Page 66 of Tragic Empire
“I’ll take you up on that, devious girl.”
* * *
Ana
Four familiar faces greet me as soon as I step intoThe Modern Luxe, an upscale private restaurant beloved by many of the elite. Reagan, Emma, Charlotte, and Morgan are my closest acquaintances in the criminal underground society of New York. I’ve developed relationships with each of them through years of parties, galas, and fundraisers, some of them more friendly than others. Each of them possess different associations that allow them to exist in this world.
Reagan Carrington’s father is an Irish assassin for hire who works for some of the most prominent mafias in all of New York City. Her fiery red hair, pale skin, and face full of freckles are unmistakable. She’s also incredibly skilled in combat and weapons handling, but with a dad like hers, her name is enough to scare any possible threats away.
Emma Swanson and Charlotte Astor are both daughters of shady billionaire tycoons. Their fathers invest heavily in several illegitimate businesses and cooperate with crime syndicates as well as corrupt politicians. The two girls fell in love at fifteen and had been secretly dating for years. When they turned eighteen last year, they married in secret, forcing their disapproving families to either disown them, or accept their relationship publicly.
Their fathers despise one another—and have for decades—but have begrudgingly accepted their daughter’s relationship. Thankfully, because not only are they perfect together, they’re also one of the most stunning couples I’ve ever seen.
Emma has the most ethereal beauty, with her dark umber complexion, black waist-length curly hair, and the body of a slim runway model. While Charlotte is the beachy blonde with crystal blue eyes and curves that Hollywood magazines dream of.
And then there’s Morgan. We’ve never been close. She’s the niece of some millionaire casino owner, and she’s far too rude for my taste. But Charlotte went to boarding school with her, and even though I can tell she gets fed up with Morgan’s demeanor sometimes, she doesn’t cut her off.
And unfortunately, she’s the first to greet me.
“Ahhh,” she shrieks excitedly, jumping up from her seat, bouncy brunette waves swaying around her shoulders. “There she is!”
I try to hide my cringe as she hugs me tightly and air kisses the side of my face. Moving on to softly hug the other three, I release a breath and take my seat with a forced smile. “Hello, everyone.”
“I want to catch up and ask you how you are,” Reagan starts, white teeth flashing in a smile. “But I have to ask, who were the absolute smoke shows that just escorted you in here?”
I chuckle, eyes finding Armani and Colton sitting at a table close by. “The one with the tattoos is one of my brothers-in-law, and the cowboy is his best friend. They’re staying with Cassio and I for a while.”
“Is the cowboy looking for a cowgirl?” she asks, waggling her brows.
The table all share a laugh, and I shake my head while smiling. “I think cowgirlsaren’t quite his fancy.”
“Damn,” she curses, playfully sighing with disappointment.
“Still single then?” I ask, flipping open a menu.
“Dreadfully so,” Morgan answers for her, trying to hide a smirk.
“Who cares about me,” Reagan cuts in, ignoring the obvious jab. “Let me see that gorgeous ring, please. I can’t believe you’re married!”
Flushing, I extend my hand, allowing them all to get a good look.
“Wow,” Emma says, peering at the jewelry. “Is it true the engagement ring is an heirloom? It’s stunning.”
“Your connection to the gossip network never ceases to amaze me,” I tease, retracting my hand.
“Bagging Cassio Moretti is a win, heirloom or not,” Morgan notes. I wish she weren’t in the seat right next to me, because she’s already rubbing me the wrong way. I don’t like the greedy glimmer in her eyes as she says my husband’s name.
“I don’t want to bring the mood down,” Charlotte says quickly, likely knowing I wouldn’t have a pleasant response to Morgan. “But I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t say how sorry I am for your loss. Daddy donated a few million to the orphanage in her name, because we didn’t want to send flowers or anything that might get in your way. We know how much that place means to the both of you. And Vivian was so lovely… when I heard the news, I was so devastated for you, Ana.”
A month ago, Charlotte’s condolences would send me into a dark place, possibly even cause me to burst into tears. But now, it warms my heart. She’s always been the kindest member of our little group, and probably the one I would consider close to a friend.
“Thank you,” I reply softly. “That means so much.”
Emma and Reagan express similar sweet words before our server comes to collect our orders. Once they’ve left, the conversation takes a more upbeat turn.
Emma and Charlotte have adopted a puppy together, prompting me to share pictures of Sirius in exchange for pictures of their little golden retriever called Aurora. Reagan has spent the past few months learning to rock climb in her latest adrenaline-seeking pursuit.
When the conversation shifts once more to Morgan, my ears are filled with her struggles to find a man she deems worthy of marrying. Someone tall, handsome, rich, and obsessed with her seem to be the qualities she’s seeking. I can’t blame her, I enjoy all of those things too. But once again, Cassio’s name comes out of her mouth, and my fingers start to itch.
