Page 109 of Tragic Empire
Colton chuckles. “This way the blade stays covered while in your hair, and doesn’t give you a choppy ass cut while swaying around in there.”
“I’m going to wear this one all the time,” I declare, chin lifting high. “It’s genius, Winona. Thank you.”
“Thank your husband,” she tells me with a smirk. “He’s the one who rush-ordered all of this. I just stopped by to see my boy, and that beautiful pup of yours if you’ll let me.”
Remembering that she’s the woman who saved and trained him, I don’t have to contemplate my answer.
“Sirius, come,” I command softly. He trots right up to my side, tail slowly wagging. Pointing to his former trainer, I add, “Sirius, play.”
Hearing the word that assures him he’s off duty, he yips gleefully and lunges for Winona. Tail wagging fast and jaw dropped open to pant, letting his tongue flop around, he weaves around her legs in an excited huff.
“Who’s a good boy?” she coos, petting him in return.
“The dog gets a warmer greeting than I do,” Colton sulks.
“The dog didn’t put me through twenty-eight hours of labor,” his mum quips, smirking up at him.
“Point taken.”
* * *
Cassio
After Winona leaves, I whip up a quick lunch for all of us. It’s Agnes’ day off, and if I didn’t cook, we’d be eating leftovers or takeout. Cooking was apparently the right choice, because my wife loves it.
“Ohhhh my goddd,Cassio,” Ana moans. Her eyes flutter shut like she’s just been transported to heaven.
Armani snorts, leaning down to take a bite of his own sandwich. “I do not need to hear your fuck noises at the table, love.”
Ana ignores him, swallowing her next bite. “I would fuck this tuna melt.”
“You could fuck the man who made it for you instead,” Colton suggests, giving me a wink.
“Right after I brush my teeth,” my wife agrees, nodding.
“God, I need to get laid,” Armani groans. “I’m in a responsible brother dry spell, hanging out around here all the time.”
“A sex detox was totally in order,” Colton tells him, patting his back. “Now you know you can go weeks and weeks without it. I’m so proud.”
“Fuck off.” My brother huffs. “Not all of us want to wait around for it.”
Colton shrugs. “You just need to meet the right person.”
“Yourright personwon’t even text you back, let alone fuck you.”
“I’m playing the long game.”
“I hope your dick shrivels up from prolonged neglect.”
“I hope your community cock gets an infection,” Colton retorts.
Ana almost chokes on her sandwich laughing.
“I do not understand your friendship,” I say, eyeing the two men. I’ve never wished an STD on Killian, and certainly never wished Leon’s dick would shrivel up. I’m pretty sure they’re joking and don’t actually wish undo harm on each other’s pricks, but who knows with them.
Just as I’m about to take another bite of my lunch, a knock sounds against the front door, and I immediately stiffen. Armani and I reach for our guns at the same time, Colton quickly following in suit. Our bodies shift in unison, blocking Ana from the view of the door as we stand up from the kitchen counter.
“Oh, would you relax?” Ana huffs, getting up and maneuvering around us before I can stop her. “I ordered something, it’s just Gerard bringing it up. He made sure the package wasn’t tampered with.”
