Antonio - Ashlee Price Page 0,89

promises I can't keep.

"I'll try," I tell my mother. "I have a more important job to do, but..."

"Thank you," she cuts me off as she wraps her arms around me.

I say nothing, my gaze on the floor.

I guess I am going to be a babysitter. Fuck.

Just then, I lift my gaze and catch a glimpse of someone peeking around the corner. Antonio. Our eyes meet for just a second, concern in his, and then he disappears without a word.

I guess he knows what's going on. I'm guessing he doesn't like it, either. If only he could talk some sense into his twin. If anyone can do it, he can. He's the original babysitter, the only one who can calm Leo down or pull him away from a fight. Ironically, though, as much as Leo cares about his brother, he also tends to be more stubborn around him. Sometimes, I think he tries to do the opposite of what Antonio would do just to prove he's his own person.

Twins. I sure am glad I don't have one.

My mother pulls her arms away and squeezes my shoulder. "And take care of yourself, too, okay?"

I nod. "I always do."

~

I go back to the rental van hidden in the woods after I'm done scouting Esposito's house, which is basically a stone fortress with cameras everywhere and at least six guards. Nothing I can't handle. I was expecting more, actually, but I'm guessing they're posted at the other locations.

To my surprise, Leo is still there behind the wheel. I half expected him to follow me, but he didn't even try to. At the very least, I thought I'd find him sitting on the hood, smoking a cigarette and spouting curses, but it looks like he hasn't moved an inch. He's been quiet the whole trip, too, mainly on his phone. No whining. No insults. Maybe he has grown up, after all.

"You're behaving," I remark as I prepare my weapons.

Leo says nothing. He just pulls his cap further over his forehead.

Or is he sulking because he has to stay in the van? Whatever. As long as he stays out of trouble.

I put on my shoulder holster.

"Stay in the van."

No cocky comeback. No snort. No glare.

I slip my arm through the window and grab his. "Did you hear me?"

Quiet is good, but communication is important, too.

"Yes," he answers, meeting my gaze for just a second.

So he hates me so much now he won't even look at me? Fine.

I let go of his arm. "I'll call you once I have the painting."

I finish arming myself and set off. After a few steps, I hear Leo speak.

"Take care."

I glance over my shoulder. What's this? Brotherly concern? I don't need it.

"Just stay put," I tell him before going on my way.

I don't need another person worrying about me. What I need is for him to stay safe so my mother doesn't die of a broken heart and Orso doesn't kill me. The rest I can take care of.

I take out the two guards around the perimeter first. Sudden, sharp blows to a precise spot behind the neck that render them unconscious in a second. No need to waste bullets. Then I climb up to the roof, moving like a shadow against the wall. I keep my eyes peeled for cameras and make my way around them. My ears pick up every sound - rustling leaves, clock hands ticking. So far, no voices. The house is as still as a coffin.

That means one of two things. One, Damian Esposito isn't here, which means he must have known the Ursini family was making a move, which means we're all screwed. Two, he's asleep, oblivious to everything that's happening. I hope it's the second.

There's only one way to find out.

Once I get on the roof, I make my way towards a corner and drop down on the balcony I spotted earlier. I land on one of the guards and throw a tranquilizer dart at the other before he can fire his gun at me. He falls to the floor. I give the man beneath me a solid punch and he, too, loses consciousness. Two more down.

I go inside the room. The Rembrandt on the wall catches my eye but I ignore it. I know Orso said to get the painting and then kill Damian, but I'm doing things the other way around. It will be easier to sneak out the painting once Damian is dead.

I walk to his bed, frowning when I see