Page 154 of Hidden Empire

“Oh goodie, she likes this one too,” Apollo sighs sarcastically.

“You know, your grouchiness doesn't always need to make an appearance,” I tease. “It’s allowed to have a night off.”

“But then, how would you know I’m not an imposter?”

If Matteo were here, he’d offer to try and pull off his face, but he’d be interrupted by the gentle-until-he’s-violent giant being escorted into the sitting room.

“Koroleva,” I hear his deep voice greet. The Russian edge to his voice is so adorable. It reminds me of when I first met Dmitri, and he hadn’t shaken off most of his accent yet. “It is good to see you safe.”

“Right back at you,” I return, smiling.

It is Anatoly! I totally could have run out there.

“What are you doing here?” Ivan asks. The question isn’t rude or demanding, but rather curious.

“Dmitri ordered me to come help protect Jade,” Anatoly explains. “He sent me here with information for the Moretti capo as well.”

“About my sons?” Dad asks hurriedly. I can tell he’s holding himself back from physically shaking the answer out of my friend, and I’m really thankful for it. The amount of control he exercises in the name of keeping me happy is truly beautiful.

“Da,” Anatoly answers, using the Russian confirmation like a reflex. “Dmitri has left Empire with them since Nico and Armani refused to leave his side. They have a lead, and if they’re right, they won’t be away for more than a week, two at most.”

A week! I nearly squeal with happiness. A week is like no time at all! Here I’ve been stressing about missing my man for months, and he’s making light work of his mission. God, I’m so happy I could scream!

“Remo and Matteo made a deal to take over Armani’s classes while continuing theirs so he wouldn’t be fined for it, and they wouldn’t be docked a semester as punishment. They’ll come home as soon as the semester is over.”

“Huh,” Apollo voices, more baffled than I’ve ever seen him. “Responsible and strategic of them. You sure they came up with that?”

“Be nice,” I chastise, narrowing my eyes at him.

“No,” he replies.

Changing the topic, I smile at our new guest, patting his arm. “Anatoly, you big softy, you beat people up for me? I didn’t know that.”

I swear a flush creeps up his neck. “It is no big deal.”

“He broke bones,” Ivan adds, chuckling. “No need to be modest, Anatoly. Now's the time to impress her family while you have the chance.”

Rearing back, surprised, I gape at the big guy. “What did they say that made you break bones?”

Cautiously, he looks around the room and shakes his head, blonde hair swaying. “I will not repeat it, Koroleva.”

“I’m more curious how he escaped repercussions for breaking multiple bones on campus,” Apollo inquires, tilting his head. “The Lord typically considers attempted murder to be an applicable charge in similar cases.”

Anatoly’s eyes flick between me and Apollo and back to Ivan, like he doesn't know what he’s allowed to say.

Vaguely, Ivan says, “He is very good at his job.”

I’m not sure how anyone could miss a guy as big as Anatoly beating the shit out of another person, but who am I to question it? I just think it's sweet!

“Wait,” Dad cuts in. “Dmitri sent you here to guard Jade?”

“Yes,” Anatoly answers carefully. “I’m to be Ivan’s second, around at all times.”

Sending me a stern look, my father points at Anatoly. “He’s not sleeping in your bedroom, and I swear to fucking christ, I will lose my shit if I find you snuggling up to him on my couch like you do with this one.” He punctuates his claim by gesturing to Ivan.

Bewildered, Anatoly’s thick eyebrows scrunch together. “I would never?—”

“Dad,” I groan, rubbing the back of my neck. “Anatoly can have his own room and I don’t snuggle with him. God, you’re so dramatic.”

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