Precious Legacy (The Notorious Legacy #1)

Chapter 45

FOUR MONTHS LATER

“ T o the future of The Five!” my dad toasts, raising his drink in the air. His voice echoes in the warehouse, Roman’s latest acquired venue for his fight nights, that he’s miraculously turned into some prestige event room. The place sparkles with fairy lights and black drapes hanging from the rafters—no doubt to cover the hideous rust stained walls.

Thanks to Haldon, a DJ plays one of his playlists in the background while catering staff wander around the space with trays of hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne. Every single person I know is in this room, celebrating my graduation from the academy.

We all join my dad in lifting our glasses as Roman tucks me into his side. “To Presh!” he says proudly. Warmth spreads through my chest at the effort that everyone has gone to give me a day equally as important as when my brother took over as head of the family.

Today not only marks my last day as a recruit—a moment I’ve been working my ass off to get to—but the start of a new adventure. It took a lot of blood, sweat and literal tears, but I made it. The grueling physical training sessions were made easier with my aunt around, and the studying was seamless thanks to my best friend and her crazy brain.

I think the entire class has benefitted from Lexie being our instructor for the last four months. She made sure that Prescott was long forgotten about, using her years of knowledge and experience to make us all better cops.

Not only that, but I was awarded the Mayor’s Award for attaining the highest overall average in my intake. It didn’t come easy, and I definitely questioned myself more than once, but it was worth it. To see my mom and dad standing proudly as I accepted the award on stage, clapping and cheering along with the rest of the attendees, had me a little teary-eyed. I never thought I’d see this moment, let alone be able to share it with my family.

I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve seen my dad genuinely proud of me. It’s not often that I see him smile, especially me being the reason, but when my name was called out and I stepped up on the stage to accept my award, I didn’t miss the beaming grin stretching his face from across the room.

I’ve made several promises since stepping into the academy, many I’ve broken, but the one I stuck to was proving not only to myself but my family, that I could do this. And I’ve done just that.

It’s hard to accept the gratitude of my classmates and family when I know deep down I couldn’t have done it without them. Aunt Lexie was my inspiration, my past was my motivation, but my family was the encouragement I didn’t know I needed. Everyone respected my decision better than I thought they would. Even Uncle Trigger—who’s not had the best relationship with the law—gave me a big hug and congratulated me. It definitely took me by surprise, but it puts everything into perspective when the most notorious crime families in New York City have your back. I didn’t think I’d get to this point in my life where I’d actually be proud to be a Bonanno, yet here I am.

I haven’t changed my name back and I don’t plan to. Most of my classmates already figured out my relation to The Five. You can’t hide anywhere in this city, especially with ruthless parents like mine, but I know they have my back just as much as I have theirs, and though I know the road ahead isn’t going to be easy, I’m prepared for what comes my way.

We all have our roles to play now, and mine is to make sure The Five—my brother— doesn’t get into serious trouble. Obviously, that skates close to the line of being morally corrupt, but I never admitted to being completely clean—as much as I want to be. At some point, I had to accept that I would never be able to escape my family completely and I’m okay with that. The Five is a part of me, no matter what career path I choose, and I don’t think I’d have it any other way. They had my back when shit went down with Prescott and I’m in a good place because of that.

I’m working through my trauma, thanks to Sloan Genovese and her charity, and I’m slowly on the road to recovery. It won’t happen overnight, but Roman has been there for me, and my family has been nothing but supportive. Especially once my father found out about the assault five years ago.

I’ve never seen my dad cry, but it was one of the most heartbreaking moments to see him so filled with guilt and shame for what happened. None of it was his fault, of course, but like Roman, he too harbors the feeling of being responsible. Thankfully, it’s only cemented our relationship and brought us closer, something I would’ve never imagined happening. It’s made him ten times more protective of me, but I understand it now and I’ll never tell him to stop.

As for my brother, he’s still Varo; the brooding Bonanno who probably feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders right now. He always has time for me, reminding me of who I am and what I’m capable of. He’s the voice of reason whenever I doubt myself and just makes me appreciate the family I have around me.

While I don’t know the specifics, I do know that things between The Five and the Russians is growing more volatile. It’s only a matter of time before the city is burning at their feet. Varo knows he’s got some big shoes to fill, but I’ve seen firsthand how well he’s managing, and with Roman and Haldon by his side, he’ll be unstoppable.

Finishing off my champagne, I move towards Haven.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, hooking her arm through mine.

“I haven’t seen Vee yet.”

Her brows furrow as her gaze tours the vicinity we’re in. “He’ll be here,” she reassures, giving my arm a squeeze. “He wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“I know,” I mumble, leaning into her. “I just feel like… I don’t know.” I frown, dragging my focus around the room.

Since I’m still trying to keep a low profile, only Mom, Dad and Lexie came to my graduation. I wish everyone could have been there, but even I’m aware of the risk it poses to me and The Five. Still, I thought my brother would be here . I know I shouldn’t be worried about him. He’s busy most days since taking over from Dad, but I can’t ignore the feeling in my gut that twists and pinches. It’s like a silent message, telling me something’s wrong. I’m instantly on edge because I know despite Varo’s busy schedule, he’d never miss today. And even if he was late, he’d let us know.

“Come on,” she chuckles. “I could do with some fresh air.” She winks at me, guiding me towards the exit of the warehouse.

“Pass,” I mutter. I start my probationary period as a Field Officer in a couple of weeks and the last thing I want is to fail a drug test on my first day. “I’ll come out with you, though. Maybe I can get a hold of Vee.”

Haven shrugs as she guides us towards the exit. The noise behind us dissipates as soon as we step out into the night. It’s the perfect relief to the busy day I’ve had. All the excitement of today ebbs away as soon I lean against the wall, inhaling the crisp air.

I close my eyes as Haven lights up a joint, the scent wafting across me. “You know you’re gonna have to quit when you graduate,” I smirk.

“I know,” she giggles. “But that’s still a few years away.”

“Not with your brains!” I tease. “I swear you’ll be chief surgeon by the time you’re thirty.”

“That’s not possible,” she scoffs, taking a drag of her smoke.

Nudging her with my shoulder, I give her a pointed look. She’s far too modest for her own good. She always tried to play down how smart she is, but we all know she’s a superstar in the making.

“Anything is possible,” I murmur. “Just look at me.”

“Yeah, but?—”

I peer back at Haven, but she’s focused on something over my shoulder. The familiar wariness washes over me as I spin around, following her gaze. My eyes land on my brother, but where I should feel relief that he’s here, it’s replaced with something else.

Fear.

“Lani?” he says, voice raspy and dry as he staggers towards me. Confusion warps his features as he glances between Haven and I.

“Are you drunk?” I accuse, trying to remain calm as he leans against me. His heavy body makes me jolt, but it’s unease that settles in the pit of my stomach as his knees wobble. What the fuck?

Varo doesn’t answer me, though. He glances at Haven, eyes glazed over with the kind of confusion you see from kids when they realize Santa Claus isn’t real anymore.

As soon as I see the pallor of his skin, my nerves kick into overdrive. “What happened?”

Even in the shadows, I can see how clammy he looks. His feet scuff the pavement, and not in the way alcohol would induce. No, this is more sinister.

Suddenly, my knees collide with the gravel as Varo collapses, taking me with him. I wince through the pain as I grip onto my brother, trying to protect his head. He’s moving, but it’s sluggish and uncoordinated; something Varo is certainly not.

My pulse pounds in my ears as panic surges through me. My eyes scour his body, locking on his stomach where his bloody hand grips his black shirt. “Vee?” I shout. “Vee?”

“I’m going to get some help!” Haven calls out. I don’t have time to answer her before she’s racing back into the building behind us.

All my worries from earlier rear their ugly head. My worst nightmare’s coming true as I hold my brother against me, a tear slipping down my cheek. “I knew something didn’t feel right,” I whisper. “Stay with me, okay?”

Varo nods, but it’s weak at best. “Maybe…” he rasps. “We do have twin… telepathy… after all.” He gurgles and coughs, blood spraying onto my arms. I fight every urge to punch him. Because even as he bleeds out on the concrete, he’s trying to make fucking jokes.

“I swear to god, if you fucking die on me, I’ll bring you back and kill you myself.”

“Ha!” Varo scoffs. “You’re… funny.”

“Asshole,” I growl.

“Varo grimaces, blood slipping from the corner of his lips. “I don’t feel so good.”

“It’s okay,” I assure. “Haven’s gone to get help.”

“But what about Milo?” His dark features fold into a scowl, and in that moment, I can see his own worry piercing the pain he’s in.

“What about Milo?” I whisper, stroking the crease along his forehead. It’s the only thing keeping me calm right now, but Varo grips my wrist, pinning me with a glare that must take up all his energy because his eyes close as he whispers his last words.

“He’s my forever.”

The end…