Hidden Empire (The Moretti Empire Book 1)

by K.L. Mann

“Daaaad! I think I broke my sister! Help!”

“Nothing can bruise Matteo’s ego,” Apollo argues. “Diseases don’t bruise.”

“That does not make me feel better. Write me that top fifty list so I can kill the people responsible.”

“It’s like you want me to kill her,” he grumbles, guiding me away from the hallway and back to where we belong. A hopeful look creeps into his eye. “Do you want me to kill her? Because I will literally leave to do

“You could call us friends,” he says with a lift of his shoulders. “You’d be wrong, though.” My eyes widen. “Oh? What… what would you call us?” He watches me like he’s looking for signs that I might flee. I don’t know that my legs would work even if I tried. And I definitely don’t want to try. I need to know what he’s thinking behind those beautiful eyes. “Inevitable.”

“I like being able to read you.” “And that you’re the first one to kiss me?” I ask. “Do you like that too?” Dmitri smiles. “I like that I’ll be the last.”

“Touch my face, and I’ll punch you in yours.” “Well, that’s fucking rude.” “And trying to rip off my face wouldn’t be?” “I’m trying to save your life!”

“Any less dramatic suggestions? Perhaps something more fitting for an attempted crime?” Dmitri tightens his jaw. “Okay, how about you let me attempt snapping her neck in the courtyard for everyone to see.”

“Dmitri slit his throat and dumped his body off of the boat about a mile and a half off of the island’s shore. He swam back.” Holy, wow. “He did?” I ask, jutting out my lower lip like my husband killing someone is adorable instead of horrifying. “Romantic,” Uncle comments, taking an amused sip of wine.