The Deadly (Part 3 of the Syndicate Series)

Chapter 23- Consequences

Allegra:

I wasn't particularly excited to see Aldrich after the shit I pulled, but even less so as we stepped onto the front steps of Alessio's headquarters and I saw the black car pulling up the driveway. It was impossible to see through the tinted windows, but I knew exactly who was behind the wheel.

By the way the car slammed on its brakes, throwing pebbles to the side, I knew Aldrich was just as pissed, if not more, than when I talked to him on the phone. It was palpable as he climbed out of the car and slammed the door shut. He stopped in front of the passenger side door, pulling it open and staring at me expectantly. I almost wished he'd hit me or shoot at me or something. That I could handle, but this? This silent.... Disapproval? It was overwhelming and terrible. Even in my injured state, I would have preferred physical violence, something I could defend myself from or fight back against. But my guilt made it clear that something in my head knew I was in the wrong.

Christopher climbed out of the back and stood at the bottom of his steps, holding his hand out to me. I knew what he wanted. The keys for the car I originally drove fell into his open palm and he nodded, giving me a rueful look that told me just how much he pitied me being alone with Aldrich.

I sighed, noting how much it hurt my ribs. Definitely broken. If I was honest with myself, I shouldn't have driven there in the first place, but I had been running on adrenaline when I left the hospital and it had worn off. So as Christopher drove off in the first car, I stepped toward Aldrich and the look that could murder me.

Before I could make it more than two steps, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Alessio met my eyes evenly, exhaustion evident but his undoubtable strength and power showing through nonetheless. "You'll find a bit of payment wired to you shortly for your work over the past few hours. The part you played was undeniable, but there is something more."

"We only agreed on financial restitution, Alessio, there is no need for anything more."

"A favor, Allegra. Eliana told me she would have likely been dead without you, and I do not take that likely. When the time comes that you need a favor from me, it is yours."

I wasn't oblivious to the seriousness of the matter. Few people had favors to call in with the mafias, much less those as powerful as the Italians. I stared at him for a moment, realizing also what this was.... A confession. He loved Eliana, that much was clear, and him admitting what he would do for her, even as a thank you for someone who could save his life, made it clear that she was also his weakest link. He was trusting me with that knowledge as well.

A nod was enough for me to convey everything I needed to. He understood, being a man of few words himself. Alessio turned and walked back inside, almost certainly planning to either return to bed or check on Eliana. Leaving me with Aldrich.

I didn't meet his eye as I climbed into the car, just stared straight ahead and did my best not to show any signs of my injuries. He slammed the driver's side door when he climbed in as well, but he said nothing as he peeled out of the driveway. I thought he would light into me almost immediately, but after another ten minutes of silence, I couldn't bear the sizzling silence anymore.

"If you're going to yell at me, you may as well start now. The drive is long, but I'm assuming you'll want to utilize every minute of that time."

Aldrich took a deep breath, but his voice came across in a deadly quiet tone. I could imagine that he perfected it over years of interrogations and threats, but I had been expecting him to yell again. "Why would I waste my words on scolding you when it'll do no good? You listen to no one, you make impulsive decisions, and it sounds like your friends back home are going to tear you apart, so I'll leave it to them."