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Nero holds up his hand. “Now, Constantine. Let’s consider this. Everyone has their price, even us.” He studies the severed head on the table. “If Antony is to go free, you must give us something precious in return.”
“Name it.”
This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I’ll give you anything, you rat bastard.
An evil smile settles itself across Nero’s plump lips. “Yourself.”
Claudia
Noah’s eyes burn him through the mask. “Forget it. That’s not—”
I grind my heel into Noah’s boot. He winces, but thankfully he shuts his trap. I cannot be seen to be weak or under the control of these men.
I glare at Nero. “Explain.”
“I don’t think it needs explaining, princess.” Nero’s voice has that same wheedling cadence as when he shook down Ms. Drysdale. “Marriages between our families are not uncommon. My first wife was one of Constantine’s aunts, God rest her soul. If two Imperators were to be joined, well… it will strengthen the power of the whole organization, not to mention help legitimize your claim in the eyes of the criminal world.”
“My claim is legitimate.” I grit my teeth.
“We understand that, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to convince Brutus’ soldiers to follow you, or your father’s associates to do business with you. But with me at your side, they won’t have a choice but to obey you.”
“I cannot agree to this,” Constantine folds his arms. “If two Imperators are joined in marriage, it creates a monopoly and undermines the council—”
“Why don’t both of you have her?” Antony snarls. “Claudia has made it clear she doesn’t mind sharing. She’s fucking all three of her tribunes.”
I whirl to face my cousin. Before I know it, my hand stings and Antony grips his cheek from where I’ve slapped him. I did this to save you, I want to scream.
But the damage is done. Nero and Constantine glance at each other, considering Antony’s proposal like it’s a serious option. They seem to arrive at some agreement, because they both turn back to me.
“Claudia August, we support you for Imperator under the terms you’ve proposed,” says Nero. “Provided you become our wife to be shared between us as we see fit. If you agree to this, you may assume your title in front of the families at the Saturnalia feast. If you don’t accept, then we’ll take our chances with your goon squad here and execute you immediately.”
“Let me at her.” Cali fists the knife, drawing back her arm. “I’ll enjoy tearing her fingers off one-by-one.”
I swallow down my panic. This hasn’t gone quite the way I hoped.
I turn to my boys for silent council. Eli pleads with his eyes for me to refuse. His finger taps the trigger, reminding me that he’s an excellent shot and that if this becomes a bloodbath we’ll go down fighting. Noah’s foot slams down on mine so hard he minces my toes into the floor. Gabe’s lips quirk into a half-grin, half-grimace.
I ignore them all. This is not up for discussion.
I don’t recognize my voice as I speak. “I accept.”
Cali lets out a wail of protest. She tosses the blade on the table and flounces away in disgust. Nero picks up the knife and makes an incision across his palm. He hands the blade to Constantine, who does the same.
“Oh, goody. It’s time for fun with hepatitis.” I slice the blade across my palm. The cut stings, but it’s nothing compared to the wound in my heart. I press my hand to theirs. Constantine’s grip crushes my fingers.
My husbands. Fuck.
Don’t think about it. You’ll find a way out of this. For now, it’s all about saving Antony and making it out of this room alive.
We drop hands. I grab the chalice from the table. The pig’s blood sloshes inside. It smells delightful. I throw my head back and down it in one disgusting gulp.
Nero laughs, clutching his stomach. “Welcome to the Triumvirate, Claudia August. Waiters, bring the dessert and another bottle of wine. This is a celebration.”
The rest of the meal is tense as fuck. Nero and Constantine discuss business – names and terms I don’t recognize, so I nod along as if I have an opinion. Cali returns to the table in a sulk. She uses the ceremonial knife to carve her dessert, slicing off slivers of meringue with deliberate malice before setting them on her tongue and letting them dissolve, all the while watching me with those hungry eyes.
She wants to see me squirm, and I won’t give her the satisfaction, even though she’s scary as fuck.
I guess it takes a special person to fall for Brutus.
