Page 141 of Double Standards

“Yes, but it appears you didn’t.” I round him again, passing the knife to Trigger and grabbing Daniels by the collar. “I have a woman sporting a black eye because of you,” I growl.

“So you got the message?”

“Yes, but it appears you didn’t.”

“His brows furrow. “What mess?—”

My fists land before he can finish whatever dumb shit he was about to say. Blood explodes from his nose but I keep going. For her.

“Didn’t your mother teach you never to hit women?” Another punch has his jaw cracking. “And you especially…” My fists fly with every word. “…don’t touch… what’s… fucking… mine!”

Daniels goes limp, half-conscious. Blood and spit pour from his busted mouth.

I meet Ryder’s eyes across the room, and it’s like watching a lit fuse inch toward the dynamite. He’s practically vibrating with anticipation, jaw tight, pupils blown wide with the kind of hunger that only comes before violence. His fingers flex at his sides, itching for permission—no, for release. He wants it. Bad.

He doesn’t blink. Doesn’t flinch. Just waits.

I give him the nod—slow, deliberate.

That’s all it takes.

His whole body shifts like a predator unchained, teeth bared in something that isn’t quite a smile. The storm’s coming, and I just gave it a name.

“I’m not done with you yet!” I bark, kicking Daniels’ foot to rouse him. “You understand why we’re called The Notorious Five?”

Daniels nods slowly, barely clinging to consciousness.

I take the knife back and tilt his chin with it. “And yet youfeel the need to exact your own justice? falsely convict me of your crime? Better yet, you tried to fucking kill me!”

“You… deserved… it,” he rasps.

“Killing the Mayor is on you.” I flick the blade, cutting under his chin. Blood drips into the collar of his stained shirt. I lean in close, voice low. “Beg for your life.”

He says nothing. Just a slow, defiant shake of his head.

I have places to be.

“Genovese,” I call. Ryder straightens instantly. He’s ready. Eager. Dangerous.

“I want to hear him scream for mercy,” I say, eyes on Daniels. “And when he does, keep going.”

I turn on my heel and leave him in Ryder’s capable hands. My brother won’t disappoint.

“Bonanno!” Daniels screams behind me.

I don’t look back.

I slam the door shut.

Let the warehouse drown it out.

Chapter Forty-Seven

My eyes shoot up the second I sense him.

That presence. Thatenergy.

He doesn’t announce himself. Doesn’t let my assistant warn me. Of course not. That would’ve given me time to prepare myself, and Axel Bonanno never plays fair.