AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I want to grow up to be a leader. I want to grow up and protect my family like you’ve protected us. I want to fight like you. I want to be a part of the… theBratva…if that’s what it takes.”
The stakes have never felt higher. Again, I find myself thinking that Emma should be here for this conversation. But as I look into Josh’s steadfast eyes, the confident set of his jaw, the way his nostrils are flared with determination, I realize something.
This ishisdecision to make.
No one else’s.
“Your life is your choice, Josh.”
He looks stunned for a moment, as though the concept of having control over his own life is a foreign concept. I suppose, for a child, it is.
But Josh isn’t a child anymore.
“Dad used to tell me that I had to be whatever he wanted me to be.”
My jaw clenches furiously. “I’m not him. I’ll never do what he did to you.”
Josh’s face splits into a brilliant smile. “I already knew that.”
42
EMMA
Chilton Academy.
It’s still an elite New York City private school, which means it’s still a red-bricked monstrosity with ivy creeping up the walls and Latin credos worked into the wrought iron gates.
But it’s not Horace Mann, so it only gives me a fraction of the full-body cringe that that old nightmare warzone would’ve given me.
As old school as the facade is, there’s nothing old school about the security system they’ve got in place. Boris has to scan his ID twice each at two different gates before he can drive the children and me into the school’s drop-off circle. Once he’s parked, I walk the kids towards the school. The girls have a separate entrance than Josh, so he tags along as I drop Caro and Rae off at their respective classrooms.
The classrooms are bright, airy, and colorful. Every teacher has that beaming sense ofI’m friendly but you will learn from me, goddammitcompetence that puts my mama bear claws at ease.
When Josh sees the sign for his classroom, he gives me a wide grin and lopes off.
“Wait!” I call after him. “Don’t you want me to walk with you?”
Josh gives me an apologetic smile. “I’m good—but thanks, Aunt Em.”
I suppress a sigh.He’s all grown up.“Off you go then.”
Sighing, I turn and start the trek back to the car. It’s reassuring to pass by the armed security stationed at every corner. One of them mutters into the microphone at his lapel as I walk down the hall.
And just like that, an idea lights up in my head.
I pick up my speed and hustle back. The more I think about it, the more I like this. Now, I just have to convince Boris that taking me to Bane Corp. is a good idea. I decide to be super casual about it. “Kids are all settled, Boris. We can head over to the office now.”
He twists around in his seat. “The Bane offices, ma’am?”
“Yes. I have something urgent to discuss with Mr. Oryolov.”
Boris clears his throat uncomfortably. “Maybe I should call and check with him first—”
“Boris.” I fix him with my most intimidating glare. “I am not Mr. Oryolov’s prisoner. Nor am I his puppet. I do not need to check with him before I go somewhere and neither do you.”
“Actually,Ido. I’m on the payroll.”
“And you’re assigned tome. Which means you take me where I want to go.” He’s still antsy, so I add, “It’s Bane, Boris. I’m not asking you to take me to a seedy strip club.”
