Page 126 of Savage Empire

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“We’llbe a family,” Apollo corrects. “All of us.”

“Apollo thought it might be best if I adopted you,” I blurt out, unable to contain it. “I-If you want. It would make you a Moretti, like us. You’d be his stepson, officially and undeniably.”

“Really?” My brother’s eyes shoot up, going cloudy with emotion. “You guys want that?”

“Only if you do,milichko,”I reply softly. “I’ve always felt like you’re more than my baby brother. I helped raise you, but if you don’t feel comfortable with it, we don’t have to. I know I’m not really your mom, but I, I love you so much. You’re always going to be with us, even if we don’t do the adoption.”

“How soon can we do it?”

The biggest smile lifts my lips and I practically jump over the table to get my arms around him. Hugging him tight, I share a thankful look with Apollo.

This is all thanks to him, after all.

Apollo

My siblings will not be receiving the same formal announcement that Yordan did. I don’t have the patience to be bombarded with them in person, nor the time to spare today. They can bitch about the casual information drop later on, but I don’t plan to waste any more time waiting for my life to change. Rayna and Yordan will move in as soon as possible, so organizing another dinner is not something I can allow to delay me.

Apollo

Rayna and I are getting married.

I drop my phone after sending the text, having silenced the group chat so that I can enjoy my drink while it explodes with the chaos that is my siblings.

Matteo

WHAT

Matteo

THE

Matteo

FUCK?

Jade

AHHHHHHHH! Really!?

Jade

I have to text her immediately.

Ana

I just shrieked in the car, Cassio almost crashed.

Ana

YAY. So thrilled for you both!

Elio

It’s about time.

Armani

Fuck yeah, I like Rayna. Good choice, man.

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