Page 31 of Hidden Empire

“It looks like a movie,” I tell him, breathing in the crispy fresh air.

“It’s not so bad,” he agrees, nodding along.

I hum, continuing to watch as the boat slowly sails closer. “Cold?”

“Half and half,” he answers. “There won’t be snow, but there are some colder nights. A few hot days as well, but it’s pretty moderate.”

I couldn’t ask for a better reply.

“I’m excited,” I confess, feeling my face starting to grow red from the cold wind. “Nervous but excited.”

“Nothing to be nervous about,” Remo states reassuringly. “We’ll all be here for you the whole time.”

Hopefully, not the whole time.

“Come on, you two!” I hear called out.

We both turn to find Matteo walking toward us, slapping the wind to get it off of him like that’s even possible. “Stupid fucking nature,” he grunts, running a hair through his hair. “I should have made Nico come get you guys. My poor hair.”

“Nico would have refused,” Remo remarks.

“Nico can kick rocks,” Matteo huffs. “Come on, Armani wants us ready to get off the ship as soon as it docks. Impatient ass.”

I giggle at his frustration and give one last look at the island before leaving with the two of them. Matteo takes his usual position of guarding my side while Remo takes the back. They don’t discuss it, just naturally fall into position.

“Ready for your proper introduction into Mafia Princess Society?” Matteo questions, nudging me lightly with his elbow.

I’m as ready as I’m going to get.

Chapter 10

Jade

I’m pretty bummed when I don’t catch a glimpse of my mystery guy deboarding, but Armani makes up for it by getting us out of the crowd faster than any other group around. Matteo distracts me—on purpose or not—by subtly pointing out key people and putting names to the faces. People our family is cool with and people they’re not.

It’s a blur of names and passing faces, but I think I may be able to remember a good chunk of them. Like he did with our family, Matteo hand-made several graphics for me before we left so that I could study. One that had the biggest groups that currently attend Empire Academy with the names of those who rule them and those that will inherit control of them. Another, which was more of a list, had those same syndicates, but this one also had what they’re known for.

By the time we make it to the building where my brothers and I—minus Armani—will be staying, I have a better picture of The Kings, The Outlaws, and The Guards. It’s a little overwhelming, and it’s only a few names. Thankfully, I brought my handy little cheat sheets to help me out in the first couple of weeks.

The first room we go to is mine, where my bags are already locked securely. How some guards fully beat us to our building with luggage is entirely a mystery to me. It’s greatly appreciated, but also has me questioning whether some of the men working for my father have actual superpowers.

Matteo and Armani take me inside and do a quick security of the space before actually beginning to lighten up. They’re a regular pair of worriers, my brothers.

While they check that my bags are all here, I get my first good look at the place. A full-size bed, nice window, enough space to store my things, and my own bathroom. It’s not bad at all, certainly bigger than any first-year college dorm I would have had if I had gone somewhere else.

Empire sort of is a college. There’s just no fancy degree to show off once you’re done. There are skills though, and if my brothers are any proof, the skills learned here are nothing to turn your nose up at.

My smile grows. “This is all mine? It’s cute!”

I toss my cardigan onto the unmade bed and smile when I think about how much cuter it will be once I get settled in.

Matteo scoffs. “It’s tiny, like a closet.”

Armani smacks him on the back of the head. “Watch your words, asshole.”

“Ow!” Matteo protests, rubbing the affected spot. “What did I say?”

“My room was half this size back at the old house,” I offer, assuming that’s Armani’s point. “It’s okay. You didn’t see it, so you didn’t know.”