Page 27 of Vicious Behaviors

Inducting her was always a no-brainer to me. And I think my father knew it, too. If he held out this long, it’s only because he fears our mother’s wrath more than he fears Stella’s. But that’s his war to fight. I’ve got my own battles to win.

“If there’s nothing else… or are you planning to make the case that I should induct sweet Annamaria next?” he asks, raising an eyebrow, a rare smirk flirting at the edge of his lips.

“No, boss,” Stella and I say in unison.

“I didn’t think so. Now leave me to my business. There’s much to discuss,” he says, glancing toward Gio and Dom. In other words, he’ll need their backup when he breaks the news to our mother.

Stella and I exit the office, and just before the door shuts behind us, she launches into my arms, clinging to me with all the joy she held back inside.

“I fucking love you, Mar!” she squeals, practically vibrating with excitement.

I wrap my arms around her, smiling earnestly. “I’m glad,” I say, gently placing her back on the ground. “But don’t think he’s going to make it easy on you. If I know him, he’ll station you far from real danger. Don’t expect any time soon to be placed under Dom like I was.”

“Doesn’t matter,” she sings. “As long as I get my foot in the door, I’ll do the rest.”

“Good. That’s what I want to hear. Just remember that May is a long time away. He can change his mind if you do anything that jeopardizes his trust.”

“Like what?” She cocks a defiant brow.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe your friendship with a certain Russian kingpin might give him second thoughts.”

Her shit-eating grin slips instantly.

“Lucky has a big mouth,” she mutters, arms crossed.

“Lucky didn’t say a word. I overheard him talking with Frankie after you three got back from your impromptuvacationin Russia.” And by that, I mean when the Petrovs thought it was a good idea to kidnap my brother and sister just before Christmas break.

“Still doesn’t mean Lucky should be talking about me behind my back.”

“You’re getting defensive,” I note, my scowl now mirroring hers. “Why? Is this Kirill someone I should be concerned about?”

“No,” she answers flatly.

“Are you sure? This is your future we’re talking about. No one will back your induction if they think you’re in bed with the enemy.”

“Kirill’s not our enemy.”

“Yes, he is. He’sBratva.And you’re being defensive again.”

I watch my sister take a beat, exhaling slowly as she forces her tense muscles to ease for my sake.

“He’s not our enemy any more than Frankie is. He’s her uncle. And if Lucky gets his way, soon enough Kirill and every other Petrov in Russia will be tied to our family forever. That’s why I don’t consider him an enemy.”

“Jude’s married to Mina—the boss of the Firm—and still, if her cousins so much as looked at our family sideways, I wouldn’t think twice about slitting Remo’s and Rolo’s throats.” My voice is steel, unwavering.

“Jesus, Mar.” She rolls her eyes. “I get it. I get it. Relax. I understand.”

“Do you?”

“Yes, I do.” She softens, smiling warmly. “But you’ve got to stop seeing enemies where there aren’t any. Not everyone’s out to get us.”

“Debatable.”

“But plausible,” she says with a wink, brushing past me. “Now, I need to tell Anna the big news. Better she hears it from me.”

I wave her off, not envious of her task. Much like our mother, Annamaria won’t take the news of Stella’s induction lightly. The poor girl spends more time in church praying for our souls than most fifteen-year-olds spend on their phones. She should be out living her youth, not carrying the weight of our sins.

Not everyone is out to get us.Stella’s words echo like a slow burn in my chest. Maybe she’s not totally wrong. Maybe. But if my instincts are correct, which they usually are, then there’sat least one person who is. And there’s only one person in this house who will tell me if I’m just being paranoid… or if I’m actually onto something.