Page 88 of Tragic Empire

“I’m a black belt in Judo, you know?” I tease back. “AShodan. I could probably toss you on your ass in the right circumstance.”

His responding grin is filthy. “Ididknow that, and I wouldn’t mind having you throw me around a little bit, baby. As long as I get to throw you into bed, after.”

“How do you know everything about me?” I ask, mesmerized. “I’m not good at talking about myself, and yet, you know me like the back of your hand.”

“I studied the fuck out of you, Ana,” he admits. “Been obsessively learning about you since beforeandafter our vows. I’m basically your stalker, you know?”

“Why do I find that so hot?”

Cassio chuckles, kissing me quickly again. “Because you’re perfect.”

I’m seconds away from pulling him into a deeper kiss when my phone buzzes, shaking obnoxiously against my bedside table top. Frowning, I shift my gaze to the device, watching as the screen lights up and then darkens again.Who the hell is texting me in the middle of the night?

I’m about to ignore it, when it buzzes again, the screen flashing bright.

“Are you going to check that?” Cassio asks, tilting his head.

“I was going to ignore it, we’re having a bit of a moment here,” I huff, crawling up the bed to grab the stupid thing. “But it could be Jade, and it’s the middle of the night, so.”

Only, as soon as the phone unlocks, it isn’t Jade’s name on my screen. It isn’tanyone’sname.

Unknown number

Well, wasn’t that just touching?

“What the…”

I freeze, eyes catching on the next message.

Unknown number

Speaking of touching, you better stop letting him. You wouldn’t want Cassio to meet the same fate as your beloved Cole, would you?

Sensing a shift in the air, Cassio jumps into action, sitting up straight. “What is it,forza?”

My mouth opens, but no words come out as my phone vibrates again.

Unknown number

I thought I’d taught you a lesson, Ana. Do you need another demonstration?

“Cassio…” I croak.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Unknown number

Marrying him for protection, I could understand. You were scared.

Unknown number

But kissing him? FUCKING him?

Unknown number

LOVING HIM?

Unknown number