Page 72 of Tragic Empire
“Her body?”
“Cremated.”
Good. No body, no crime.
“And Ana’s other friends?”
“Shaken up a bit with shock, but smart enough to know not to say a word. I think they might be a bit scared of her now, but a little fear is good for the soul.”
“They weren’t very close anyway,” I inform him with a shrug. “Ana’s only true best friend is Jade, and Armani and Colton are certainly working their way up there. She isn’t quick to trust.”
“Except with you,” Dad remarks, smiling softly. “She’s taken to trusting you quite quickly, hasn’t she?”
Arching a brow, I reply, “You’ve never been so keen to gossip, Father.”
“I’ve never seen you so fulfilled before,” he tosses back.
His words send a surprised jolt to my gut.
“Never?”
“Never,” he agrees.
I blink, digesting his firm declaration.
“You were happy before, in love, even. But you’ve grown as a man, my son. Ana brings something out in you that I don’t think anyone—including you—expected. She’s good for you, and you’re good for her. A perfect match born from the ashes of disaster. It’s a bit poetic, honestly.”
Swallowing, I drop my gaze. “It’s still new.”
“Which means it will only continue to grow,” Dad warns. “Are you ready for that?”
Before I can answer, footsteps sound and within seconds, Ana and Apollo find us. Since she doesn’t look sad, I don’t have to punch my brother for upsetting her.
“Are you staying for dinner?” Ana asks the two men, taking the stool nearest mine. Apollo joins Dad on the other side of the counter but doesn’t pour himself a drink, answering Ana’s question without a word. If he’s not taking a glass, he’s not planning to stay.
“No, unfortunately, we need to get going,” Dad replies. “But don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, okay? Cassio will give you our numbers. Check in once and a while, won’t you?”
“If you think it won’t be a bother,” Ana agrees hesitantly.
Dad gives her a patient look. “It’s never a bother to hear from one of my children.”
“You’re one of Dante Moretti’s daughters now,” Apollo adds, smirking. “Milk it for all its worth.”
Ana laughs awkwardly. “If you say so.”
“That’s the spirit.” Dad chuckles.
“Armani,” I call up the stairs, hands cupped around my mouth. “Come say goodbye to your father!”
“Coming!” Colton calls back, rushing down the stairs to beat Armani to it. He comes running into the room with a big goofy grin while my brother trails behind him, rolling his eyes.
“Father Dante, Son of Zeus,” he greets, using his preferred nicknames for the two men. “Are you going to miss me?”
“Not even a little bit,” Apollo replies dully.
Colton pouts. “Grumpy.”
“Don’t be too offended,” Armani drawls. “He won’t miss me either.”
