Page 71 of Tragic Empire

Why is that incredibly sweet?

“He’s more than just an efficient and psychopathic killer. So, trust me when I tell you that being compared to him isn’t something that should concern you. You should feel proud of it.”

Maybe one day I will.

Clearing my throat to avoid getting too emotional, I stand up and nod slowly. “But just between us,” I start, trying not to grin. “Jade is my favorite brother.”

Apollo huffs. “I take it back. You’re not Nico, you’re Matteo.”

A spirited laugh bursts from my lips.

I think I’m going to enjoy being a part of this family.

Ana Morettidoeshave a lovely ring to it.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Cassio

“Things are going well with your wife, I take it?”

Glass half raised to my lips, I freeze, digesting my father’s question. He’s giving me one of his knowing looks, the kind of expression that tells me he already knows the answer to what he’s asking.

“We’ve become close,” I answer diplomatically, sipping the Italian rum I only keep on hand for family. Drinking alcohol isn’t something I typically enjoy, but I’ll do it sparingly with my father and brothers.

“I’m happy for you,” he replies, folding his hands on the counter.

Dad may be fifty-one now, but he’s aged incredibly well. He looks just like Apollo, just like everyone says, but has some faint wrinkles and gray speckling his dark hair.

“She seems to care deeply for you,” he adds, watching my face for any subtle reactions to his words. “Killing someone for disrespecting Isobel and Angel, though she never knew them… she is a good match, yes?”

Goodis too weak a word.

Still, I agree. “Yes, she is.”

“And you care for her as well?”

“You know I do.”

Dad hums, hiding a smile. “Indeed. I see the way you look at her, Son. I did not think I would be able to witness you in love once more. Though… this love is different than before. New,but powerful, isn’t it?”

“You’d have a lucrative career as a psychic in another life, do you know that?” I drawl, setting my glass down. “She doesn’t even know yet, I haven’t said a word to you, and still you’ve got it all figured out.”

“I know my sons,” he explains simply.

“Thank you for coming so quickly,” I say, shifting the topic.

I’m not comfortable having my feelings for Ana dissected before I’ve explored and confessed them to her. I have no idea if she’s ready to receive that kind of information, and god forbid she overhears it.

“It was no trouble,” Dad tells me, a smile lifting the sides of his mouth. “Armani’s phone call was frantic and unexpected, but I’m glad he knew to come to me. My blood hasn’t been pumping so hard in the middle of the day since I found out your sister was pregnant.”

I huff through a chuckle. “Still an adrenaline junkie at your age? You’re playing with fire, old man.”

Dad scoffs. “Old man? I’m still in my prime, Son.”

He really is.Sometimes I think my age is wearing on me harder than his is, and he’s got over two decades on me.

“Anyway, you shouldn’t have any issues arising from this little incident,” he states, polishing off his drink. “Cameras have been wiped, witnesses have been spoken to, and the girl’s uncle has been threatened. His niece went “missing” on vacation and if he doesn’t want to join her, he’ll keep to that story.”