Page 91 of Savage Empire
“Maybe.” I blink, looking around the room. Our main floor is filled with familiar faces, only an hour into the party. It’s a bit crowded in here, but not uncomfortably so.
The apartment isn’t meant to entertain such a large group, but we’ve made it work. Apollo did technically offer Yordan the use of the mansion for his birthday instead of our smaller space. But my brother and I decided that the Morettis have hosted him more than enough times, so we could do it now.
Besides, this way I was able to make all of the food and Yordan’s cake in my own space. It added a personal touch to the day, I think.
“Anatoly makes the twins look even tinier,” I say, smiling softly. The sight of the Morozov guard holding either of Jade’s children is one of the more adorable things I’ve witnessed around this family.
Anatoly Petrov is a huge man, large in stature and in frame. His shaved head, sculpted features, and muscular body should make him an intimidating sight. But he has the softest, kindest eyes while he takes care of the twins. He’s very clearly a trusted member of the family, and I can see why. He looks like he could stop a speeding car with his bare hands, especially if it were to protect a Moretti or Morozov.
“Ugh, doesn’t he?” Jade replies, smiling sweetly. “He’s so good with the kids. He was meant to be a doctor like his dad, you know? But with his size, he was too valuable as a guard. It almost makes me sad for him, but I can’t deny how glad I am to have him. He makes me feel less paranoid about anything happening to my babies.”
I nod in understanding. “And Javi? Does having him around help?”
“Oh definitely,” she agrees. “We don’t take the kids out without a whole team with us, and Javier runs the guards like the freaking Navy Seals or something. Does Yordan like working with him?”
“I think so,” I say, shrugging. “Yordan isn’t big on school. But he was thrilled to find out Javi would be his tutor. He’s a bit of a mafia fanboy, sometimes. I swear he knows more names and faces than I do. By a lot.”
“A good quality to have,” she muses. “You can never have too many connections in this life.”
I hum, nodding shortly. “I’m coming to learn that.”
“Ugh, Cesar is trying to open Yordan’s presents again,” she groans, setting down her drink. “Let me go stop him. Talk soon!”
I chuckle as Jade jogs over to her son with an almost goofy pep in her step. Deciding I could use a hit of fresh air, I make my way toward the balcony doors, discreetly letting myself outside. I don’t come out here often, but the cool atmosphere outside is a good way to get a break from the crowd.
I didn’t expect to find anyone already doing the same thing.
Leon is sitting on one of my two patio chairs, holding a small plate as he looks out into the horizon.
“Overwhelmed?” he asks, a knowing look in his eyes.
“Only a little,” I admit hesitantly. “I’ll probably go back?—”
“Sit,” he interrupts, nodding to the chair next to them. “You can disappear for a few minutes. Don’t let me deter you, I’m the one invading your space.”
“You’re not invading,” I tell him, slowly moving toward the open seat. “I just didn’t expect anyone to come out here.”
“I had to get away from Armani,” he explains, shaking his head. “My socks aren’t the same shade of black and I think his head was going to explode if I didn’t agree to change them.”
Laughing, I shake my head. “He’s a particular guy, that brother of yours. He keeps sending boxes of electrolyte drinks to our doorstep.”
“Hydration saves lives,” he quotes, attempting to imitate his younger brother. “It just means he cares about you and Yordan. He does the same thing to me.”
“I feel like there might be some kind of unresolved trauma there,” I reply, half-amused, half-concerned.
“It seems likely,” he agrees. “Now, I’m going to eat this turnover because I’m starving, and you’re going to tell me why you needed to escape.”
My eyebrows lift at his assertive tone. “Oh I am, am I?”
“Naturally,” Leon says, smiling before taking a bite of his blueberry pastry. “I happen to be a great listener.”
“It’s nothing, really,” I tell him with a shrug. “Just a lot of people. They’re all nice, but it’s still a lot at once.”
He hums, swallowing a bite. “I hear you spent time with my sister.”
“I did.” I nod, thinking back to the chaos that was yesterday. “Both of them? I guess? I’m still not really clear on the whole blood marriage thing. I don’t really get the dynamic but maybe I was too overwhelmed meeting new people to process it.”
“Ahh,” Leon says. “Ana, yes. The way she and Cassio got married, it’s just an old tradition. Just think about it like my father adopted her. She’s not an in-law. She’s considered blood now, hence blood marriage.”
