Page 86 of Savage Empire

“If they want.” I shrug. “It’s not all that exciting here, they may get bored.”

“Bored? With me here?” Jade waves me off. “Not possible.”

Dmitri chuckles, low and husky. “Your Matteo is showing, baby.”

My eyebrows raise up. “Your what is what?”

His wife rolls her eyes. “It’s something he says whenever I’m acting a little too much like my youngest brother. When I’m being cocky in a playful way, mostly. That’s Matteo’s MO to a T.”

“Ahh, I see.” I hum. “Yordan’s a bit like that sometimes. He’s got this attitude and sass but not in a mean way, you know?”

“Oh, I know.” Jade chuckles. “We’ve all mentioned how Apollo gets along so well with Yordan but bickers so much with Matteo even though they’re quite similar. Matteo doesn’t find it amusing.”

“I bet.” I smile.

“Cake ball time?” she asks, changing the subject. “Please tell me there’s enough for me to snag one.”

“There’s plenty,” I confirm.

“Ana’s here,” Dmitri says, looking down at his phone. “I’ll let them in, if that is okay.”

“That’s great, thank you.”

Getting up, I make my way to the kitchen and take a deep breath. This is going to be fine—good for me, even. Ana is Jade’s best friend—her sister now. I don’t expect her to be anything other than as lovely as Jade has been.

I can handle this.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Rayna

So far, I’d say the treat I whipped up for the twins is a hit. Cesar has absolutely bodied two of them on his own, almost growling like a happy little lion as he devoured them.

Isobella seemed happy with them too, but instead of eating them all on her own, she decided to take one bite of every cake pop ball she was offered, and share the rest of it with a random adult of her choosing. First was her father, then her uncle Cassio, and then her mother.

Jade was right, she’s quite the sweetie when she doesn’t feel so shy. Being a good sharer at the early ages in life is a great sign of kindness, especially when it’s unprompted.

One thing is for certain, being around this family is dangerous. There are far too many adorable young children, and I fear the treacherous condition known as baby fever is trying to infect me.

I’ve always wanted my own children, but I haven’t allowed myself to think of the desire for years. It’s never been safe, andI’ve certainly never found a man I would allow to father my future babies before.

Watching as Isobella tries to pick off a tiny pink sprinkle from her treat with careful fingers and a determined gaze, I smile to myself, imagining what it would be like to have a daughter.

Sometimes with Yordan, it feels as if I’ve always had a son. But he’s not my son, not truly.

“This place is cute,” Ana comments, smiling as she looks around. It hasn’t been long since she and Cassio settled into our small group. Turning to her husband, she nudges him playfully with her elbow. “How come we never had a cute little apartment together?”

The third eldest Moretti son gives her an amused look. “You wanted to live with my sister, if I remember correctly, wife. Had Dmitri and I never been born, I fear the two of you would be married instead.”

Jade hides a giggle and Dmitri huffs.

“Bite your tongue, husband,” Ana says with a chuckle in her sweet London accent. “I could never think of such a thing. Don’t be jealous that Jade and I are best mates.”

“Mate,” Cesar echoes, wiggling in Ana’s lap.

“Yes, you’re my little mate, too. Aren’t you, lad?” She coos down at him happily. “Have you been behaving yourself, mister?”

Jade groans, looking as embarrassed as before. “He’s been showing off his colorful vocabulary again.”