Page 128 of Tragic Empire

She also tells me that she started texting Anya, Dmitri’s little sister. Nothing overly friendly, as the teen seems shy. But she sends her pictures of Cesar and Isobel, and has started to talk about wedding planning with her. She really wants Anya to come, and she’s hopeful that she will.

Since Dmitri and Jade are planning to host on Empire Academy’s campus, and Anya’s family will all be there, it should feel safe and inviting enough for her. I completely agree and hope she’ll come. She’s a part of Jade’s family, and I know it would mean so much to Dmitri and Ivan. They hardly get to see her anymore.

My jaw hurts by the time our chattering begins to slow. It’s almost overwhelming how nice it has been to just sit back and have a conversation with her. We get on so well, and I feel like we could prattle on for hours.

Cassio finds us having a snack sometime later, greeting me with a kiss to the temple before his lips brush the shell of my ear.

“You know, this is the second time I’ve dried off from a shower and found your hair literally wrapped around my balls, Wife.”

A girlish laugh bubbles from my chest. “Oh?”

“You think that’s funny, do you?” He chuckles, eyes sparkling at the joy on my face. “I suppose I should get used to it. I don’t think there’s a washer in the world that can keep up with how much you shed from that pretty little head of yours.”

Giving him a coy grin, I shrug. “It’s just another reminder of who you belong to.”

“Ugh, you guys are so cute!” Jade squeals.

My face heats, and I don’t think I stop blushing for the next several hours. Not while unpacking, or while every member of the family comes to check in on us. It’s a wonderful feeling to be flooded with so much hospitality. They truly see me as a member of the family.

All thanks to Cassio.

At dinner, the table is piled with delicious food, and surrounded by friendly faces. Cassio’s hand is wrapped around the back of my neck while we eat, his thumb lazily dragging up and down the side of my throat. I’m tempted to ask him to stop, because as amazing as it feels, the affectionate petting is starting to stir something up inside of me. And we aren’t alone.

Being alone in a house this full already feels impossible, but I find that I love it. Whether it’s babies screaming, brothers squabbling, dishes banging, or cozy conversation, the Moretti home islively.

Yes, I can tell that there will be moments where I could scream for some alone time with my husband, but mostly I know this experience is going to be incredible. And besides, I know I can count on Cassio to sweep me away from the chaos to lay me down for a nap… or lay me on my back.

I don’t think it’s possible to be any happier than I am right now.

ChapterForty

Cassio

Six Months Later

“Iknew I should have gone to the bachelorette party instead,” Matteo sulks, tossing his cards into the center of the table with a huff. “I’m going to tell Jade that her husband keeps stealing my money.”

Dmitri simply smirks, collecting his chips. He doesn’t reveal his hand, having forced Matteo into folding. He wants him to wonder whether or not he bluffed. Dmitri plays poker like he was born doing it, and it irks Matteo.

I, on the other hand, find it quite amusing.

“Were you hoping that she’d pity you enough to let you tag along?” Apollo inquires, snark dripping from his tone. “It’s ladies only, Brother. She told you this.”

“Twenty times,” Elio tacks on, twirling his glass of scotch.

“Ivan and Anatoly are there, it’s hardly ladies only,” Matteo grumbles in response. “So not fair.”

“They’re guarding the girls,” Dad reminds him. “I’m sure they’re not having a ton of fun either, Son.”

“I’m having a great time,” Apollo says with a mischievous grin. Getting under our little brother’s skin is one of his favorite pastimes.

“Bachelor parties are supposed to be comprised of half-naked strippers, irresponsible drug consumption, and loud music,” Matteo says, ignoring him. “Not card-playing, cigar smoking, and whiskey sipping at home.”

“The idea of half-naked women who are not my wife coming within a mile of me is revolting,” Dmitri grimaces.

“Good,” Nico declares, beginning to deal out the next hand of cards.

“I’m too old for strippers,” Dad adds on. “The last woman who tried to get my attention for money called meDaddy,and I thought I was going to be sick. I told her that my daughter calls me that, and she scurried off, thankfully.”