Page 62 of Hidden Empire
“Apollo told him for me,” I disclose, squeezing Dmitri’s hand for comfort. “I told him everything, though, and it wasn’t easy. Mostly because it came out so fast. I’d hardly been there, and something came out. I couldn’t hide it, but I couldn’t just tell a dozen people at once. Dad suggested I tell one person, and I picked Apollo.”
“Are you closest with him?” Dmitri asks. I can tell he’s gently trying to shift the topic at hand for my sake. Fuck, he’s so great. I like this man so much.
“Him and Matteo,” I answer, genuinely smiling now. “I love all my brothers, but two of them have kids and wives, so I don’t see them as often. Matteo had made it his mission to be my brother right away, though. He broke up so much of the tension that comes with meeting new people. He made jokes and lightened the mood. Now we’re very close, like having slumber parties in my bedroom close.”
“And Apollo?”
“It’s hard to explain without sounding a little insane, but Apollo is like an actual God. He makes me feel like a whole other level of safe. Not just physically but mentally. He calms me down and cheers me up just being there.”
“That’s nice,” Ivan comments, and I nod rapidly.
“It is,” I agree. “Have either of you met Apollo? Or seen him?”
“No,” they both say.
“Well, a lot of people think we look alike. He’s Dad’s mini me, and I’m his, according to, like, our whole family. I like that about him too. It makes me feel closer to them, looking so much like Apollo and my dad. Our noses are the same, and our eyes and hair. Matteo thinks we smile the same, but Apollo doesn’t show his off much.”
“Someone looking like you feels impossible,” Dmitri comments sweetly. I know it’s a compliment because of the soft way he looks at my face.
“We all look a bit alike,” I tell him, cheeks tinted pink. “Dad has strong genes. Leon is the only one who looks more like their mom. He’s blonde like she was. And Elio and Emilio are the only two who have her deep brown eyes. I can’t imagine how the typical Moretti blue would look on them.”
They both chuckle, and my chest swells. They’re interested in this, even if it’s not vitally important to their lives. Both of these guys want to know more about me and my family.
“I haven’t met her yet, but apparently, Emilo’s daughter has our blue eyes as well. Public school science failed me, so I don’t know how that works at all, but I can’t wait to see them for myself. I’ve got two nephews and a niece, but haven’t been able to meet them yet. After this semester, though, I’ll get my chance.”
I’m really excited for that. I’ve never held a baby before, but Matteo promises it’s a piece of cake. He told me that holding a baby is only scary until you’re actually doing it. He’s held each of them, so I’ll take his word on it for now.
My watch beeps with the top of the hour, and I realize that it’s midnight. “Shoot,” I mutter, trying not to frown. “I should probably get back soon.”
Ivan stands up, brushing off his pants. “I’ll give you two a bit.”
I try not to squeal. Maybe there’s time for some kissing after all. Man, is it normal to crave kisses like this? Dmitri has got me hooked on them.
Before he leaves, Ivan sends me a smile and a small wave. “Talk soon, Jade.”
“Bye,” I say, smiling and waving back.
Once we’re alone, I’m pulled into Dmitri’s lap, my butt in between his legs like he might carry me. I wiggle into the hold, making it firmer. “I’ve missed you,” he murmurs into my neck, breathing in the scent of my hair.
It’s only been two days, but… “I’ve missed you too.”
“Next time, ask someone for me,” he instructs, firm but carefully. “I won’t be able to sleep at night unless you promise to never do that again.”
I swallow, folding in my lips. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I won’t do it again if it worries you so much, I promise.”
“But?” he asks, sensing my hesitance.
“I just want to be able to see you more,” I admit, not caring if it sounds clingy. It’s the truth.
He nods, understanding. “Ivan and I will get you from now on.”
My heart gives a thrilled beat. “You will?”
“Of course.”
Softly, I brush my thumb over his lips. “Can you kiss me now?”
Dmitri’s mouth slips into a sultry grin. “Have you been waiting for that, Krasotka?”