Page 45 of Tragic Empire

“You fix it, Lord Perfectionist.”

Despite the bickering, I find the parties responsible grinning at each other. Armani’s tattooed hands are carefully straightening Colton’s black cotton tie. They’re both wearing identical suits, but Colton sports a spotless black cowboy hat on top of his head, while Armani wears a six-figure watch around his wrist.

“You guys are coming?” I ask, alerting them to my presence.

“Of course we are,” Armani answers immediately, watching softly as I approach. “You’re my sister now, Ana. We wouldn’t miss it.”

My heart squeezes at the sincerity in his tone.

Colton nods in agreement. “You haven’t been up for company yet—understandable, of course—but you’ll see soon enough. We’re going to be best friends.”

I actually have been up for company. Quiet company, I mean, but being in my room alone all day has quickly gotten lonely. I haven’t wanted to bother anyone by requesting companionship. If they genuinely want to be friends though…

“I’ve actually been thinking about joining you both in the living room sometimes,” I admit quietly. “If that would be okay?—”

“Hell yeah, doll,” Colton interrupts. “Join us any time. I could use a break from this one’s pestering. He’ll be nicer to me if we have company.”

“I’m a delight,” Armani argues, smacking his friend’s chest with the back of his hand. “You’re just a slob. Leaving your socks on the floor like you were raised in a barn.”

“I was raised on a ranch, it’s practically the same thing,” Colton quips, smirking like irritating Armani is one of his greatest joys.

Their easy banter makes it hard to feel glum, admittedly. Perhaps spending more time with the two of them will be good for me.

“Are the two of you done harassing my wife?”

Cassio’s deep voice sends a shiver down my spine, and my head spins around to find him standing nearby. He’s dressed impeccably in all black, looking undeniably handsome.

“Harassing is a strong word,” Armani sasses. “We’re mingling.”

“Sure you are,” Cassio drawls. “Tell them to fuck off if they start to give you a headache,forza.”

My cheeks flame under his attention, feeling a warmth radiate in my stomach at hearing his nickname for me. I still don’t know very much about my husband, but he’s been holding me in bed every night, and I find myself already growing too attached. I crave his presence, so much so that I become agitated in the absence of it.

I know he’s working while he’s gone, taking care of Killian’s people, but I still wish he could be with me all day. I don’t feel like screaming and crying when he’s by my side, fueling me with his strength.

“Oh!” Colton suddenly exclaims. “Before we go, we have a gift for you. Let me call him.”

Callhim?

I don’t have time to ask what he means before he moves.

Colton puts two fingers to his lips and blows out a sharp whistle. Following the noise like a command, a fully grown Doberman with sleek black fur and light brown markings trots up to his side.

“This is Sirius, and he’s yours now,” he tells me, a small grin playing on his lips. “He’s an expertly trained protector and I’ve picked him out just for you. He’ll suit your needs just fine, I think.”

Gaping at him in shock, I’m at a loss for words.

“What…” I look back at Cassio, receiving a clipped nod that tells me he’s in on this. Eyes back on Colton, I blink twice. “You got me a dog?”

His chuckle is warm. “Sirius isn’t just a dog, he’s a guard. He’ll attack on command, watch out for you, and keep you company. He’s a very smart boy.”

“You seem familiar with him,” I comment, still digesting the fact that I’m being gifted a living creature. I’ve never had a pet before.

“My mother trained him,” he informs me with a smile, reaching down to pet behind the dog’s ear. “She takes in abused attack dogs and trains them properly. Sirius is one of her best students and we’ve been keeping him for the right family.”

“And you think that’sme?” I bristle. “I’ve never even taken care of agoldfish. He’s a lot bigger than a fish in a little bowl. I… what do I even do with him? I’m in bed nearly all day, barely alive myself. How can I commit to taking care of him? What if he hates me? I?—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Colton cuts in, hearing the beginning of panic in my tone. “Armani and I are going to help you with the transition, I promise it’s not as complicated as you’re imagining. He’s here to make your life easier, not more difficult.”