Page 113 of Tragic Empire

“I’m a certified middle child,” Armani replies with a sigh. “Close with everyone, closest with no one.”

Colton nods along. “Which is why he has me.”

“But you two have never…”

“Nope,” Armani confirms, popping the p. “Tried to drunkenly kiss once as teenagers, It didnotgo well.”

“And before you ask, no, we’ve never considered sharing a partner.”

I gape at him before blurting out, “People ask you that?”

“Allllll the time,” Colton confirms. “I’m far too possessive to even consider it.”

“And he doesn’t do one nighters,” Armani adds. “Such a bore.”

My brows lift. “So you’re saying you would have a threesome… just not with Colton?”

“I’ve done plenty of group activities, pretty girl.” Armani lifts his shoulder in a half shrug. “It’s not that special, butyourinterest seems piqued. Wouldyouever have a threesome?”

“Sure, if I could clone Cassio to do it.”

Colton cackles. “That’s my kind of answer.”

“Ick, I do not need to hear your fantasies about cloning my brother.”

Sitting up straighter, I pin Colton with a curious look. “Speaking of that… which Moretti man are you chasing after, mister? This is the second time I’m hearing of it with no further context.”

“We should do something when this is all over,” Colton muses, changing the topic with ease. “Something siblings would do. Family bonding, but not juvenile.”

I snort at his obvious avoidance but don’t push. He doesn’t need to tell me just because I’m his friend. He’s allowed to have some privacy if he wants it. Arching a brow at his suggestion, I play along. “Like what?”

“Well, what did you do with Killian for fun?”

“Fun?” I snort. “Killian isn’t much of afunsort of bloke. Most of the time we spent out together was at events. Fundraisers, galas, grand openings… and well, fights, I suppose.”

“Fights?” Armani perks up, attention caught. “Underground stuff or, like, UFC events?”

“Underground,” I confirm. “Killian has fought at a few. There’s a mutually owned club that a lot of syndicates use.”

His eyes sparkle with interest. “Killian fancies himself a fighter, does he? Is he any good?”

“He’s good.” My shoulder’s lift in a shrug. “He doesn’t do anything too competitive or crazy. It’s mostly to stay in shape and to remind everyone that he’s the heir to the Monarch for a reason. He’s only ever been in one deathmatch, and that was to put down a traitor.”

“They took you to this place? And let you watchdeathmatches?” Colton questions, jaw hanging open. “Are they insane?”

“Oh please,” I scoff, rolling my eyes. “I was fine. And for your information, the only deathmatch I’ve seen was Killian’s—and I knew he would win. I typically have no desire to watch a grown man gamble his life for the sake of pride.”

“Still,” Armani winces, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t let Jade within ten miles of an underground fighting ring, especially if one of her brothers were in the ring. Shit can get ugly on the outside too.”

“Okay,Dad,” I drone, shaking off his overprotective nature. “Do you guys even fight?”

“Of course we fight,” Armani declares loudly, looking scandalized by such a question. “What do you think we do to keep our power? Sit around singing songs and braiding each other’s hair? The Moretti’s create some of the most lethal fighters in the country.”

Holding up my hands in surrender, I chuckle. “Such passion! I’m so sorry to have offended your delicate sensibilities. I take it you’re one of the better fighters in the family?”

Armani’s chest puffs up and he grins big. “You know it. Apollo and Elio have got me beat, I’m man enough to admit it. Those two are monsters in hand to hand. Elio hits harder than anyone I know, and Apollo is lightning fast. But after them, it’s me.”

He hums like he’s considering his next words. “I’d say Leon and Cassio are next. Matteo is scrappy as fuck, but he doesn’t care for it unless there’s a reason. Remo prefers digital violence. And you know how Nico is, he’d rather skin someone than spar with them.”