Page 129 of Savage Empire

“And your uncle Apollo’sfidanzata,” I cut in, nodding to my nephews.

Bastian digests the information, understanding quickly. “Hello, Aunt Rayna,” he greets, ever the formal little man.

“Pollo’s Rayna?” Leo asks, eyes wide as he puts the puzzle pieces together. I make a note to get him one hell of a birthday gift this year for that little comment.

“Yes, Apollo’s Rayna,” I agree before she can deny it.

“Bastian, do you want to sit with Aunt Jade so you can be next to Leo?” my sister asks, holding her hands out.

“No, Ja-ja,” Leo huffs, pushing her arms away. “Bastian sit Rayna me.”

His ability to string together English words when he barely spoke the language months ago is honestly incredible. The three year old is smart as a whip, even if he doesn’t sound it to those who wouldn’t understand his circumstance. Leon has told me he excels in his lessons, and I can see that.

Jade clutches her heart, gasping. “The rejection, it burns.”

“Bastian sit?” Leo asks Rayna, ignoring Jade entirely.

“Of course,” she replies, poorly hiding how adorable she finds this interaction. Her eyes are shining and her smile hasn’t faded once. “Bastian, would you like to join us?”

“Yes,” he agrees almost bashfully. She lifts him up, barely making room for the two small boys on her lap. “Thank you, Aunt Rayna.”

“Ugh, I want to be put out, but I’m so excited to hear him call you Aunt Rayna,” Jade says, practically cooing.

Ana chuckles at Jade’s other side, adding, “You’re one of us now.”

Tucking her chin down, Rayna smiles. “I guess I am.”

My eyes swing to the side, catching Leon as he enters the room with two plates for his boys. He freezes at the sight of them, like he’s been struck dumb. Leo is playing with Rayna’s hair now and babbling up at her while Bastian quietly watches the pair.

I clear my throat pointedly, glaring at him as he snaps out of it.

Rayna notices him and smiles at the boys. “Looks like Daddy brought you pizza. Are you hungry?”

My brother looks like he might swallow his tongue but shakes it off quickly, walking further into the room. “Do you want me to take one of them? They can eat on their own but Leo is a little squirmy.”

“I’ve got them,” she replies. “I’m Aunt Rayna now, it seems.”

“Yes, you are,” I agree, eyes locking in on hers.

“Why don’t you just pee on her?” Elio snarks, swaggering into the room, Armani following in tow.

“Ew, why would you say that?” Rayna grimaces. “I’m trying to eat here.”

“Just an expression,birichina.” Elio chuckles. “It’s fun to see Apollo all possessive of someone. He’s never brought a woman around, let alone one he planned to marry.”

“You’ve never brought anyone home?” Rayna asks, surprised.

“I’ve never even seen him with a lady friend,” Matteo volunteers, snickering to himself. “I thought he must be gay or impotent for years.”

“What’s impotent?” Bastian asks, frowning at the unfamiliar word.

“Shy,” Rayna lies quickly.

“Yes,” Matteo agrees. “I thought Uncle Apollo was very shy, maybe even scared of pretty girls.”

“Uncle Apollo didn’t entertain anything less than perfection,” I explain to the children with a warning look to my brother.

“Did he just call Rayna perfect?” I hear Yordan whisper, the question directed at Elio.