Page 38 of Tragic Empire
On the display there’s a picture of baby Cesar in his father’s arms, wearing large blue ear protective gear. He’s positively adorable and grinning so big.
“Isobella was asleep, but of course Cesar wouldn’t nap and Dmitri didn’t want the noise to startle him so he figured he’d show him to keep him calm. Some families introduce babies to fireworks, and some families show them an exploding pallet of cinder blocks.”
Passing the phone back, I shrug. “It’s just an advanced science lesson, no harm.”
My husband’s lips twitch in amusement. “A science lesson, that’s a clever way of thinking about it.”
A small ripple of warmth crawls up my neck at his apparent praise, but before I can reply, Jade is at my side and putting her son in my lap.
“Please watch him for a second? I have to pee so bad and Dmitri is talking with Dad,” she pleads and waits for my confirming nod before rushing off toward the house. She calls out her thanks as she disappears.
The soft weight of Cesar sitting in my lap draws my attention, and I look down to find him already grinning up at me. He’s wearing a black onesie with a tuxedo printed design and the smallest little pair of matching trousers. When he starts to squirm a bit, I help rearrange him until he’s burying his head into my chest for a snuggle.
Cassio chuckles at the boy’s enthusiastic cuddling. “I told you. Pretty girls are his new favorite thing.”
My cheeks burn, realizing that he’s just called me pretty. I’m not in denial about being appealing to look at. I’ve recognized my own beauty for years, but hearing it from Cassio so openly is shocking.
“And how did we discover this quality of yours, young man?” I inquire, playfully poking his side.
“Melani and Cleo came to visit,” Cassio answers for him. “He didn’t give a shit about meeting Leon or Emilio, but he stole their wives for hours. It’s a good thing your hair is currently off your shoulders or he’d have a fistful of it right now.”
I haven’t formally met Leon, Emilio or their wives. They don’t live in the family home with Jade, and they can’t come to visit very often. They all have important roles further away in the Moretti territory, but I’ve heard good things about them still.
I’m sure I’ll meet Leon and Emilio by the end of the day, as they both made sure to carve out time for appearances’ sake. Unfortunately, their wives both have kids to look after and couldn’t join them on such short notice.
Though, perhaps it’s for the best. I’m not sure if the threat to me is over, and I’d never want to put anyone else at risk. I already feel a bit guilty for taking so much of Dante’s generosity.
“You’re a charming young chap, aren’t you?” I ask Cesar, letting him snatch up a few of my fingers. He squeezes hard, demonstrating his grip strength and babbles while examining my hand and nails. “Strong too, have you been lifting weights, little love?”
Cassio chuckles. “More like lifting stuffed animals and trying to throw them across the room. He’s a chaos ball of destruction waiting to happen. We’re lucky he’s not old enough to start walking yet, or we’d probably lose him thirty times a day.”
“A tiny troublemaker, aren’t you?” I coo against the top of his head, breathing in his baby scent.
“Understatement,” Cassio concurs.
“I’m sorry to be taking you from them,” I apologize just loud enough for him to hear. “It must be nice being around them. They seem to adore you.” Isobella is perfectly content in his arms, after all. And even though Cesar isn’t trying to wiggle over to his uncle, he keeps sending him gummy smiles while cuddling me.
“It’s not your fault, Ana,” he replies, stern but soft. “They’ve got plenty of family around, and if I have it my way, we won’t be away for too long.”
The sound of swift revenge is terribly appealing.
“Will you want to live here again, then?” I ask timidly. “After, I mean.”
Cassio nods. “Here or close by. It’s safest, and in our family consiglieres stay by the Capo. We don’t operate our own territory like Leon does as underboss. My job is to advise and strategize with my father and Apollo, and being by their side is the best way to do it.”
He watches me process the information and offers a kind smile. “If you prefer we have our own house, we will. If you’d rather live here, we will.”
My throat bobs with a gulp. “It’s up to me?”
“As your husband, I will always take your opinion and your comfort into consideration, Ana,” he preaches the words like gospel. “Unless there is a safety risk, I’ll do my best to honor your wishes.”
Emotion wells in my chest, and I have to take a breath, holding back tears. His proclamation is so genuine and lovely, and not for the first time, I feel incredibly grateful that Cassio volunteered to marry me.
ChapterThirteen
Cassio
My blood-bound wife did an excellent job remaining calm for the rest of our reception. She mingled politely, shared small affections with me, posed for photos, and even smiled convincingly when meeting Leon and Emilio. Though she noticeably struggled to eat, she played her part well.
