Page 115 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

And now we were back to arguing again. How did we ever get along when all we did was wind each other up and talk shit?

“And Avery would prefer you not to talk about her like she isn’t here.”

They both looked at me with sheepish expressions.

“Sorry, babe,” Gert said.

“It’s fine. What’s done is done. I’m not really running it by myself anyway. Ed’s started now so things are getting a little easier for me.”

“Can I just say your cousin is one damn fine male specimen.”

She winked at me, licking her lips.

“Seriously, Gert? Keep your fucking tongue in your mouth,” James said. “You really have no shame.”

“What? Ed has always been Avery’s hot older cousin.”

“Who is out of bounds and way out of your league,” I said.

“I’m allowed to look, aren’t I?”

I rolled my eyes. Gert would never go after my cousin. I was pretty sure Ed had a girlfriend anyway. I’d seen him with a blonde girl at some of our family events, although I’d never been introduced to her. Besides, I would never allow my best friend to get involved with my family. Not with what I knew about them.

“At least she hasn’t said she has a crush on Dante.”

“Oh Christ, Ave, that’s just gross,” James retorted.

“Okay, come on, even you have to admit he’s attractive. He has girls fawning all over him at those galas your dad hosts.”

He scowled.

“I don’t have to admit anything of the sort.”

I turned to Gert.

“Dante is hot, right?”

“Sorry, James, Ave is right. Your brother could melt the panties off most ladies,” Gert said, grinning.

James’ scowl deepened.

“You two make me sick.”

“Aww, jealous?”

“Fuck off.”

I shook my head. He knew we were just winding him up. Sure, his brother was pretty attractive with his dark hair and blue eyes which matched James’ but to me, Dante was family.

“Is he seeing anyone?” I asked.

“You have Aiden.”

“Okay first off, I don’t fancy your brother. That would feel a little incestuous. I was asking after him you div.”

James eyed me for a moment before sitting back and shrugging.

“How would I know? He doesn’t confide in me.”

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