Page 61 of Tragic Empire

“We are.”

When I was younger, I fantasized about sharing all my firsts with my future husband. I wanted every milestone to feel special, even if it was unrealistic. It’s part of the reason I didn’t have sex until I was nineteen.

But Cole and I didn’t share that first. He had been with plenty of girls before meeting me, and I couldn’t exactly fault him for it. He didn’t know I existed, let alone that he would want me. He did tell me that once we met, he never even considered pursuing another girl. Cole was hooked, and that’s probably why I eventually fell for him. His obsession felt like a warm hug, or a comfy sweater—once it stopped frightening me.

But in falling for Cole, I resigned myself to losing my naive dream of sharing firsts with the man I would share my life with. And with Cassio, of course it wasn’t a possibility for either of us. So it seems we won’t share a bunch of firsts, but maybe we’ll have plenty of seconds in common.

“Am I the second person you’ve shared a bed with?” I blush a little as I ask.

A soft smile tugs at his lips. “Unless you count my brothers, yes.”

“I like that,” I admit shyly.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I confirm quietly. “I almost wish Cole and I married, because then this would be a second marriage for both of us.”

“No, Ana,” Cassio says with the shake of his head. “This marriage is a first for us both. A Moretti Blood Marriage isn’t something either of us have shared with another. It’s entirely ours.”

His words echo around in my mind and all I want to do is kiss him again.

“Come,” he insists, taking my hand. “Eat with me downstairs. You’ll want this while it’s still hot.”

But French onion soup isn’t what I’m craving anymore. And if my husband didn’t just spend hours making it for me. I’d tell him to hell with the food, and drag him straight into bed to kiss me breathless once more.

ChapterTwenty-One

Ana

Jade

We miss you!

Attached to the message is an adorable photo of my best friend holding her babies, a huge smile on her face. Cesar is fisting her hair and trying to shove it in his mouth while Isobella is staring at the camera lens with wide eyes.

Ana

There are my three favorite people. I miss you all too. Sooo much.

Jade

I wish we could come see you! :(

Smiling sadly down at my phone, I silently wish for the same. Unfortunately, there’s no possible way to visit my best friend without putting her in danger. We’re not positive that whoever killed Bron and Cole are secretly plotting to appear again, or if they care about me at all, but I’m not willing to risk it.

Until Cassio and Killian decide there’s nothing to worry about, we’ll continue to play it safe. Part of me is worried that Killian will be ready to return before we’ve found the parties responsible. And what then? Do Cassio and I stay here to keep our distance from the Morettis? Do we return to his home and move in, risking all the other inhabitants with my proximity?

Sighing, I try to shake off the unnecessary overthinking. Cassio has told me to trust him to take care of it, and for my own sanity, I need to listen and believe in his assurances.

Ana

I’m counting the days :)

Ana

How is everyone there?

Jade