Page 92 of The Viper's Wife

“I broke a fucking nail, but otherwise no,” Alessia says. “Come in.”

I take two steps back so that I’m standing between him and Valeria. I haven’t figured out how yet, but I’d bet everything I own he was behind tonight’s drive-by, acting on Father’s orders. This entire situation reeks of Father’s scheming.

Giovanni glances at us with a flicker of quiet disapproval.

My gun heats against my lower belly.

If I shot him here and now, would that be enough to stop the threats to Valeria?

It’s a pretty thought, but I know it wouldn’t. Father would punish me, and the simplest path to hurting me is in a black dress right behind me.

“You got here fast,” I say, and because I can’t fucking help myself. “Waiting nearby?”

His eyes narrow.

“Enough.” Alessia leans against the kitchen counter, next to Mamma. “Gio, why do the Russians want us dead?”

“They are upset about their involvement with Valeria’s family. They want her out of the picture.”

Valeria tenses behind me. I reach for her hand, and I’m soothed, a little, that she doesn’t jerk away from my touch.

“So let me get this straight,” Alessia says. She clicks against the counter with her nails, inspects the broken one, and sighs. “The Russians have had every opportunity to attack Nico and Valeria for weeks now, buttonight, when Mamma and I are in town, is when they finally decide to strike?”

“You should speak to your papà to see if he has more information,” Giovanni says smoothly. “I don’t know why they have chosen tonight. I agree it is strange.”

Alessia glares at him like she’s trying to launch a psychic attack into his thoughts. Giovanni calmly endures her scrutiny. It’s a familiar dance between the two—one that Giovanni tends to sidestep, because he knows as well as I do that no one is more stubborn than my sister.

“Alessia and I will leave for New York tomorrow.” Mamma takes a sip of wine. “Nico, it might be a wise decision to come with us. If the Russians are targeting you, you’ll need all the support you can get.”

No one else can see as Valeria squeezes my wrist.

“I’ll have to discuss this with my wife first. But thank you. I’ll let you all know.”

On the drive back,I make a list.

I need a new car. Something sturdy and bulletproof. And a team. Trusted men who will watch Valeria from a distance.

Father’s blessing.

Salvatore’s support.

I almost laugh as I let us into the apartment. I’m going to end up begging on hands and knees for the very resources I’ve resisted for so long.

In the entrance, Valeria braces a palm against the wall and bends down to untie her heels.

Might as well start now.

I drop to my knees. “I’ll do it.”

She inhales lightly as I take her heel in my palm and undo the buckle. Her toenails are painted black, the edges chipped.

I add pedicures to the list. She needs me to take care of her. If I’m not getting her pregnant yet, I need to prove to her how I’m going to satisfy her every need.

When I place her shoe down and reach for the other, she hesitates.

“I can do it,” she says.

“I know you can. I want to do it for you.”