there’s nothing more important than family.” I gestured toward the couch.

“That sounds good.”

“I can’t lie. We’re chaos personified, but we love each other to a fault.”

“Seems like the perfect place to be then.”

“It is. Okay, now, want some wine? I have a feeling we’re going to need it for the conversation we’re about to have.”

Adrianne settled onto the couch, tucking her legs under her in a way that reminded me so much of myself it was almost frightening. “What conversation?”

I poured us each a generous glass of red wine while I internally smiled as I glanced over at Adrianne. Funny how I was so quick to hate her before getting to know her, and now, all I feel is a sense of protection. Like she’s mine to keep safe from harm.

Was this what Matt and Liam felt towards me?

“The one where I tell you that, in ten days, I’m getting married,” I said, handing her the glass.

“For it to require wine, I’m guessing you’re not too fond of that idea.”

“Wise beyond your years, Miss Dornier.”

She nearly choked on her first sip.

“Sorry.” She smiled over the rim of the glass, wiping her mouth clean, “I’m still getting used to the idea. And who are you marrying?”

“Vincenzo Massimo. He’s a…” I paused, unsure how to phrase it in a way that it wasn’t a lie, but also not flash our Mafia heritage in her face so soon after she got here. “He’s from California.”

Adrianne was quiet for a long moment, studying my face with those perceptive brown eyes.

“Why are you marrying him then?”

“It’s complicated, and probably worthy of something stronger than wine to go through, but the easy answer would be family business.” I took a long sip of wine, trying to ease my pounding heart.

“Family business.” She repeated the words slowly, and I could see the wheels turning in her head. “Alison, you don’t have to pretend with me.”

“Pretend what?”

“Aside from AD, I know what other kind of business the family is into.” The words came out matter-of-factly, without judgment or fear.

“My mother never said it outright, but she made it clear what kind of family the Battaglias were. She was terrified of you, well… your grandfather, and even your brother–”

“ Our brother.” I corrected.

“Our brother. But I was always intrigued. Mafia.” She whispered that last word as if not to summon a demon she couldn’t handle.

I stared at her, surprised by her directness. “And that doesn’t scare you?”

“Should it?” She shrugged. “You’ve been nothing but kind to me.

Matt was respectful when he came to see us, even when my mother slammed the door in his face.

From what I can tell, you might be dangerous to your enemies, but not your family.

I’m about to have options for the first time in my life because of you. ”

“Most people would run the moment they even thought about that word.”

“Most people didn’t grow up wondering if their father was a criminal and secretly hoping he was, because at least then, there’d be a reason he stayed away.”

“Dad isn’t in the life. He hates it with a passion.”

“I bet he’s really happy to give you away to a mobster then.

” There was confirmation in the shrug I gave her.

“Besides, I’ve seen real monsters, Alison.

Men who hurt women because they can, who prey on the weak because it makes them feel strong, and they are as far from being in the mafia as I am from being president. You’re not that. You’re not a monster.”

The casual way she mentioned being hurt made my protective instincts flare again. “What do you mean, you’ve seen real monsters?”

“Nothing much,” she said a little too quickly, probably seeing the fury that flashed across my face.

“Just... life. Men who think a woman alone is easy prey. Landlords who think missed rent payments can be paid in other ways. Boyfriends who promise you the sky and the stars only to get in your pants. You know.”

I did know, and it made me want to hunt down every person who’d ever made her feel unsafe.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about any of that anymore,” My voice was full of conviction and fierce.

“Anyone who wants to hurt you will have to go through me first. Through all of us. And if we are really taking this honesty lane here, anyone who dares to look wrong at you will not like where they end up.”

She smiled, and for the first time since I’d met her, it reached her eyes and actually sparkled. “I can see why he loves you.”

“Why who loves me?”